Debt Finance Senior Associate / Counsel

Finn Dixon & Herling LLP; Stamford (CT); Hybrid; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Finn Dixon & Herling LLP in Stamford, CT seeks a Senior Debt Finance Associate or Counsel (6+ years) to join our Debt Finance Practice. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience representing lenders and borrowers in complex debt financings, including senior secured and mezzanine transactions, and can lead matters with minimal supervision.

You will draft and negotiate loan documents, advise on lending structures, supervise junior staff, and manage transactions from term sheet to

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in debt finance at a law firm or similar setting.
• Strong experience with senior secured lending; mezzanine finance experience preferred.
• Deep understanding of loan documentation, the UCC, and collateral structures.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage complex transactions and deadlines with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Represent lenders and borrowers in leveraged or commercial debt financing transactions.
• Lead financing matters from term sheet through closing.
• Draft, review, and negotiate credit and loan documents and related agreements.
• Advise on lending structures, collateral packages, and perfection issues.
• Provide guidance on mezzanine, second-lien, and intercreditor arrangements.
• Collaborate with clients, opposing counsel, local counsel, and internal teams for efficient transaction execution.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide substantive guidance to junior associates and paralegals.
• Handle ongoing client matters including amendments, waivers, refinancings, and restructurings.

Skills

Drafting

Negotiation

Project management

Communication skills

Team work

Client service orientation

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Debt Finance Associate or Counsel (6+ years) to join our Debt Finance Practice. The ideal candidate will have substantial substantive and transaction experience representing lenders and/or borrowers in a broad range of complex debt financing transactions, including senior secured and mezzanine financings, and will be capable of leading matters with minimal supervision while working directly with clients and our corporate team.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent financial institutions, private lenders, private equity sponsors, and borrowers in leveraged or commercial debt financing transactions
• Serve as the lead on financing matters, managing transactions from term sheet through closing
• Draft, review, and negotiate credit and loan agreements, note purchase agreements, security agreements, intercreditor agreements, guarantees, and related ancillary documents
• Advise clients on lending structures (including secured facilities, collateral packages, and perfection issues)
• Provide guidance on mezzanine, second-lien, subordinated debt structures and intercreditor arrangements
• Work closely with clients, opposing counsel, local counsel, and internal teams to ensure efficient transaction execution
• Supervise, mentor, and provide substantive guidance to junior associates and paralegals
• Handle ongoing client matters (e.g. amendments, waivers, refinancings, and restructurings)

Skills & Qualifications

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school
• 6+ years of experience in debt finance at an established law firm with a similar debt practice
• Strong experience with senior secured lending transactions; mezzanine finance experience strongly preferred
• Deep substantive understanding of loan documentation (including security and guaranty provisions and perfection requirements), the UCC, and collateral structures
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and project management skills
• Ability to manage complex transactions and multiple deals and deadlines with minimal supervision
• Strong communication skills and a client-service–oriented approach
• Team-oriented with a proactive and solutions-driven mindset

Finn Dixon is based in Stamford, Connecticut and currently maintains a hybrid work environment, with candidates generally expected to be in the office at least two days per week.