Senior Associate

Fund Finance Associate / Senior Associate

London | Sponsor-Side Funds | Associate (1–3 PQE) / Senior Associate (5–7 PQE)

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a growing Fund Finance team at a leading international law firm in London. Following a particularly busy year and continued demand across its client base, the team is looking to strengthen its existing capabilities with the addition of talented Associates and Senior Associates.

Working closely with an experienced and highly regarded Partner who co-leads the firm's Funds practice, successful candidates will join a collaborative, commercially focused team advising an impressive portfolio of sponsor-side and lender-side clients across a broad range of fund finance matters.

This is an excellent opportunity for lawyers looking to develop their technical expertise, take on greater responsibility and build meaningful client relationships within a growing practice.

The Team

The Funds team comprises two Partners, three Senior Associates, five Associates and a small trainee cohort. The practice has enjoyed a particularly strong year, advising on more than 30 transactions and working with a broad range of sponsors and leading UK clearing banks and other financial institutions.

The team offers a supportive, partner-led environment in which Associates are encouraged to take ownership of their work, develop direct client relationships and contribute to the wider commercial development of the practice.

The Role

Depending on experience, the successful candidate will:

• Advise on a broad range of fund finance transactions, working with leading sponsors, fund managers and financial institutions.
• Draft and negotiate complex finance documentation and transaction agreements.
• Work closely with Partners and senior team members on significant transactions, with meaningful exposure to clients and deal execution.
• Develop and maintain client relationships, contributing to business development initiatives and the continued growth of the practice.
• Take on increasing responsibility within a close-knit team, with a clear opportunity to develop both technically and commercially.

Candidate Requirements

The team is interested in hearing from candidates at either of the following levels:

Associate (1–3 PQE)

• Experience in fund finance, leveraged finance, real estate finance or structured finance.
• Strong drafting skills and a sound understanding of finance documentation.
• A genuine interest in developing a career in fund finance.

Senior Associate (5–7 PQE)

• Established experience in fund finance or a closely related finance practice.
• Strong technical drafting and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage transactions and take ownership of client matters.
• A commercial mindset and an interest in developing client relationships and contributing to business development.

Candidates from leading international and City firms are of particular interest. Lawyers currently working in-house within a fund or investment platform may also be considered where they have the relevant transactional experience and are interested in returning to private practice.

Direct fund finance experience is advantageous but not essential for candidates with a strong leveraged finance, real estate finance or structured finance background and demonstrable transferable drafting skills.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Partner access and development: Work closely with an approachable, commercially minded Partner who takes an active role in the development of her team.
• Early responsibility: Gain meaningful involvement in transactions, client relationships and business development.
• Quality of work: Advise a broad client base across an active and growing fund finance practice.
• Competitive remuneration: An attractive salary and bonus structure, with bonuses linked to chargeable hours and a discretionary element.
• A growing platform: Join a team investing in its future and offering the opportunity to play a meaningful role in its continued development.

Remuneration and Benefits

The firm's London NQ salary starts at £150,000. Associates benefit from a competitive remuneration package, including a billable-hours bonus and a discretionary bonus.

The annual chargeable-hours target is 1,750, with the bonus structure beginning at 90% of target achievement. Depending on seniority, performance and the applicable bonus arrangements, total bonus potential can be significant.

Interview Process

The anticipated process comprises:

• An initial in-person meeting with the lead Partner, focused on experience, career ambitions and team fit.
• A second-stage interview with the relevant Partners, including a more technical discussion.
• A potential further meeting with HR.

The team is keen to meet strong candidates as soon as possible and is open to conversations with lawyers who may not be actively considering a move but would be interested in learning more about the opportunity.