Managing Director, Originations

Legalist; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Legalist, based in New York, seeks an experienced private credit originator to source and term‑sheet lending opportunities for lower middle‑market companies. You will develop borrower and intermediary relationships, and manage the lending process through executed term sheets.

The ideal candidate has a robust network and a track record originating asset‑based, cash‑flow, or specialty finance loans in the $5M–$50M range, working autonomously with underwriting and portfolio teams.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience originating commercial lending or private credit transactions.
• Originated loans in the $5M–$50M range.
• Proven ability to execute a high annual volume of term sheets and maintain a robust pipeline.
• Established network of borrower, intermediary, sponsor, and banking relationships.
• Strong understanding of credit structures, collateral, loan documentation, and commercial finance.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with underwriting and portfolio management teams.

Responsibilities

• Source new lending opportunities through borrower outreach and referrals.
• Develop relationships with investment banks, commercial banks, private equity sponsors, consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other intermediaries.
• Lead initial borrower discussions and assess strategic fit.
• Structure financing solutions meeting borrower needs and fund investment objectives.
• Prepare and negotiate indicative terms, letters of intent, and term sheets.
• Maintain an active pipeline of qualified lending opportunities and provide accurate forecasting.
• Develop long-term relationships that generate repeat business and referrals.
• Collaborate with investment professionals to ensure a smooth transition from origination through closing.

Skills

Loan origination experience

Private credit knowledge

Negotiation skills

Relationship building

Independent worker

Job description

Overview

Legalist is a tech-enabled alternative asset manager that uses proprietary data‑driven origination to invest in uncorrelated legal and government‑payment assets. Founded out of Y Combinator in 2016, Legalist manages over $1.7 billion for endowments, foundations, and family offices. We are seeking an experienced private credit originator to source and term‑sheet lending opportunities for lower middle‑market companies. This individual will develop new borrower and intermediary relationships, manage the lending process through executed term sheets, and become a trusted financing partner within our target markets. The ideal candidate has an established network of referral sources and borrowers and has demonstrated success originating asset‑based, cash‑flow, or specialty finance transactions in the $5 million to $50 million range.

Responsibilities

• Source new lending opportunities through direct borrower outreach and referral networks.
• Develop relationships with investment banks, commercial banks, private equity sponsors, consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other intermediaries.
• Lead initial borrower discussions and determine strategic fit.
• Structure financing solutions that satisfy borrower needs while meeting fund investment objectives.
• Prepare and negotiate indicative terms, letters of intent, and term sheets.
• Maintain an active pipeline of qualified lending opportunities and provide accurate forecasting.
• Develop long‑term relationships that generate repeat business and referrals.
• Work collaboratively with investment professionals to ensure a smooth transition from origination through closing.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience originating commercial lending or private credit transactions.
• Demonstrated history of originating loans in the $5 million to $50 million range.
• Proven ability to execute a high annual volume of term sheets and maintain a robust pipeline.
• Established network of borrower, intermediary, sponsor, and banking relationships.
• Strong understanding of credit structures, collateral, loan documentation, and commercial finance.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with underwriting and portfolio management teams.

Preferred Experience

• Direct lending
• Private credit
• Asset‑based lending
• Specialty finance
• Commercial banking
• Structured finance