Asset-Based Lending / Debt Finance Attorney

Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 310,000 - 435,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Boston is seeking a lateral associate with substantial experience in asset-based lending to join their dynamic team. This role involves representing top-tier financial institutions in complex transactions and managing various aspects of transactional workstreams. The ideal candidate should possess strong analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills, enjoy collaboration, and have experience in a large firm or elite boutique setting. Competitive salary range of $310,000 - $435,000, with a hybrid work model requiring office presence at least four days a week.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in asset-based lending.
• Familiarity with ABL structures and applicable legal regimes.
• Large firm or elite boutique experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent financial institutions in asset-based finance transactions.
• Manage all aspects of transactional workstreams.
• Collaborate closely with partners and clients in a high-performing practice.

Skills

Asset-based lending expertise

Analytical skills

Strong drafting and negotiation skills

Team collaboration

Education

Excellent academic credentials

Job description

Choate’s nationally recognized debt finance practice is seeking a lateral associate, principal, or counsel with meaningful experience in asset-based lending (ABL) to join our dynamic and growing team. We represent a diverse array of lender-side clients—including commercial banks, private credit funds, business development companies, and other institutional lenders—in complex ABL transactions across a wide range of industries.

We welcome candidates who are interested in pursuing the equity partner track, as well as those who prefer to focus on delivering high-level legal execution and exceptional client service in a fast-paced, collaborative environment without seeking partnership.

Job Functions / Responsibilities

• Represent top-tier financial institutions and private credit lenders in asset-based finance transactions, including first lien, second lien, and split-lien structures.
• Manage all aspects of transactional workstreams—from structuring and negotiating deal documents (credit agreements, intercreditor agreements, agreements among lenders, collateral documents) to overseeing closings.
• Collaborate closely with partners and clients in a fast-paced, high-performing practice.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in asset-based lending. Familiarity with ABL structures involving various collateral types (inventory, receivables, equipment, intellectual property, real estate, etc.) and applicable legal regimes (e.g., UCC Article 9, intercreditor agreements, borrowing base mechanics).
• Excellent academic credentials and strong analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills.
• Enthusiastic team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.
• Large firm or elite boutique experience preferred.

Schedule

The Firm is currently operating in a hybrid model, with the requirement that everyone should be in the office at least four days per week. This schedule is subject to change dependent on Firm, department and client needs, and will be routinely evaluated.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by the Firm (either now or in the future).

About The Firm

Choate, one of the nation’s premier law firms, is different from most BigLaw firms in ways we believe materially benefit our clients and our talent. All of our lawyers are under one roof in Boston, focused in areas where we practice at the top of the market, nationally and internationally, and represent clients in their largest and most significant matters.

Compensation

Choate offers market-based compensation for its attorneys. The current base salary range for on-track attorneys is $225,000 for first year associates to $435,000 for Principal level attorneys, excluding bonus compensation and a generous benefits package.

The anticipated salary range for this role is listed below and represents our good faith and reasonable estimate of the salary range for this specific position at the time of posting. The actual offered salary for this position will be determined based on job-related, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to qualifications and prior experience, attorney level placement, external market data, consideration of internal equity, and whether the role is on or off-track.

$310,000 - $435,000