Structured Finance Associate

A prestigious law firm in London, UK, is seeking a Structured Finance Associate to join its dynamic team. This exciting opportunity is ideal for a junior associate who has completed a two-year English training contract and is 1-3 years qualified. The firm is particularly interested in candidates with experience in debt finance, with a focus on securitisation, structured finance, and structured products. Familiarity with general banking work would also be advantageous. If you have strong critical thinking, time management, and interpersonal skills, and are eager to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, this is the perfect role for you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the structuring, negotiation, and documentation of debt finance transactions, with a particular emphasis on securitisation and structured products.
• Work on complex structured finance transactions, contributing to both the legal and strategic aspects of the deals.
• Support senior associates and partners in the drafting and review of key transactional documents, including loan agreements, indentures, and other financing contracts.
• Provide legal research and analysis in relation to structured finance, securitisation, and general banking matters.
• Collaborate closely with clients, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to help structure transactions and ensure smooth execution.
• Engage in due diligence processes, identifying risks and potential issues in deal structures and legal documentation.
• Demonstrate exceptional writing skills, producing high-quality legal memoranda, reports, and client correspondence.
• Manage multiple priorities efficiently, maintaining high standards of accuracy and detail under tight deadlines.
• Contribute to team discussions, offering innovative solutions and adding value to client-facing projects and negotiations.
• Continue to develop legal expertise in structured finance, securitisation, and banking law, keeping up with industry trends and market developments.

Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of post-qualification experience in debt finance, with specific expertise or interest in securitisation, structured finance, and structured products.
• Completed a two-year English training contract and currently qualified as an attorney.
• Strong understanding of general banking law, with the ability to contribute to a variety of banking-related matters.
• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from a reputable institution.
• Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex legal and financial issues.
• Organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent writing and research skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and persuasive legal documents.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively within a team of professionals.
• Motivation to continue growing professionally, with a commitment to contributing to a highly successful, client-facing practice.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience with securitisation deals, structured products, and general debt finance.
• Knowledge of capital markets and related areas of banking law.
• A proactive and driven attitude, with a desire to learn and expand legal expertise.
• Experience in working on cross-border or international finance transactions is a plus.
• Ability to engage directly with clients and manage relationships in a client-focused environment.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Disability coverage for enhanced protection.
• An opportunity to work in a dynamic, collaborative, and fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.

This is the London office of a large firm based in the Eastern United States. This office handles the U.K. law matters for many of the firm's large, international clients. The firm has a full-service practice, but this office specializes in corporate, finance, and real estate law. Associates at this firm receive client contact and responsibility early in their careers, especially in smaller offices such as this one. Good training and mentoring programs are also available.