Leveraged Finance Associate (3–5 PQE)

Location: London

Firm: Top-tier US Law Firm

Overview

Greenway Search are delighted to be working with a an elite US law firm is seeking a high-calibre Leveraged Finance Associate (3–5 PQE) to join its market-leading London finance practice. The team is widely recognised for advising top-tier private equity sponsors, credit funds, and major financial institutions on complex, cross-border financing transactions.

This role offers exposure to high-value, sponsor-driven transactions, often with an international dimension, working closely with leading partners in a fast-paced, intellectually rigorous environment.

Key Responsibilities

You will play a central role in advising on a broad range of leveraged finance matters, including:

Acting for private equity sponsors, direct lenders, investment banks, and alternative capital providers on:

• Leveraged buyouts (LBOs)
• Acquisition financings
• Refinancings and recapitalisations
• Incremental facilities and add-on financings
• Debt restructurings and liability management exercises

Structuring, negotiating and documenting:

• Senior and subordinated debt facilities
• Unitranche and direct lending structures
• Second lien and mezzanine financings
• Bridge-to-bond financings and high-yield interfaces

Drafting and negotiating key finance documents, including:

• Facility agreements (LMA-based and bespoke structures)
• Intercreditor agreements
• Security documents and guarantees
• Commitment letters and fee letters

Working closely with:

• Private equity and M&A teams on transactional execution
• Restructuring teams on stressed/distressed scenarios
• International offices on cross-border matters

Managing due diligence processes and coordinating with local counsel across jurisdictions

Taking a lead role in transaction execution, including:

• Running workstreams
• Supervising junior lawyers
• Direct client interaction and relationship management

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Qualification in England & Wales (2019/2020) with 3–5 years’ PQE
• Experience gained at a top-tier US, Magic Circle, or leading international firm
• Strong background in sponsor-side leveraged finance (experience acting for both borrowers and lenders is advantageous)

Excellent technical grounding in:

• LMA documentation
• Complex capital structures
• Intercreditor dynamics

Proven ability to:

• Manage multiple transactions simultaneously
• Work under pressure in a high-performance environment
• Communicate effectively with sophisticated clients
• Commercial awareness and a genuine interest in private equity-driven finance work

To apply or to confidentially discuss this position further, please contact: Rupert@greenwaysearch.com or via phone: 07944 999 465