Structured Finance Associate

Buchanan; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Mentorship & professional development

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Buchanan is seeking a Structured Finance Associate in New York to work on sophisticated securitizations, asset-backed lending, and capital markets-structured products. You will draft and negotiate essential transaction documents and coordinate with clients, underwriters, and rating agencies.

The role requires a JD from a U.S. law school, 3–6 years of structured finance or related experience, and admission to practice in New York.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from a U.S. law school.
• 3–6 years of structured finance, securitization, or capital markets experience.
• Admission to practice law in New York, or eligible to waive in.
• Strong drafting, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on a broad range of structured finance transactions, including securitizations, asset-backed lending, and debt capital markets–related structured products.
• Draft, review, and negotiate transaction documentation such as loan agreements, offering memoranda, indentures, and security documents.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on complex structured finance issues and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with clients, underwriters, rating agencies, trustees, and opposing counsel to facilitate transaction execution.
• Assist with due diligence, reviewing asset pools and structures to identify risks.
• Support partners in managing transactions and responding to technical questions.
• Stay current on market developments and evolving deal structures in structured finance and securitization.

Job description

Overview

A prominent law firm with a well-established and highly regarded structured finance practice is seeking a talented Structured Finance Associate to join its New York office. The firm is known for advising on sophisticated, high-value structured finance transactions and represents a diverse client base that includes major financial institutions, investment banks, asset managers, private equity sponsors, and corporate issuers. The firm offers a collaborative and supportive environment where associates work closely with experienced partners on complex matters and are encouraged to take on meaningful responsibility as their experience grows. This role is ideal for an associate with 3–6 years of structured finance experience who is looking to deepen technical expertise while working on complex and high-profile transactions in the U.S. and cross-border markets. The successful candidate will be involved in transactions from initial structuring through closing and will play a key role in advising clients on a wide range of structured finance matters.

What You’ll Do

• Advise clients on a broad range of structured finance transactions, including securitizations, asset-backed lending, and debt capital markets–related structured products


• Draft, review, and negotiate transaction documentation, including loan agreements, offering memoranda, indentures, trust agreements, servicing agreements, and security documents


• Conduct legal research and analysis on complex structured finance issues, including U.S. securities laws, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment


• Coordinate with clients, underwriters, rating agencies, trustees, and opposing counsel to facilitate transaction execution and ensure compliance with legal requirements


• Assist with and manage due diligence processes, reviewing asset pools and transaction structures to identify legal, regulatory, and structural risks


• Support partners in managing transactions, preparing client advice, and responding to technical or regulatory questions


• Stay current on market developments, regulatory changes, and evolving deal structures in the structured finance and securitization markets

About You

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school


• 3–6 years of structured finance, securitization, or capital markets experience gained at a reputable law firm or financial institution


• Admission to practice law in New York, or eligibility to waive in


• Strong understanding of structured finance products, transaction mechanics, and market-standard documentation


• Excellent drafting, analytical, and problem-solving skills


• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with clients and internal teams


• Ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment


• Collaborative, detail-oriented, and proactive approach to work

Why Apply?

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits


• Exposure to complex, high-profile structured finance transactions across a broad range of asset classes


• Meaningful responsibility and direct access to experienced partners


• A collaborative, supportive culture with a strong emphasis on mentorship and professional development


• Clear opportunities for career advancement within a leading structured finance practice


• An inclusive environment that values excellence, diversity, and innovation