Leveraged Finance/Private Credit Senior Associate

Holland & Knight LLP; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 365,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Houston seeks a Senior Associate in Leveraged Finance/Private Credit to manage complex transactions and client relationships. Candidates should have 5–7 years of relevant experience, strong drafting skills, and the ability to work in a high-performance environment. This full-time position requires a JD from an ABA-accredited school and offers a competitive salary range of $365,000 – $420,000 depending on qualifications.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in leveraged finance/private credit.
• Big-law training and experience with complex debt transactions.
• Admission to the bar in relevant jurisdictions preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage sponsor-backed acquisition financings and multi-currency deals.
• Interface directly with clients and opposing counsel.
• Negotiate liability management transactions and refinancing.

Skills

Leveraged finance experience

Drafting skills

Strong communication skills

Commercial awareness

Education

JD from an ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Leveraged Finance/Private Credit Senior Associate

Holland & Knight seeks an Associate (5–7 years of experience) to join its national Finance & Financial Services practice. The ideal candidate has significant leveraged finance experience representing financial institutions, private credit funds, BDCs, and non-bank lenders in complex, sponsor‑backed transactions, including multi‑lender/syndicated facilities, unitranche/first‑out–last‑out structures, senior/mezzanine structures. You’ll interface directly with clients and opposing counsel and take ownership to drive transactions to closing in a fast‑paced, high‑performance environment.

Core Responsibilities Include

• Sponsor‑backed acquisition financings across sectors, including cross‑border and multi‑currency deals.
• Cash‑flow and asset‑based lending (senior, senior‑stretch, super‑priority revolvers).
• Multi‑lender/syndicated facilities and intercreditor/subordination arrangements.
• Mezzanine and subordinated debt, preferred equity co‑investments, and structured solutions.
• Liability management transactions (LMEs) — uptiers, exchange offers, drop‑downs, covenant resets, amendments and waivers — including negotiation of related intercreditor mechanics.
• Amend‑and‑extend transactions, refinancings, and recapitalizations for sponsor portfolio companies.
• 5–7 years’ experience in leveraged finance/private credit and complex debt transactions at a national NY‑style firm.
• JD from an ABA‑accredited law school.
• Admission to the bar in one or more of the listed jurisdictions preferred (FL, NY, MA, IL, GA, NC, TX) or eligibility to become licensed/transfer.
• This candidate must reside in the Houston area at or prior to the time of hire. We believe that there is significant value in working together in person and will expect the candidate to work in the office at least three business days per week.
• Strong familiarity with LMEs, unitranche (first‑out/last‑out) structures, multi‑lender syndications, and sponsor finance market terms.
• Strong drafting skills (credit agreements, security documents, intercreditors, commitment papers), excellent judgment, and commercial awareness.
• Big‑law training and a record of handling sophisticated deals.
• Self‑starter with excellent communication skills and the confidence to manage workstreams and client relationships.

Please submit (i) cover letter, (ii) resume, (iii) representative transactions, and (iv) law school transcript.

This position may be filled in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami or New York. In accordance with applicable Pay Transparency Laws, the pay range for this position in these locations is $365,000 – 420,000/yr. This range may not be applicable to other locations. An individual's actual compensation will depend on the individual's qualifications and experience.

Seniority level: Associate

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Legal