Leveraged Finance Associate (2–5 PQE)

Job description

Leveraged Finance Associate (2–5 PQE)

Location: London

Firm: Leading US Law Firm

Precision. Strategy. Results.

Harkaye Core Talent has been instructed on a premium opportunity for a Leveraged Finance Associate (2–5 PQE) to join the London office of a leading US law firm with a first-class sponsor-side practice.

This role offers exposure to complex, high-value, cross-border transactions within one of the most dynamic leveraged finance platforms in the London market.

The Role

You will advise private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, direct lenders and financial institutions on a broad range of leveraged finance matters, including:

• Sponsor-backed acquisition finance
• Cross-border leveraged financings
• Unitranche and syndicated facilities
• Refinancings and recapitalisations
• Intercreditor arrangements and covenant-lite structures

Associates in this team are given genuine responsibility, direct client contact, and the opportunity to take ownership of transaction workstreams. The environment is fast-paced, commercially driven and highly collaborative.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• 2–5 years’ PQE gained within a recognised leveraged finance practice (Magic Circle, Silver Circle, leading UK or US firm)
• Strong academic background
• Well-developed drafting and negotiation skills
• Experience working on sponsor-led transactions
• Confidence managing transactions with increasing levels of responsibility
• A proactive and commercially focused mindset

Exposure to US-style documentation and cross-border deal execution will be advantageous.

Why This Role?

• Market-leading US compensation structure
• High-quality sponsor-led deal flow
• Significant responsibility earlier in your career
• Close integration with US and European offices
• Clear progression prospects within a growing London platform

This opportunity will suit an ambitious associate who is seeking premium deal exposure, greater autonomy, and the opportunity to build their career within a high-performing international finance practice.

About Harkaye Core Talent

Harkaye Core Talent specialises in strategic legal recruitment across the London and international markets. We work closely with elite law firms to identify exceptional talent and facilitate long-term career progression.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Harkaye Core Talent directly.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

City of London

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

04-03-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English