Leveraged Finance Associate

Pure Search; England; Hybrid; GBP 180,000 - 295,000; Full time

Job summary

A top-tier law firm in the UK is seeking a Leveraged Finance Associate with 2–6 years of PQE. The successful candidate will advise on sponsor-backed transactions and complex financings while drafting and negotiating key documentation. This opportunity offers a competitive salary between £180,000 – £295,000 along with a comprehensive benefits package, and a flexible hybrid working model supporting long-term career growth.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Fitness and wellbeing allowance

25 working days’ holiday

Flexible hybrid working model

Qualifications

• 2–6 years of PQE in leveraged finance.
• Experience advising on sponsor-backed leveraged finance transactions.
• Exposure to syndicated bank lending and/or private credit desirable.

Responsibilities

• Advise financial institutions on leveraged finance transactions.
• Handle large-cap syndicated bank financings.
• Draft and negotiate finance documentation.

Skills

Advising lenders

Excellent drafting skills

Negotiation skills

Technical finance skills

Education

Qualified solicitor in England & Wales

Job description

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for a 2–6 PQE Leveraged Finance Associate to join the London office of a top-tier Am Law firm with a market-leading Global Finance practice.

The team is increasingly well-positioned to advise on a substantial volume of sponsor-backed leveraged finance transactions, driven by strategic growth and recent high-profile lateral hires from elite US firms. Closely aligned with the firm’s capital markets offering, the practice advises on large-cap syndicated bank and bond financings, as well as mid to upper-mid market, fund-led and private credit deals, often involving significant structural and cross-border complexity.

The role offers exceptional exposure to lender‑side work across the full capital structure, with regular collaboration alongside US colleagues, particularly in New York.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise leading banks, financial institutions and private credit funds on sponsor-backed leveraged finance transactions.
• Act on large-cap syndicated bank financings and complex cross-border acquisition financings, including US placements.
• Support mid to upper-mid market leveraged buyouts, refinancings and restructurings.
• Draft, review and negotiate finance documentation with increasing responsibility and autonomy.
• Work closely with partners on high-value, high-profile transactions.
• Manage multiple transactions concurrently in a fast‑paced, deal‑driven environment.

The Team

The leveraged finance practice is co‑led by partners widely recognised for their deep technical expertise and commercial insight, particularly in big‑ticket cross-border syndicated lending and private credit transactions. The team is noted for its strength across both traditional bank lending and alternative capital solutions, and for its ability to execute seamlessly on complex, multi‑jurisdictional deals.

Recent senior hires from elite international firms have further strengthened the group’s credentials in sponsor‑backed and acquisition finance, reinforcing its position as one of the most active and respected lender‑side teams in the London market.

Key Clients

The team advises a blue‑chip client base, including many of the world’s leading :

• Investment and commercial banks
• Global financial institutions
• Credit funds and alternative lenders

Regularly acting on transactions for household‑name institutions across Europe and the US.

Candidate Profile

• England & Wales qualified solicitor with 2–6 years’ PQE in leveraged finance.
• Strong experience advising lenders on sponsor‑backed leveraged finance transactions.
• Exposure to syndicated bank lending and / or private credit is highly desirable.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and technical finance skills.
• Commercial, proactive and comfortable handling complex, high‑value transactions.
• Strong academic background and a collaborative, team‑oriented approach.

Benefits

• £180,000 – £295,000 , depending on class year and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical insurance, life assurance, a fitness and wellbeing allowance, and 25 working days’ holiday.
• Flexible hybrid working model with three days in the office and two days working remotely.
• Join a firm widely recognised by industry observers as a leader in its field, with a reputation for integrity and an exceptional track record that commands respect from the judiciary, peers and clients alike.
• The opportunity to work on landmark, high‑impact matters that shape markets and drive meaningful outcomes.
• A collaborative, high‑calibre and mission‑driven team environment that supports professional development and long‑term career growth.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this opportunity and meet the requirements of the role, please click “Apply Now” to submit an up‑to‑date CV.

Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact Andrew at Pure Search.