Project Development & Finance Associate | 2-5 PQE | London

We are instructing on behalf of a elite Global US Law Firm to source a high-caliber Leveraged Finance Associate (2-5 PQE) for its market-leading London finance practice.

The Practice

• Advising premier Private Equity Sponsors, Portfolio Companies, and Alternative Credit Funds on complex buyout, carve-out, and public-to-private acquisition financings.
• Structuring, drafting, and negotiating unitranche facilities, senior secured loan agreements, high-yield notes, and intercreditor arrangements.
• Negotiating covenant-lite terms, back-leverage, preferred equity, and complex debt restructurings.
• Managing cross-border execution workstreams and coordinating with local counsel across European and US jurisdictions.

• Experience: 2 to 5 years PQE within a top-tier Magic/Silver Circle or leading US practice in London, with heavy exposure to sponsor-side acquisition finance or direct lending transactions.
• Commercial Mindset: Deep understanding of the commercial trade-offs in sponsor/lender negotiations, debt capital structures, and credit documentation.
• Academics: Outstanding academic track record (minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent).
• Attributes: Sharp drafting skills, high autonomy, and a track record of driving complex transactions from term sheet to closing.

• Elite US Compensation: Market-leading salary on the full US Cravath scale plus performance bonuses.
• Sponsor & Capital Exposure: High-visibility work supporting major PE sponsors and global private credit funds side-by-side.
• Accelerated Growth: Lean staffing ensures associate-level ownership on landmark transactions rather than isolated workstreams.

We are acting for a premier global US law firm seeking a mid-level Associate to join its elite London Corporate practice. The team is market-leading in the Life Sciences, Biotech, and Technology sectors, regularly advising cutting-edge biopharmaceutical companies, growth-stage ventures, and top-tier venture capital investors.

• Venture Capital: Advising VC funds and founders on early-to-late-stage equity financings (Series A through oversubscribed Series D/pre-IPO rounds).
• M&A: Assisting UK and international clients on cross-border public and private M&A and strategic exits.
• Emerging Growth & Biotech Advisory: Counselling biotech and tech spin-outs on formation, recapitalisations, corporate governance, and corporate lifecycle management.
• Capital Markets: Assisting on IPOs, follow-on offerings, and strategic restructuring.

• Qualification: UK-qualified solicitor (2-4 PQE) trained at a top-tier UK, US, or international firm in London.
• Experience: Solid corporate transactions background (M&A/VC) with demonstrable experience in the Biotech, Life Sciences, or Healthcare sectors.
• Skillset: Strong drafting skills, commercial focus, and confidence engaging directly with biopharma founders, management teams, and institutional investors.

• Market-leading US salary scale and bonus structure.
• Lead involvement in landmark, sector-shaping biotech and life sciences transactions.
• Collaborative environment with clear progression prospects.

An elite global law firm is looking to make multiple mid-level hires into its premier Corporate M&A practice in London. These are the team's first lateral hires of the year, driven by a healthy pipeline and continued client demand.

Applicants will ideally be working at a Magic Circle or leading US law firm, with a strong foundation in general M&A, covering both public and private transactions. Candidates with FIG and/or Telecoms experience are also of particular interest.

To be considered, applicants must be E&W qualified, trained in London, and have relevant experience from an elite corporate practice.