Leveraged Finance Associate
At a glance
About the job
A rare seat in a rebuilding, top-tier Leveraged Finance practice with genuine, unblocked progression
A well-established Leveraged Finance team is looking to strengthen its bench following recent moves in the market. This is a deliberate, strategic hire rather than a reactive backfill: the team is looking to make additions with top-tier associates and is prepared to move at the right pace for the right person, including engaging early with candidates who aren’t yet actively looking.
You’ll join a collaborative, partner-led team with direct exposure to senior lawyers and a consistently strong, lender-side-focused deal flow. The work sits firmly at the top of the market:
- Sponsor-backed leveraged buyouts (bank and private credit financed)
- Term Loan B, High Yield Bond, and direct lending structures
- Refinancings, repricings, and syndicated financings
- Special situations lending for marquee credit funds and sponsors
- Both lender-side (the core strength of the team) and borrower-side mandates
- High-profile, cross-border transactions alongside leading global sponsors
What You Get In Return
- Genuine progression runway. This is not an overcrowded team there’s a clear, visible path for senior associates, backed by a strong internal track record of promotion.
- Meritocratic work allocation. Deal allocation is based on ability, not seniority junior and mid-level associates get real responsibility early.
- Structured development. A dedicated in-house Leveraged Finance “Bootcamp” for junior lawyers, plus a Talent Manager focused specifically on associate growth and progression planning.
- Market-leading compensation. Cravath-scale base pay plus a competitive, US-aligned bonus structure.
What They Are Looking For
- Qualified in England & Wales (essential)
- Trained and qualified at a Magic Circle or Elite US firm
- Currently at a private practice firm with between 2-6 years post-qualification experience
- Strong, demonstrable experience advising lenders on leveraged finance transactions
- Excellent technical grounding across complex financing structures
- A commercial mindset and the ability to thrive in a lean, high-performing team environment
Process
Typically two to three stages: initial partner meetings, follow-up partner interviews, and where required a final-stage discussion. Informal, no-strings conversations are welcomed at an early stage for candidates who are simply keeping an eye on the market.
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