At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to advise on complex restructuring and special situations transactions.
- Company: Simmons & Simmons, a dynamic and inclusive global law firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, private medical insurance, and hybrid working model.
- Other info: Vibrant culture with opportunities for professional growth and diverse perspectives.
- Why this job: Gain early responsibility and work on high-profile projects that make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 1-3 years PQE in restructuring and insolvency with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Our Restructuring & Special Situations (RSS) team sits within the wider Banking practice, which operates as a fully integrated global practice acting for banks, funds, asset managers, corporates and governments on complex cross-border transactions. The RSS team provides practical and commercial advice to clients in financially distressed situations, advising across the full lifecycle of restructuring, insolvency and special situations transactions. We advise a wide range of stakeholders, including lenders, investors (including distressed and turnaround funds), corporates, boards, insolvency officeholders and financial advisers.
Our work spans:
- Financial restructurings and workouts (including standstills, debt-for-equity swaps and schemes of arrangement)
- Distressed M&A and asset sales (including pre-pack transactions)
- Special situations and strategic investments (e.g. loan-to-own strategies, NPL portfolios)
- Formal insolvency processes, including administrations, liquidations and receiverships
- Cross-border restructurings and complex multi-stakeholder negotiations
This breadth provides associates with exposure to both transactional and advisory work across distressed and opportunistic scenarios.
The role
We are seeking an ambitious Associate (1–3 PQE) to join our leading RSS team. This is an excellent opportunity for a junior lawyer to gain exposure to complex, high-profile restructuring and special situations mandates, working closely with partners and senior lawyers in a collaborative, international environment. Associates in the team are given early responsibility and play an integral role in transactions and advisory work.
Key responsibilities
You will work as part of a team advising clients on a broad range of restructuring and special situations matters, including:
- Assisting on financial restructurings, workouts and liability management exercises
- Drafting and negotiating finance and restructuring documentation
- Supporting transactions involving distressed debt, special situations lending and restructuring solutions
- Advising clients on directors’ duties, insolvency risk and creditor strategies
- Conducting due diligence and analysis of capital structures, security packages and creditor positions
- Supporting multi-jurisdictional restructurings and cross-border transactions
- Liaising with clients, counterparties and other advisers in fast-paced, time-sensitive situations
- Contributing to client development and business development initiatives
Experience & attributes
- 1–3 years’ PQE gained in a leading City, international or strong regional firm
- Experience in restructuring and insolvency
- Strong exposure to finance documentation and transactional work
- Strong technical and analytical skills
- Excellent drafting and communication skills
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities
- Proactive, ambitious and keen to take on responsibility
Here at Simmons & Simmons, we ensure that everyone’s voice is heard from day one, irrespective of job title, qualification, or background. You’ll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible.
Key Highlights:
- Competitive compensation package, including bonuses, private medical insurance, and pension contribution.
- A global skills academy offering extensive learning opportunities for all employees.
- A hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of three days in-office, subject to role and client needs.
- Integration of traditional legal expertise with innovative Simmons & Simmons Solutions.
- Recognition as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
- Vibrant social and sports committees, as well as art collections featuring renowned artists.
- The introduction of a Strategic Advisory Council to drive strategic initiatives in line with our mission.
Equal opportunities
We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment, offering equal employment opportunities to all applicants irrespective of sex, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, and more. Flexible working arrangements are supported, and we strive to make our roles accessible to all. Our employee networks offer additional support, detailed in our D&I Information booklet provided during the recruitment process. We value diversity and encourage applications from those who are passionate and willing to grow with us, even if not all requirements are met. Your unique experiences and perspectives are welcomed here.
For more information or to apply, please contact our Recruitment Team or visit our career page.
Associate - Restructuring & Special Situations employer: Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where associates are empowered to take on significant responsibilities from day one. With a competitive compensation package, extensive learning opportunities through a global skills academy, and a commitment to diversity and social mobility, employees can thrive in their careers while making a positive impact on clients and society. The London and Bristol locations offer vibrant environments that support both professional growth and personal well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate - Restructuring & Special Situations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people know you’re looking for opportunities, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Associate role in Restructuring & Special Situations. Highlight your relevant experience and skills, and don’t forget to showcase your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to take on the challenges ahead.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate - Restructuring & Special Situations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Associate role in Restructuring & Special Situations. Highlight any relevant experience in restructuring, insolvency, or finance documentation to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about joining our RSS team and how your background makes you a great fit. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since the role involves complex financial restructurings and due diligence, make sure to highlight any analytical projects or experiences you've had. We love seeing how you tackle challenges and find solutions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our careers page. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simmons & Simmons
✨Know Your Restructuring Basics
Make sure you brush up on the fundamentals of restructuring and insolvency. Understand key concepts like financial workouts, distressed M&A, and the roles of various stakeholders. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to demonstrate your analytical abilities. You might be asked to analyse a hypothetical capital structure or discuss how you would approach a distressed situation. Practise articulating your thought process clearly and confidently.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. Think about past experiences where you had to manage competing priorities or work under tight deadlines, and be ready to share those examples.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the team’s recent projects or the firm’s approach to cross-border restructurings. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
