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 events and cross-practice interaction.
- Why this job: Gain real exposure in a growing market and work on diverse finance mandates.
- 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, 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: 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 in London employer: Buchanan
Join a leading US international law firm that offers an exceptional environment for growth and development as a Leveraged Finance Associate. With a collaborative culture, direct partner access, and the opportunity to engage in high-stakes deals from day one, you will be part of a dynamic team that values your contributions and fosters meaningful relationships. Enjoy a vibrant social atmosphere and the chance to work alongside top-tier professionals in a fast-paced, rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Leveraged Finance Associate in London
✨Get Involved in Legal Communities
Join local legal societies or student law groups. These are a goldmine for networking and often host events where you can meet professionals from firms like Buchanan. Plus, you might run into opportunities for mentorship or internships!
✨Showcase Your Skills at Events
Attend law fairs and workshops to meet potential employers face-to-face. Practise your pitch about why you're excited about joining the field and how you'd fit in at firms like Buchanan. This can make you memorable!
✨Utilise Your University Resources
Tap into your university's career services, especially those that focus on law. They often have exclusive access to internships and entry-level positions that aren’t advertised widely. Don’t hesitate to ask for help!
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find openings that excite you, like roles at Buchanan, apply directly through their website. This often shows your genuine interest and can speed up the process compared to generic application sites. Let's get you noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Leveraged Finance Associate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for an entry-level role in legal law services, make sure to highlight any relevant coursework or certifications you've completed. Mention any specific areas of law you've studied or written about — this shows we're engaged with the field and can bring fresh ideas to Buchanan.
Tailor Your CV for the Legal Sector:A legal CV should focus heavily on your academic achievements, including your grades if they're strong. Don't forget to list any internships, volunteer roles, or relevant extracurricular activities. This is our chance to showcase how eager we are to learn and contribute to Buchanan!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, it's important to convey not only your qualifications but also your passion for law. Tell a story about why you're excited about this field and what draws you to this specific role at Buchanan. We're looking for personality as much as for qualifications!
Proof of Legal Skills:If you've done any legal writing, such as articles, blogs, or even school papers, consider including links or attachments to these works. It's a great way to demonstrate your writing and research skills, which are crucial in the legal world. We're all about showing, not just telling, at Buchanan!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buchanan
✨Brush Up on Legal Terminology
As we dive into legal law services, it’s key to be familiar with industry-specific jargon. Make sure to review terms like 'tort', 'contract', and 'statute'. This shows you’re not just sitting on the sidelines but are genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Highlight Your Research Skills
Legal roles heavily rely on research capabilities. During the interview, be ready to illustrate how you've utilised research methods in your studies or previous internships. It’s all about showing you can dig deep when it comes to case law or statutes!
✨Know Your Ethical Guidelines
Ethics are a huge part of the legal industry. Be prepared for questions about ethical dilemmas or professional responsibility. Familiarise yourself with codes of conduct relevant to the role so you can demonstrate your understanding during the chat with Buchanan.
✨Emphasise Eagerness to Learn
Since this is an entry-level role, your motivation and learning potential should shine through. Share specific examples of what you hope to gain from this role at Buchanan and how you plan to grow in the legal field.
