US Mid-Senior Associate

Herbert Smith Freehills; Greater London; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global law firm is looking for a skilled finance lawyer in London to manage and deliver legal work related to US debt finance. The successful candidate will advise clients on corporate and acquisition financing transactions, act for lenders and borrowers, and manage client relationships. Qualifications include 4-8 years PQE, strong legal skills, and a desire to contribute to the finance practice. This permanent position supports a diverse and inclusive working culture.

Qualifications

• 4-8 years' PQE with experience in acquisition and leveraged finance.
• High-level legal ability and preferably experience acting for lenders.
• Willingness to use initiative and take responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Deliver excellent client service and manage discrete pieces of legal work.
• Advise on US corporate and acquisition financing transactions.
• Lead and negotiate US private placement transactions.

Skills

Good interpersonal skills

Strong legal skills

Project management skills

Negotiation skills

Financial efficiency understanding

Education

Strong academic background

Admission in NY

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why many are incredibly longstanding. And we enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 100 years.

We are where you need us to be. We are in the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. Our international footprint is extensive and committed.

We are at our best tackling complexity and navigating change. We work alongside you on demanding contentious matters, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.

We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, ESG, infrastructure and resources. And we’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world, including technology and digitalisation.

All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition - which is to help you achieve yours.

Your goals. Our ambition.

The Opportunity

Finance – US Debt

We have a broad-based lending practice that acts for lender, borrower and advisory clients on high-profile and complex acquisitions, public bid and event-driven financings as well as corporate debt finance across the bank loan and private placement markets, high yield bond market, both secured and unsecured, and both in developed and emerging markets.

Primary objectives

• Deliver excellent client service and manage and deliver discrete pieces of legal work.
• Make an effective contribution to the firm’s work by aiming to meet and exceed target hours.
• Build a solid foundation of commercial and legal expertise within a chosen area of law and strengthen relationships with clients, frequently acting as a direct point of contact.
• Be responsible for some management and delegation of work to and support of junior colleagues.

Key responsibilities

• Role-specific
  • Advising on the US aspects of various corporate and acquisition financing transactions
  • Advising on UCC Article 9 issues and drafting and negotiating New York law opinions
  • Advising on high yield bond covenants and liability management transactions
• Advising on US private placement transactions
  • Leading and negotiating transactions, assisting and supervising more junior associates and trainees
  • Building relationships with clients, identifying and acting on opportunities
  • Acting for lenders and borrowers in relation to general corporate and acquisition facilities
  • Drafting and negotiating loan agreements
• Advising on NAV and other fund financings
  • Manage, develop and strengthen client relationships through anticipating client needs and expectations; and provide prompt responses and updates on progress.
  • Support the firm and others - establish effective relationships with individuals and groups, across the global network; uphold the firm’s values; contribute to the firm’s initiatives (eg corporate social responsibility and diversity and inclusion activities); mentor and support juniors; raise profile by being involved with external bodies and supporting and attending marketing / industry events; and assist with internal training and preparation of legal precedents.
  • Comply with risk requirements, firm policies and all relevant professional responsibilities and legislation and contribution to billing, engagement and client acceptance processes.

Qualifications, skills and experience

• Admission in NY
• 4-8 years' PQE with evidence of experience in acquisition and or leveraged finance.
• Legal ability of a high level, relevant experience, preferably with experience of acting for lenders of an established firm.
• Good interpersonal skills with clients and colleagues alike and a readiness to take responsibility and use your initiative;
• A desire to contribute to growing the finance practice;
• A strong academic background.
• Solid knowledge of chosen area of law and industry sector(s).
• Strong legal skills, including drafting, negotiation and project management skills; foundation level people management and business development skills.
• Good understanding of law firm profitability and key drivers for financial efficiency; and ability to help manage costs and budgets.

Team

Finance & Restructuring

Working Pattern

Full time

Location

London

Contract type

Permanent Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.