Banking - Senior Associate/Legal Director
Senior Associate / Legal Director - Leveraged Finance
London
A leading international law firm is seeking an experienced Senior Associate or Legal Director to join its growing Debt Finance practice in London. The team has developed a strong market presence advising on a broad spectrum of financing transactions, with particular strength in the mid-market and a well-established client base spanning banks, alternative lenders and private equity sponsors.
The practice has expanded significantly in recent years and continues to invest in its leveraged finance capabilities, driven by sustained client demand and an active deal pipeline. The team operates as part of a fully integrated international network, regularly leading and coordinating multi-jurisdictional transactions.
The Role
This is a pivotal role within a busy and expanding leveraged finance team, with a primary focus on sponsor-backed transactions. You will play a key role in advising across the full lifecycle of leveraged deals, while also gaining exposure to a broader range of debt finance products where relevant.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Advising private equity sponsors, banks and direct lenders on a wide range of leveraged finance transactions, including acquisitions, refinancings, recapitalisations and exits
- Acting on a variety of financing structures, including senior debt, unitranche, second lien and super senior facilities
- Drafting and negotiating key documentation, including facility agreements, intercreditor arrangements, security documents and commitment papers
- Leading transaction execution, managing timetables and coordinating multiple stakeholders across complex deal structures
- Working closely with corporate teams on M&A-driven financings, particularly in the context of leveraged and management buyouts
- Providing support on restructuring scenarios and amendments, working alongside specialist restructuring teams where required
- Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers, and contributing to the continued development of the team
While the role is heavily focused on leveraged finance, the broader practice also advises across areas including investment grade lending, growth and venture financings, real estate finance and project finance, providing additional variety where relevant.
Candidate Profile
- England & Wales qualified (or common law equivalent) with c.4+ years' PQE (flexible depending on experience)
- Strong background in leveraged finance gained at a well-regarded national or international firm
- Experience advising lenders and/or sponsors on complex financing transactions
- Excellent drafting skills with confidence across credit agreements, intercreditor arrangements and security documentation
- Proven ability to manage transactions with increasing autonomy and supervise junior team members
- Commercial, pragmatic and solutions-oriented approach
The Opportunity
This role offers the chance to join a high-performing team with a strong foothold in the mid-market leveraged finance space and deep relationships with key financial institutions and sponsors. The platform provides consistent deal flow, meaningful responsibility and direct client exposure.
The firm is particularly well-regarded in a number of growth sectors, offering lawyers the opportunity to work on transactions across industries such as technology, energy transition and life sciences, often on a cross-border basis.
With a clear growth trajectory and a supportive, entrepreneurial environment, this is an excellent opportunity for a senior lawyer looking to take on a more prominent role within a dynamic and expanding finance practice.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your CV and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organisations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your cv so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with cv and interview preparation. From customised support on how to optimise your resume to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.