Corporate Finance Mid-Level Associate

Advocates Legal Recruiting; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 225,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocates Legal Recruiting represents an AmLaw 100 client seeking a midlevel Corporate Finance Associate (3–5 years) focused on private credit and leveraged finance. Roles span direct lending and sponsor-backed financings across multiple offices, with in-person expectations in Chicago.

The position offers exposure to cross-border angles and a range of finance matters, with a base salary range of $225,000 to $420,000.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of finance experience at a peer firm.
• Hands-on drafting and negotiation in credit agreements.
• Experience running workstreams and closing checklists.

Responsibilities

• Direct lending and private credit financings (incl. acquisition financings).
• Leveraged buyouts and sponsor-backed transactions across the capital stack.
• Growth capital, stressed/distressed financings, and liability management-style work.
• Exposure to financing and restructuring dynamics, depending on matters and client needs.

Skills

Finance experience (3–5y)

Credit agreements drafting

Deal coordination

Bar admission in seat state

Education

Bar admission in state of seat

Job description

Chicago, United States | Posted on 07/21/2026

Corporate Finance Associate (3–5 years) | Private Credit + Leveraged Finance

Multiple offices (NYC, Dallas, Houston, LA, Boston, Chicago)

Our AmLaw 100 client is adding a midlevel associate to a debt finance platform that sits in the middle of private credit, sponsor finance, and special situations work. The practice is Chambers-ranked in Private Credit nationwide and is consistently active across lender-side and sponsor-side mandates.

Role Summary

• Direct lending and private credit financings (including acquisition financings)
• Leveraged buyouts and other sponsor-backed transactions across the capital stack
• Growth capital, stressed and distressed financings, and liability management-style work when the market turns
• Exposure to both financing and restructuring dynamics, depending on matters and client needs

Candidate Profile

• 3–5 years of finance experience from a peer firm
• Hands‑on drafting and negotiation in credit agreements and ancillary documents
• Comfortable running workstreams, managing closing checklists, and interacting with deal teams
• Bar admission in the state where you plan to sit (and in good standing)

Why This Role

• A private credit platform that regularly advises many of the market’s most active credit investors
• Real deal volume across sponsor finance, special situations, and cross-border angles, not one narrow lane
• Multiple office options, with an in-person expectation
• Base range at $225,000 to $420,000

If you are a 3–5 year finance associate who wants heavier private credit reps and cleaner runway to take ownership of deals,