Finance Associate Attorney

A law firm in Houston, TX is seeking a Finance Associate Attorney with 3+ years of experience to join its team. The ideal candidate will have significant hands-on experience in the structuring, drafting, and negotiation of middle-market lender-side debt financing transactions, with a focus on UCC Article 9. Experience in both single-bank and syndicated commercial and asset-based lending is preferred, and energy finance experience is a plus. The candidate must have strong professional and academic credentials and be admitted to practice in Texas.

Job Responsibilities:

• Handle middle-market lender-side debt financing transactions, including the structuring, drafting, and negotiation of commercial and asset-based lending agreements.
• Advise clients on UCC Article 9 matters, providing expertise on secured transactions and perfection of security interests.
• Manage both single bank and syndicated lending transactions, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations while meeting client objectives.
• Draft and negotiate a wide variety of loan documents, including credit agreements, security agreements, and inter-creditor agreements.
• Provide legal counsel on asset-based lending and commercial financing transactions, ensuring that all aspects of the deal are thoroughly addressed.
• Work closely with lenders, financial institutions, and corporate clients to provide practical, strategic legal solutions tailored to complex financing transactions.
• Assist in energy finance transactions, advising on specific issues related to financing in the energy sector, including secured and unsecured debt.
• Conduct due diligence and review collateral packages to ensure compliance with lender requirements and legal standards.
• Collaborate with partners, other attorneys, and legal teams within the firm to provide comprehensive legal support on finance transactions.
• Stay updated on changes in commercial lending law, UCC Article 9, and energy finance developments to provide current legal advice.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in debt financing and commercial lending transactions.
• Strong experience with UCC Article 9 is essential, with demonstrated expertise in handling secured transactions and security interests.
• Experience with both single bank and syndicated lending transactions is preferred.
• Energy finance experience is a plus but not required.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, with the ability to handle complex loan documentation and transactions.
• Strong professional and academic credentials, with a track record of providing high-quality legal services in a fast-paced environment.
• Admission to practice law in Texas is required.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Texas State Bar is required.

Certifications (Preferred):

• Certification or coursework in finance law or commercial lending is beneficial but not required.

Key Skills:

• Expertise in debt financing transactions and commercial lending.
• Proficiency in UCC Article 9, with the ability to manage secured transactions and perfection of security interests.
• Client management skills, with the ability to work directly with lenders and financial institutions to meet their legal needs.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills, particularly in complex loan and finance documentation.
• Knowledge of energy finance is a plus.

This position offers a significant opportunity for an attorney to join a well-established law firm in Houston, TX, focusing on middle-market lender-side debt financing, with exposure to asset-based lending and commercial financing transactions in a dynamic and growing market.

Providing a full range of legal and advocacy services across a broad spectrum of industries, this law firm has offices throughout the U.S. and Shanghai. The firm has extensive experience in advising Asia-based businesses with various business-related matters. Founded over seven decades ago, the firm offers innovative solutions to clients' needs through the knowledge and skills of the attorneys and professionals of diverse backgrounds. The firm provides strategic recruiting and mentoring, networking opportunities, career development, and advancement programs. Providing a flexible and supportive environment where everyone can do their best work, the firm rewards employees not only for professional achievements but also for personal contributions to teamwork environment and cooperation among their colleagues. The firm is active in supporting local communities and providing pro-bono service. The firm and attorneys have numerous recognitions and awards for significant industry knowledge and experience and contributions to communities.