Leveraged Finance Associate

Leveraged Finance Associate | 3–5PQE | US Law Firm

About the Firm

This premier global law firm is widely recognised for its strength in handling market-leading, cross-border transactions. With a reputation for technical excellence and commercial acumen, it operates across all major financial centres and delivers sophisticated legal services to financial sponsors, corporates and institutional lenders. The London office is central to the firm’s integrated finance platform, advising on some of the most complex debt and acquisition financing mandates in Europe. The firm’s culture blends ambition with collaboration, and its lawyers benefit from working alongside highly experienced partners and associates within a truly international framework.

The Role

This opportunity sits within the firm’s Leveraged Finance practice - a top-ranked team advising private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and alternative capital providers on complex acquisition financings and restructurings. The group works seamlessly with colleagues across the firm’s global network, providing both English and US-law capability to sponsors operating in diverse markets. The successful candidate will advise on high-value leveraged buyouts, refinancings, bridge-to-bond structures and syndicated loan facilities, often involving multi-layered capital structures and international deal teams.

You will join a thriving team that benefits from dedicated support in Fund Finance and Emerging Markets, allowing focused development in core leveraged sponsor-side work. This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of client-facing matters early, while refining technical expertise and commercial negotiation skills in fast-paced deal environments. Working closely with partners and senior associates on both borrower and lender mandates, you will gain first-hand exposure to marquee transactions and contribute directly to the firm’s market-leading global finance product.

What They’re Looking For

• Common law qualified lawyers circa 3–5PQE, with March 2024 qualifiers (UK) welcomed
• Prior experience in leveraged finance, sponsor-side acquisition finance, or debt restructuring, ideally gained at a leading City or international firm.
• Strong knowledge of loan documentation, intercreditor issues and financing structures.
• Demonstrated ability to work across multiple jurisdictions and coordinate with local counsel.
• Excellent academics and first-class analytical and drafting skills.
• Team-first approach with confidence to manage client contact and transaction workstreams.
• Proven interest in finance and private equity dynamics, particularly sponsor-led deals.
• Committed to developing within a high-performance, international practice.

Why Apply?

This role offers top of market remuneration and an attractive bonus scheme. Associates joining this practice gain exposure to headline European and cross-border transactions for tier-one sponsors and borrowers, operating within an exceptional global finance platform. The firm provides genuine career progression opportunities, mentorship from high-profile partners, and the scope to build an impressive transaction record that stands out in the market.

Apply now to be considered, or email the job poster directly to arrange a confidential discussion if you would like further details before making an application.