Leveraged Finance Attorney (Mid-Level to Senior Associate)

A law firm seeks a mid-level to senior associate to join its Leveraged Finance practice in Chicago. The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of experience advising clients on a wide range of finance matters, including leveraged finance, asset-based lending, and private placements. This role involves advising on complex transactions and financing structures such as unitranche, first lien/second lien, mezzanine financings, and both leveraged and investment-grade lending. The firm is seeking a self-driven individual with strong client management skills, exceptional academic credentials, and a collaborative attitude toward mentoring and team growth.

Duties:

• Advise lenders, investors, borrowers, and issuers in complex leveraged finance transactions.
• Counsel on asset-based lending, private placements, unitranche, first lien/second lien, and mezzanine financings.
• Provide legal expertise in both leveraged and investment-grade lending transactions.
• Manage client relationships, ensuring clear communication and satisfaction throughout the lifecycle of deals.
• Lead negotiations and document drafting for various finance transactions.
• Mentor junior associates, fostering their professional development and contributing to a supportive team environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues across practice groups to provide integrated legal solutions to clients.

Requirements:

• 5-7 years of experience in leveraged finance or related areas of law.
• Previous experience with large law firms is preferred.
• Proven track record of advising on complex finance transactions, including leveraged buyouts and syndicated loans.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to manage sophisticated client matters independently.
• Ability to manage multiple high-stakes transactions simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Willingness to contribute to team development, including training and mentoring junior associates.
• Excellent client service and communication skills, both written and verbal.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Superior academic performance with a strong law school transcript.

Certifications:

• Admitted to practice law in the state of Illinois.

Skills:

• Strong background in leveraged finance and related lending practices.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and client management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative legal team.
• Familiarity with legal technologies and tools related to finance transactions.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage multiple complex matters simultaneously.
• Bilingual skills are a plus, but not required.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• Retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Support for work-life balance in a collaborative, inclusive work environment.

Schedule:

• Full-time, 40-hour workweek.
• Monday to Friday.
• Onsite professional office setting.

The law firm is an Am Law 100, Global 30, white-shoe American international corporate law firm. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, it has offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Through its team over 1200 lawyers, the firm handles a broad range of legal issues across 160 countries.