Corporate M&A / Private Equity Associate

Overview

An elite US law firm is seeking a Structured Credit Associate to join its London practice. The team advises major investment banks, asset managers and financial institutions on a broad range of structured finance, derivatives and securitisation transactions, working closely with its US derivatives and structured finance platform.

This opportunity is ideally suited to a 1–4 years’ PQE associate with genuine experience in structured finance or securitisation, ideally with exposure to CLOs or broader structured credit products. The role offers rare exposure across multiple structured finance asset classes within a highly regarded global platform.

What You’ll Do

• Advise investment banks, asset managers and financial institutions on structured credit transactions.
• Support the structuring and execution of derivatives, CLOs and asset-backed finance transactions.
• Draft and negotiate key transaction documentation across structured finance products.
• Work on cross-border structured finance and securitisation mandates alongside US teams.
• Assist on repackaging transactions, programme modifications and structured product issuance.
• Gain exposure across multiple structured credit workstreams rather than being siloed.

Key areas include:
• CLOs and collateralised structures
• Derivatives and structured products
• Asset-backed finance and securitisation
• Repackaging and programme structuring

About You

• 1–4 years’ PQE gained at a recognised international or leading City law firm.
• Strong experience in structured finance, securitisation or structured credit.
• Exposure to CLOs or asset-backed products is highly desirable.
• Strong drafting skills and ability to manage structured transactions.
• Ability to work across multiple product areas within structured credit.
• Strong technical ability and attention to detail.

Preferred experience:
• Experience at a Magic Circle, elite US or top-tier structured finance practice.
• Strong exposure to CLO transactions.
• Experience working on cross-border structured finance deals.
• Strong academic background.
• England & Wales qualification preferred.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to join a leading global corporate M&A and private equity platform.
• Exposure to high-value, complex cross-border transactions.
• Strong partner access and meaningful responsibility from early stage.
• Clear partner-track progression focus for ambitious lawyers.
• Broad exposure across M&A, PE and strategic investment work.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive City of London compensation package.
• Salary discussed directly with partners at final stage.
• No bonus structure (fully base salary driven).
• No formal billable hour targets.
• Focus on quality of work, development and engagement over hours.
• In-office culture with emphasis on collaboration and learning.

The Process

• Multi-stage interview process led by partners.
• Stage 1: Interview with two lead partners (exploratory fit-focused discussion).
• Stage 2: Two further partner interviews focusing on technical capability and experience.
• Stage 3: Final sign-off meeting with senior leadership.
• Informal associate meetings may occur at any stage to assess cultural fit.
• No formal technical tests; emphasis is on experience, motivation and fit.

Ready to take the next step?

If you are a Corporate M&A / Private Equity Associate (4–5 PQE) seeking a high-quality international role in London, apply today.