At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team handling exciting leveraged finance deals from day one.
- Company: Leading US international law firm with a collaborative and high-performing culture.
- Benefits: Early responsibility, direct partner contact, and a strong social culture.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant team atmosphere with regular social events and cross-practice interaction.
- Why this job: Gain real exposure in a thriving market and work on impactful transactions.
- Qualifications: NQ to 2PQE with a solid grounding in leveraged finance and strong drafting skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
A leading US international law firm is looking to strengthen its Leveraged Finance practice with an ambitious junior associate. This is a genuinely new opening, not a role we're recycling. The leveraged finance market has continued to see strong deal flow across sponsor-backed acquisitions, refinancings, and the ongoing convergence between the syndicated loan and private credit markets.
This team sits right at the centre of that activity, acting for a mix of sponsors, borrowers, and both bank and direct lending institutions across term loan B, unitranche, and high-yield financings. This is a lean, high-performing team where junior lawyers get real exposure from day one running signing conditions, liaising directly with clients, and getting stuck into live deals rather than sitting on document review for months.
With only two junior associates currently in the group, there's a clear and immediate need for additional support meaning direct partner contact and early responsibility are guaranteed, not just promised.
About the team:
- A tight-knit group of 3–4 partners, recently boosted by new partner arrivals bringing fresh momentum, new client relationships, and a strengthened private credit offering.
- Broad and varied mandate spanning acquisition finance, refinancing's, recapitalisations, and restructuring-adjacent work.
- Regular exposure to both sponsor-side and lender-side mandates, giving associates a well-rounded market perspective.
- Highly collaborative culture with genuine partner accessibility.
- No fixed seating plan; teams are spread across multiple floors specifically to encourage cross-practice interaction with the broader Corporate, Restructuring, and Private Credit teams.
- Business services colleagues are treated as core team members, not back-office support.
- Strong social culture with regular dinners, drinks, and team events.
What they're looking for:
- NQ up to 2PQE. Trainees due to qualify this September will be considered.
- Magic Circle or Elite US trained preferred, with some flexibility for exceptional candidates from other leading international firms.
- Common law qualification preferred, though strong relevant experience will be considered.
- Solid grounding in leveraged/acquisition finance experience across term loan B, high-yield, unitranche, or private credit financings is highly valued.
- Strong technical drafting skills (facility agreements, intercreditor arrangements, security documents) and confidence managing signing/closing processes.
- Comfortable working across multiple time zones and jurisdictions on cross-border deals.
- In-house candidates will not be considered.
Process:
A clear three-stage process: an initial conversation with the hiring partner and HR, a second round with two partners, and a final informal meeting with associates from the team.
If you're a driven junior finance lawyer looking for a platform where you'll be trusted with real responsibility early, exposure across both sponsor and lender mandates, and want to join a team riding real momentum in a growing market, we'd love to hear from you.
Leveraged Finance Associate employer: Buchanan
Join a leading international firm in London as an Equity Capital Markets Associate, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises genuine sector specialism and high-value deal flow. With no formal billable hours target and opportunities for significant bonuses, you will benefit from direct access to senior expertise and a supportive environment that fosters employee growth and development in the life sciences and biotech sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Leveraged Finance Associate
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Buchanan, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Leveraged Finance Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Buchanan, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Buchanan and the specific role of Leveraged Finance Associate. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Buchanan’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buchanan
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Buchanan.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Buchanan.
