CLO Finance Lawyer
5 days ago
City of London
CLO Structured Finance Associates – US Firm London A leading US law firm is undertaking a strategic build-out of its CLO-focused Structured Finance practice in London, following a high-profile lateral partner hire that has significantly enhanced the team’s deal flow and market positioning. With two hires approved, this represents a rare opportunity to join a team in true growth mode, where incoming associates will benefit from immediate exposure, high levels of responsibility, and direct partner access within a specialist and technically demanding area of the market. The practice sits firmly within the structured finance and securitisation space, with a particular emphasis on Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs) one of the most sophisticated and active asset classes within leveraged finance. Lawyers joining the team can expect to work on: • The structuring, establishment, and execution of CLO transactions, acting for arrangers, collateral managers, and investors, • Advising on the full lifecycle of CLOs, including warehousing, issuance, refinancing, and reset transactions, • Drafting and negotiating complex transaction documentation, including indentures, collateral management agreements, and offering materials, • Interfacing with rating agencies, trustees, and other transaction parties, • Navigating multi-jurisdictional elements of transactions, particularly across US and European markets, • Working on bespoke structured products and broader securitisation matters, as the practice continues to evolve This is a highly technical and detail-oriented area, requiring both legal precision and commercial awareness. Associates in the team are deeply embedded in transactions from an early stage and are expected to: • Develop a strong understanding of CLO structures, including tranching, priority of payments, and cash flow mechanics, • Analyse and negotiate waterfall provisions and investor protections, • Work closely with senior lawyers and clients on structuring considerations, balancing legal, regulatory, and commercial drivers, • Manage due diligence processes relating to underlying loan portfolios, • Coordinate with international counsel and stakeholders, reflecting the cross-border nature of the work, • Take increasing ownership of transaction execution, timelines, and client interaction as they progress This is a practice where associates quickly build deep technical expertise, while also gaining exposure to the commercial realities of complex financial products. Candidate Profile The team is currently running a highly targeted search, with a clear preference for candidates who can demonstrate: • Around 2 years’ PQE, • Direct CLO transaction experience (essential at this stage), • Training and experience gained within Magic Circle or Elite US structured finance teams, • A strong grasp of structured finance concepts, securitisation frameworks, and transaction documentation, • The ability to operate effectively within a growing, specialist team environment This is an opportunity to join a rapidly growing CLO platform with immediate deal flow and access to work directly under a high-profile lateral partner bringing significant market momentum. This is also a chance to be a part of a team in build mode, offering greater visibility and faster progression and a clear pathway towards Counsel track for high-performing individuals. Compensation & Structure • Cravath salary scale (top-tier US compensation in London), • Competitive bonus structure, including summer and year-end bonuses, • Potential sign-on bonuses, • Initial meetings with partners, • Follow-up technical and team-focused discussions, • Final stage conversations as required This is a specialist and high-quality opportunity for associates looking to deepen their expertise in CLOs and structured finance within a growing, high-performing team. For those with the right experience, it offers the chance to accelerate technical development, gain real responsibility, and position themselves within a market-leading practice at an early stage of its growth. For a confidential discussion, please feel free to get in touch directly.