Leveraged Finance Associate

Hawkstone Search; New York (NY); On-site; USD 365,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawkstone Search in Manhattan, NY is seeking a Leveraged Finance / Private Credit Associate to join our finance team in New York. The role focuses on sponsor-backed transactions, cross-border deals, and complex debt structures.

The ideal candidate has 5-7 years' experience in leveraged finance and private credit, a J.D. from an ABA‑accredited law school, and strong drafting/commercial skills to own transactions through closing. Opportunity for mentorship and rapid growth.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years' experience in leveraged finance and/private credit and/or complex debt transactions.
• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school, with Big Law or comparable training.
• Strong familiarity with unitranche structures, multi-lender syndications, sponsor finance, LMEs, and drafting skills across credit documents.

Responsibilities

• Sponsor-backed leveraged finance and private credit transactions, including acquisition financings across sectors and cross-border/multi-currency deals.
• Work across unitranche/FOLO, syndicated, asset-based, mezzanine and other complex debt structures; handle LMEs, refinancings, recapitalizations and amendments.
• Drafting and negotiating credit agreements, security documents, intercreditor agreements and commitment papers.
• Run transaction workstreams, manage juniors, liaise with clients and opposing counsel, and drive deals to closing.

Skills

Leveraged finance knowledge

Private credit experience

Debt transaction experience

Client management

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Job Title: Leveraged Finance / Private Credit Associate

Location: Manhattan, NY

Salary: $365,000 - $420,000 per annum

Coming off the back of a +10% revenue growth firm-wide, our client is looking to expand their national Finance & Financial Services practice. Holding an AM50 ranking with numerous accolades from Chambers & Partners and further acclamations from the Vault both nationally and within other regions, the Firm has a well-established presence and plans to invest and build on this within the New York finance and lending space.

This is an opportunity to work closely alongside a Chambers-Ranked Attorney, bringing further accolades from the likes of Legal500 and Best Lawyers, providing a truly unique mentorship opportunity.

The firm is seeking out a 5-7th year associate, the ideal candidate will have a strong background in leveraged finance and private credit, the confidence and knowledge to take ownership and drive transactions to closing, and a dedication to provide outstanding legal services.

What you'll be doing

• Sponsor-backed leveraged finance and private credit transactions, including acquisition financings across sectors and cross-border and multi-currency deals
• Working across unitranche/FOLO, syndicated, asset-based, mezzanine and other complex debt structures, and handling LMEs, refinancings, recapitalizations and amendments for sponsor-backed companies
• Drafting and negotiating credit agreements, security documents, intercreditor agreements and commitment papers
• Running transaction workstreams, managing juniors, working directly with clients and opposing counsel, and driving deals through closing

What's on Offer

• Significant client contact and transaction ownership
• Exposure to banks, private credit funds, BDCs and other institutional lenders, with the chance to develop experience across both traditional leveraged lending and increasing private credit work
• A dedicated associate development programme with partner mentorship focused on career progression
• Chance to join a scaling and thriving team within an established national firm, building your profile as a senior associate and developing the client-management skills needed for progression toward partnership

What they need

• 5-7 years' experience, particularly in leveraged finance, private credit and/or complex debt transactions
• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school, with Big Law or comparable-style training and a record of handling sophisticated transactions
• Strong familiarity with unitranche structures, multi-lender syndications, the sponsor finance market and LMEs, plus drafting skills across credit agreements, security documents, intercreditors and commitment papers
• Excellent judgement, commercial awareness and communication skills, with a self-starter attitude

If you are an experience and confident associate in the financial service space, ready and excited to elevate your career with an established yet scaling firm.

All conversations are kept confidential.