At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a thriving restructuring team and handle complex legal matters from day one.
- Company: Highly regarded US law firm in London with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Market-leading salary, hybrid working, and performance bonuses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: NQ - 2 PQE, E&W qualified, with strong training from a top-tier firm.
- Other info: Enjoy early responsibility and close partner access in a dynamic setting.
The predicted salary is between 173000 - 186000 £ per year.
We are currently working with a highly regarded US law firm in London that is looking to add an NQ - 2 PQE associate to its restructuring practice. This is a genuinely exciting opportunity for someone who is looking to take a clear step forward in their career and join a team that is thriving, busy, and investing for the long term.
The firm is experiencing an exceptional level of workflow and demand, to the point where the team simply cannot keep pace with the volume of matters coming through the door. As a result, this hire is urgent and forms part of a broader plan to grow the practice significantly while continuing to raise the overall quality of the team.
The restructuring team is small, close-knit, and extremely well regarded for the quality of its work. Despite operating at the very top end of the market, the culture is refreshingly grounded. This is not an aggressive or internally competitive environment; instead, the emphasis is on collaboration, mutual respect, and producing excellent work for clients. The firm places huge importance on culture and personality fit. They are looking for someone who is hardworking and ambitious, but also down to earth, modest, and pragmatic.
Associates in this team are exposed to high-quality, complex restructuring matters from day one. Because the group is lean, there is constant partner contact, early responsibility, and a steep learning curve in the best possible way. Training is practical and hands-on, and junior lawyers are encouraged to develop quickly rather than being siloed or over-supervised.
This role would suit someone who enjoys being busy, wants to be trusted with responsibility early on, and is motivated by the substance of the work rather than rigid structures or titles. Your contribution will be visible, and your development taken seriously.
Candidate Profile- Newly Qualified – 2 PQE
- E&W Qualified
- Strong training and experience from a top-tier firm (e.g. leading City, Magic Circle, Silver Circle or top US practices)
- A strong work ethic and genuine ambition
- Not overly precious; comfortable rolling up sleeves when needed
- Commercial, personable, and collaborative
- Hybrid working: 3 days per week in the office
- Target hours: 1,800 per year
- Salary:
- NQ: £173,000
- 1 PQE: £175,000
- 2 PQE: £186,000
- Bonus: Partial bonus payable from 1,800 hours
- Full bonus at 2,000 hours
- Bonus structure aligned with top US market benchmarks
This is a rare opportunity to join a US restructuring practice at a point of real momentum. The team is exceptionally busy, the quality of work is already established, and there is a clear desire to build something long term rather than simply plug a gap. For a junior associate, the combination of market-leading remuneration, meaningful responsibility, close partner access, and a genuinely supportive culture is hard to find. If you are looking for a role where you can develop quickly, be valued for the work you do, and build a strong foundation for the next stage of your career, this position offers exactly that.
Restructuring Lawyer in London employer: Buchanan Law
Contact Detail:
Buchanan Law Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Restructuring Lawyer in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at firms you’re interested in. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
If you can, set up informal chats with professionals in the restructuring field. This is your chance to learn more about the firm culture and show your genuine interest. Plus, it’s a great way to get insider tips on what they look for in candidates!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to discuss specific examples of your work. Highlight your experience from top-tier firms and how it aligns with their needs. Make it clear that you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Restructuring Lawyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the restructuring role. Highlight your training and any relevant experience from top-tier firms, as this will show us you’re a great fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your genuine ambition and work ethic. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our close-knit team and how you can contribute to our collaborative culture.
Showcase Your Personality: We value personality fit just as much as qualifications. Don’t be afraid to let your down-to-earth nature come through in your application. We want to see the real you and how you’d mesh with our supportive environment.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application in our busy hiring process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Buchanan Law
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of restructuring law and the specific cases the firm has worked on. Being able to discuss recent trends or landmark cases will show that you're genuinely interested and engaged with the field.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the firm values a collaborative culture, be prepared to share examples of how you've worked well in teams. Highlight experiences where you’ve contributed to group success, as this will resonate with their emphasis on mutual respect and teamwork.
✨Be Down to Earth
The firm is looking for someone who is modest and pragmatic. During the interview, keep your ego in check and focus on your genuine passion for the work rather than boasting about your achievements. This will help you fit into their grounded culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the firm's practice and its future direction. Inquire about the types of cases you might handle or how the team plans to grow. This shows your ambition and eagerness to contribute meaningfully from day one.