Associate - Restructuring & Insolvency in London

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.

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 contingency planning in distressed and near-insolvency situations
• Drafting and negotiating finance, restructuring and insolvency-related documentation
• Supporting transactions involving distressed M&A, liability management exercises and special situations investments
• Advising clients, including boards and stakeholders, on directors’ duties, insolvency risk and creditor strategies
• Conducting due diligence and analysis of capital structures, security packages and creditor positions, including in stressed scenarios
• Supporting complex cross-border and multi-jurisdictional restructurings and insolvency processes
• Working with a broad range of stakeholders, including lenders, investors, insolvency practitioners and corporates, 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.

Recruitment Agencies

We prioritise direct sourcing and referrals, engaging with our preferred agency partners where support is required. Unsolicited CVs submitted without the prior agreement of the recruitment team will not be deemed a valid introduction. Please contact the recruitment team if you have any questions.