At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a top-tier team advising on high-profile financial transactions.
- Company: Elite US law firm with a collaborative culture in London.
- Benefits: High responsibility, client exposure, and clear career development.
- Why this job: Work on complex deals in the European high yield market.
- Qualifications: U.S.-qualified lawyer with 1-4 years’ PQE and French proficiency.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are working with a leading elite US law firm on an exciting opportunity within its highly regarded High Yield & Leveraged Finance team in London. This is a standout role for a U.S.-qualified associate (1–4 PQE) looking to work on some of the most complex and high-profile transactions in the European market.
The Opportunity
- You’ll join a market-leading team advising sponsors, corporates, investment banks and alternative capital providers on:
- High yield bond offerings (Rule 144A / Reg S)
- Cross-border leveraged finance transactions
- Bank/bond and hybrid structures (TLB, unitranche, mezzanine, etc.)
- Liability management and restructuring matters
The team is known for its integrated US/UK offering, collaborative culture, and exposure to cutting-edge, international deals.
What they’re looking for
- U.S.-qualified lawyer
- 1–4 years’ PQE in capital markets, finance or M&A
- Professional working proficiency in French (essential)
- Strong technical and drafting skills
- Commercial mindset and ability to operate in lean deal teams
Why consider this?
- Work at the forefront of the European high yield market
- High level of responsibility and client exposure early on
- Genuinely collaborative and high-performing team
- Clear development trajectory within a top-tier platform
If this might be of interest, feel free to get in touch for a confidential discussion.
US Associate (High Yield) - French speaker - 1-4PQE in City of London employer: Rutherford
Contact Detail:
Rutherford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land US Associate (High Yield) - French speaker - 1-4PQE in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in capital markets or finance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and recent market trends. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and ensure you shine during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your French language skills! If you're applying for roles that require proficiency in French, make sure to highlight this in conversations and interviews. It could be the key differentiator that sets you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting opportunities, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace US Associate (High Yield) - French speaker - 1-4PQE in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in capital markets, finance, or M&A. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant PQE and any standout transactions you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about this opportunity and how your background makes you a perfect fit for the High Yield & Leveraged Finance team. Remember, we love a bit of personality!
Show Off Your French Skills: Since professional working proficiency in French is essential, make sure to mention any relevant experiences where you’ve used your language skills. Whether it’s drafting documents or negotiating deals, we want to see how you can bring that bilingual edge to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rutherford
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of high yield bonds and leveraged finance. Familiarise yourself with recent transactions in the European market, especially those involving cross-border deals. This will show that you're not just a qualified lawyer but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Show Off Your French
Since a professional working proficiency in French is essential, practice speaking and writing in French before the interview. Be ready to discuss complex legal concepts in French, as this will demonstrate your fluency and ability to operate in an international environment.
✨Highlight Your Team Spirit
This role emphasises a collaborative culture, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams. Discuss your experiences in lean deal teams and how you contributed to achieving common goals, showcasing your commercial mindset.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the firm's approach to high yield transactions and their integrated US/UK offering. This not only shows your interest in the firm but also your understanding of the complexities involved in the role. It’s a great way to engage with your interviewers and leave a lasting impression.