Associate - Financial Institutions (CLOs) - New York

McDermott Will & Schulte; New York (NY); On-site; USD 235,000 - 455,000; Full time

Job summary

McDermott Will & Schulte seeks an associate with at least 3 years of CLO experience to join our New York office, focusing on the design, structuring, and creation of CLOs and other credit products. This role fits legal professionals with structuring and documenting CLOs from inception, direct lending, private credit, credit insurance and syndicated loans.

Questions can be directed to Renee Richford, Talent Acquisition Manager, at [e-mail].

Qualifications

• JD or equivalent required.
• Admitted to the New York bar and in good standing.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and transaction management skills.
• Significant structured finance experience from a top-tier law firm.
• Ability to create and advise on structured products (CLOs, credit facilities, etc.).
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional deal teams in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Structure, draft, and negotiate CLOs, private credit facilities, syndicated loan agreements, and credit insurance arrangements.
• Lead product development for new structured finance offerings, working with business and capital markets teams.
• Provide guidance on regulatory considerations affecting structured finance transactions in the U.S. and cross-border contexts.
• Advise on transaction execution, including documentation, negotiation, and closing processes.
• Partner with investment, risk, and compliance teams to ensure products meet commercial and regulatory objectives.
• Monitor market and legal developments impacting credit products and structured finance structures.

Skills

Drafting

Negotiation

Transaction management

Independent work

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

Job description

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,700+ lawyers and 1,450 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work. Here, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office.

With Us, You'll Find

• A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!
• Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.
• Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our McDermott Well program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.
• Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence

Job Summary

We are seeking an associate with at least 3 years of CLO experience to join our team in our New York office, focusing on the design, structuring, and creation of CLOs and other credit products. This role is ideal for legal professionals with experience in structuring and documenting CLOs from inception, direct lending, private credit, credit insurance and syndicated loans.

Questions can be directed to Renee Richford, Talent Acquisition Manager, at [e-mail].

Responsibilities

• Structure, draft, and negotiate CLOs, private credit facilities, syndicated loan agreements, and credit insurance arrangements.
• Lead product development for new structured finance offerings, working closely with business and capital markets teams.
• Provide guidance on regulatory considerations affecting structured finance transactions in the U.S. and cross-border contexts.
• Advise on transaction execution, including documentation, negotiation, and closing processes.
• Partner with investment, risk, and compliance teams to ensure products meet commercial and regulatory objectives.
• Monitor market and legal developments impacting credit products and structured finance structures.

Requirements

• JD or equivalent
• Applicants must be admitted to the New York bar and in good standing
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and transaction management skills
• Significant structured finance experience from a top-tier law firm
• Demonstrated ability to create and advise on structured products (CLOs, credit facilities, etc.)
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional deal teams in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.

Expected Pay Range for Associates: 2026/2025 Class Compensation Years: $235,000
2024 Class Compensation Years: $245,000
2023 Class Compensation Years: $270,000
2022 Class Compensation Years: $320,000
2021 Class Compensation Years: $385,000
2020 Class Compensation Years: $410,000
2019 Class Compensation Years: $440,000
2018 and more senior class compensation years: $455,000