Leveraged Finance Senior Associate

Simpson Judge; Greater London; On-site; GBP 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Simpson Judge in London is recruiting an experienced leveraged finance lawyer to focus on sponsor-side work within a major US private equity platform. You will advise sponsors and portfolio companies on complex acquisition financings, refinancings and ongoing debt arrangements.

At senior associate level, you will take substantial responsibility for transactions, balancing technical finance skills with understanding a sponsor’s commercial objectives and investment timetable.

Qualifications

• Substantial leveraged finance experience at a leading firm.
• Sponsor-side experience is highly relevant.
• Senior associate level with responsibility for transactions.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day execution of sponsor-side financing transactions.
• Advise on financing structures, debt terms and implications for acquisitions.
• Draft and negotiate commitment papers, facility agreements and intercreditor arrangements.
• Work across syndicated lending and private credit structures, including term loans and revolvers.
• Manage negotiations with lenders and advisers; coordinate with PE colleagues and international counsel.
• Develop direct relationships with sponsor clients and portfolio company management teams.
• Supervise junior lawyers and lead transaction teams.

Skills

Sponsor-side experience

Leveraged finance

Deal execution

Negotiation skills

Client relationship management

Job description

This is an elite US law firm with a major international private equity practice and a substantial London transactional platform.

Its leveraged finance practice operates at the centre of the private equity market, advising sponsors and their portfolio companies on complex financing transactions. Finance lawyers work closely with private equity, restructuring, tax and other specialist colleagues, providing integrated advice throughout the investment lifecycle.

This is an opportunity for an experienced leveraged finance lawyer who wants sponsor-side work to form the core of their practice, within a commercially driven environment where financing strategy is integral to the wider transaction.

The role

You will advise private equity sponsors and portfolio companies on acquisition financings, leveraged buyouts, refinancings, recapitalisations and ongoing debt arrangements.

At senior associate level, you will be expected to take substantial responsibility for transactions, combining technical expertise with an understanding of a sponsor’s commercial objectives, execution requirements and investment timetable.

Your responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day execution of complex sponsor-side financing transactions.
• Advise on financing structures, debt terms and their implications for acquisitions and portfolio companies.
• Draft and negotiate commitment papers, facility agreements, intercreditor arrangements and related documentation.
• Work across syndicated lending and private credit structures, including term loans, revolving facilities and unitranche financings.
• Manage negotiations with lenders and their advisers.
• Coordinate financing work with private equity colleagues and international counsel.
• Develop direct relationships with sponsor clients and portfolio company management teams.
• Supervise junior lawyers and manage transaction teams.

About you

You will have substantial leveraged finance experience gained within a leading US, UK or international firm. Sponsor-side experience is particularly relevant, although lawyers with a strong lender-side background seeking to move towards sponsor work will also be of interest.

You should be confident negotiating complex documents, managing competing demands and taking ownership of execution. Strong commercial judgement and the ability to communicate clear, practical advice are essential.

Seniority is flexible, with the emphasis on the quality of your experience and your ability to contribute at an advanced level.

The role offers exposure to sophisticated private equity clients, complex international transactions and a broad range of financing structures. It is particularly suited to an ambitious lawyer seeking to deepen their sponsor-side expertise and build their career within a major US private equity platform.