Global Transportation Finance Associate

Job Overview

An international law firm is seeking a talented and driven Finance Associate with 2–5 years of transactional experience to join its Global Transportation Finance (GTF) practice group. This role is ideal for attorneys interested in a sophisticated, multidisciplinary practice serving top-tier clients in the aviation, rail, maritime, and general equipment finance sectors. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience, significant client exposure, and access to career advancement opportunities within a nationally ranked practice.

Location

• Los Angeles, CA

Duties

• Structure and execute complex domestic and cross-border transactions involving asset-based finance, leasing, and securitization

• Draft, negotiate, and review transactional documents including loan agreements, leases, purchase and sale agreements, and security documents

• Represent financial institutions, leasing companies, private equity funds, and operators in the aviation, maritime, and rail industries

• Coordinate closings and due diligence in multi-jurisdictional deals

• Assist with restructuring, enforcement actions, and other related finance matters

• Work directly with partners and clients on business development initiatives

• Manage multiple active matters with varying timelines and jurisdictions

Requirements

• 2–5 years of law firm experience in finance or related transactional practice

• Demonstrated ability to handle complex commercial or structured transactions

• Proven capability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders

• Experience with client interaction and matter management preferred

Education

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

• Strong academic performance required

Certifications

• Active bar membership in Illinois, California, or Texas (or eligibility for prompt admission)

Skills

• Proficiency in one or more of the following practice areas:

  • Asset-based lending

  • Structured finance

  • Leveraged finance

  • Project or real estate finance

  • Securitization or capital markets

  • Aviation or maritime finance

• Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills

• Strong communication, organization, and time management abilities

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team on cross-border transactions

Benefits

• Bonus Program: Discretionary annual performance bonus

• Retirement Plans: 401(k) with pre-tax and Roth options (administered by Vanguard)

• Health & Wellness:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage

  • Health savings and flexible spending accounts

  • Firm-paid life and disability insurance

  • Wellness and mental health programs

• Work-Life Balance:

  • Paid parental leave

  • Hybrid work schedule

  • Paid time off including vacation, holidays, sick time, and personal days

• Professional Development:

  • Training programs, mentorship, and career planning support

  • Business development resources and continuing legal education

• Additional Perks:

  • Pre-tax commuter benefits

  • Backup child and elder care support

  • Employee discounts

  • Fitness center discounts

  • Milk Stork program for nursing parents

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

This thriving law firm has a strong tradition of maintaining significant relationships with their clients. They employ over 300 attorneys and have seven international and domestic offices. Their Los Angeles office represents clients in a wide range of legal matters including antitrust and trade regulation, government contracts, health care, bank mergers and acquisition strategies, insurance, intellectual property litigation, complex litigation, construction, labor relations, data privacy and security, real estate, employment law, estate planning, transportation, and wage and hour compliance.