Private Credit Associate (Mid-Level/Senior)

A law firm seeks a driven mid- to senior-level Associate to bolster its New York office’s corporate finance team, with a particular emphasis on private credit transactions. This role, filled through our recruiting services, will involve collaborating with seasoned partners on complex debt financing matters and supporting high-stakes closings for corporate and institutional clients.

Duties

• Assist in structuring, negotiating, and documenting private credit facilities, including secured loans, unitranche financings, and mezzanine investments

• Conduct legal due diligence and coordinate with lending parties, borrowers, and other advisors to ensure smooth transaction execution

• Draft facility agreements, security documents, intercreditor arrangements, and ancillary collateral instruments

• Monitor regulatory developments impacting debt markets and advise internal teams on compliance considerations

• Liaise with underwriting counsel, rating agencies, and syndicate desks to facilitate efficient deal flow

• Participate in internal strategy meetings, contribute to client presentations, and help prepare pitch materials for prospective transactions

• Manage portions of the deal lifecycle independently, from initial term sheet negotiation to post-closing covenant analysis

Requirements

• Four to six years of hands-on experience handling private credit, leveraged finance, or related debt financing transactions at a reputable law firm or financial institution

• Proven track record in drafting and negotiating credit agreements, security documents, and intercreditor arrangements

• Familiarity with secondary loan trading, covenant structures, and cross-border lending considerations is a plus

• Excellent interpersonal abilities, including comfort collaborating with senior partners, clients, and deal teams under tight timelines

• Demonstrated judgment to identify and resolve complex legal issues with minimal supervision

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, capable of overseeing multiple deals simultaneously

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

• Evidence of high academic achievement (e.g., law review, moot court, honors programs) preferred

Certifications

• Admission to the New York State Bar (required)

• Membership or good standing in additional jurisdictions (e.g., California, other financial hubs) is regarded favorably but not mandatory

Skills

• Proficient legal drafting and proofreading, with the ability to convey nuanced credit and collateral provisions clearly

• Strong analytical aptitude to dissect financial structures and assess associated risks

• Excellent written and verbal communication, facilitating effective interaction with clients and internal teams

• Resourceful problem-solver, capable of anticipating potential transaction pitfalls and proposing pragmatic solutions

• Adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced practice, managing evolving deal parameters, and tight deadlines

Benefits

• Full-time employees are eligible for comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)

• Access to short-term and long-term disability coverage

• Life insurance and assistance programs for personal and professional well-being

• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching options

• Paid time off, including vacation and sick leave

• Optional supplemental plans (e.g., accident, critical illness, pet insurance) per firm policy

• Commuter benefits where applicable

This firm is high on profits per partner, but low in terms of associate satisfaction. The good news? They are looking at it, says management, who is reinvigorating the attempts to address associate satisfaction and attrition. Although the work is good--associates feel that they learn through trial by fire, those wanting hands on mentoring or touchy feely interaction with partners will likely be disappointed. However, with major investment bank clients and a recipe for profitability, it is unlikely that this large New York firm will leave the Manhattan scene any time soon.