Our client is seeking a Chicago-based finance associate to advise on sophisticated leveraged transactions for private equity sponsors, portfolio companies and financial institutions. The position offers hands-on involvement in structuring, documentation, negotiation and execution across a varied financing practice.
The Work
- Advise private equity sponsors, portfolio companies and financing institutions on structuring and executing leveraged finance transactions.
- Draft, review and negotiate credit agreements, bond indentures, commitment letters, term sheets, security agreements and guarantee agreements.
- Work on intercreditor and subordination arrangements, assessing how financing terms and creditor rights fit together across a transaction.
- Support secured and unsecured lending, acquisition financings, recapitalizations and other leveraged transactions.
- Counsel clients on legal risks, regulatory requirements and market practices relevant to financing structures and documentation.
- Coordinate transaction closings by preparing checklists, managing documentation and helping drive the closing process.
- Respond to ongoing client inquiries concerning compliance and financing matters.
- Contribute to business development through client presentations and thought leadership, and use AI tools responsibly and ethically to support document review and workflow efficiency.
What You Bring
- Two to six years of relevant experience in leveraged finance or a related practice area.
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
- Admission to and good standing with the Illinois Bar.
- Drafting and negotiation experience with complex finance documents appropriate to experience level.
- Working knowledge of secured transactions, syndicated lending and acquisition finance.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with careful attention to detail.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills for working with clients and colleagues.
- Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines while maintaining professionalism and integrity.
- Ability to use AI technologies responsibly and ethically in legal practice.
Why Consider It
Build experience across a broad mix of leveraged financings while working with private equity sponsors, portfolio companies and financial institutions.
The role reaches from structuring and document negotiation through closing and ongoing client advice, with additional opportunities to contribute to client development and thought leadership.
Compensation & Benefits
Estimated compensation is $235,000–$390,000 based on the 2026 Cravath base scale; this is an estimate, not firm-stated compensation.
Confidentiality
This is a confidential opportunity. Contact Advocates Legal Recruiting to discuss the role and receive additional details about the client and team. All inquiries will be handled confidentially.