At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic finance team and work on sophisticated transactions in leveraged finance.
- Company: Buchanan Law, a leading US firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discretionary bonus, hybrid working, and extensive training.
- Other info: Opportunity for genuine progression and professional development in a close-knit team.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience with top-tier clients and develop your legal career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 2-4 PQE with strong finance training and a team-focused attitude.
The predicted salary is between 180000 - 210000 £ per year.
I’m currently partnering with a leading US firm to support the continued growth of their 20-strong Banking & Finance practice, one of the most cohesive, high-performing finance teams in the City. Off the back of sustained workflow and recent junior hires, the team is now seeking another talented associate at the 2–4 PQE level (Class of 2020–2023).
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone seeking top-tier work, genuine progression, and a collaborative team culture rarely found at this level of the market.
About the Team
The practice is led by two highly respected partners, supported by a well-balanced group of senior associates, mid-levels and juniors. The team expanded significantly in 2022 with a major lateral group move, and nearly all of those lawyers remain with the team today — a testament to its culture, cohesion, and development pathways. This is a close-knit group where partners work side by side with associates, and many of the senior lawyers trained under the very partners they now sit alongside. The atmosphere is supportive, progression is genuinely achievable, and teamwork is prioritised over hierarchy.
The Work
The strength of this team lies in its distinctive blend of large-cap private credit work alongside significant mandates for leading international banks. While roughly 90% of their work is lender-side, they are genuinely open to associates with borrower-side or mixed backgrounds. What matters most to them is strong technical grounding, exposure to good-quality training, and evidence that you’ve been trusted with responsibility.
You’ll be involved in some of the most sophisticated financings in the market, including major private credit deals, sponsor-led acquisitions, leveraged financings, syndicated loans, and cross-border transactions involving top-tier institutions. The team regularly works at the forefront of the private credit market, while maintaining strong relationships with international banks — a combination that truly differentiates them from many other elite firms who tend to specialise in one or the other.
Associates here are given space to grow: you will take ownership of workstreams, liaise directly with clients, and be trusted to handle meaningful pieces of the deal. The range and profile of work provide an ideal environment to develop into a well-rounded and confident finance lawyer.
Training & Development
Development is a genuine priority for the team, not a slogan. Formal training sessions take place every six weeks, offering deep dives into key areas of leveraged finance, market trends, structuring considerations, and regulatory developments. Beyond the structured training, there is extensive day‑to‑day learning through close partner engagement, deal collaboration, and cross‑practice interaction.
The team also benefits from strong cross‑selling and integrated work with other divisions of the firm, which exposes associates to the full ecosystem of the deals they work on. Partners value associates who show initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to take on responsibility — and they support that with meaningful feedback, practical learning, and a culture where asking questions is both encouraged and expected.
Importantly, candidates from a broad range of firms are welcome. They are far more interested in strong fundamentals, good training, and signs of autonomy than in how many deals you can list on a CV.
What They’re Looking For
- 2–4 PQE (with some flexibility around this range)
- Strong finance training from any reputable firm
- Experience on either lender or borrower side
- Evidence of autonomy, sound judgement, and strong fundamentals
- Team-focused attitude and willingness to learn
Salary & Package
- Discretionary bonus (based on hitting the 2,000-hour target and performance)
- Hybrid working, with minimum 3 days in the office (4 preferred)
Why This Role?
This is an opportunity to join one of the most dynamic finance teams in London — a team known for exceptional work quality, strong internal cohesion, and real investment in associates’ development. You will work on market-leading transactions, collaborate with top-tier clients, and develop alongside a group that continues to grow and promote from within.
Seniority level: Associate
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Legal
Industries: Legal Services and Law Practice
Leveraged Finance Lawyer in England employer: Buchanan Law
As a leading international law firm based in London, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our structured career progression paths and the opportunity to work on high-profile transactions, all while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. Join us to be part of a team where your contributions are valued and you can truly make an impact in the world of structured finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Leveraged Finance Lawyer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might know someone at Buchanan Law. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the team culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can discuss recent trends in leveraged finance and showcase your understanding of both lender and borrower perspectives.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teamwork skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles. This firm values a team-focused attitude, so let that shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for candidates who are proactive and eager to join our dynamic team.
We think you need these skills to ace Leveraged Finance Lawyer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Leveraged Finance Lawyer role. Highlight your finance training and any relevant deals you've worked on, even if they’re not extensive.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for finance law and how your background makes you a great fit for the team. Don’t forget to mention your eagerness to learn and grow within a collaborative environment.
Showcase Your Autonomy:The team values candidates who demonstrate autonomy and sound judgement. In your application, provide examples of when you’ve taken ownership of projects or made decisions independently. This will show that you’re ready for the responsibilities of the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buchanan Law
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your finance law knowledge, especially around leveraged finance and private credit. Familiarise yourself with recent market trends and significant transactions to show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your previous roles that highlight your autonomy and sound judgement. Whether you’ve worked on lender-side or borrower-side deals, be ready to explain how your experience aligns with what the team at Buchanan Law is looking for.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since the role values a team-focused attitude, think of instances where you collaborated effectively with others. Be prepared to share how you contribute to a positive team culture and how you handle feedback, as this will resonate well with their supportive environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the team’s culture, training opportunities, and the types of deals they work on. This shows your curiosity and willingness to learn, which are traits they highly value. Plus, it gives you a chance to assess if this is the right fit for you!
