Leveraged Finance Associate
Buchanan · London, England ·
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. Reach out for further details.