Corporate/Sponsor Finance Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Corporate/Sponsor Finance Associate Attorney (Mid-Level) to join an Am Law firm in Chicago.

Direct Counsel has partnered with a leading international law firm in seeking a mid-level associate to join its Corporate Group on the Sponsor Finance team in Chicago. This is an excellent opportunity to work on complex, high-value financing transactions alongside experienced practitioners representing sophisticated financial sponsors and lenders.

Position Overview:
The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of experience representing private equity sponsors, borrowers, private credit funds, alternative lenders, and banks in complex financing transactions. This role offers significant responsibility and client exposure in a fast-paced, deal-driven practice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Represent private equity sponsors and portfolio companies in acquisition financings and leveraged buyouts

• Advise borrowers, private credit funds, alternative lenders, and banks in a range of financing transactions

• Handle refinancings, incremental facilities, and bespoke credit structures

• Draft, review, and negotiate credit agreements and related financing documentation

• Coordinate deal execution and manage transaction processes from inception through closing

Qualifications:

• 3–5 years of sponsor finance or leveraged finance experience

• Experience representing sponsors, borrowers, and/or lenders in complex financing transactions

• Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills

• Active membership in the Illinois Bar

Compensation:
$235,000 – $365,000 annually, commensurate with experience and other relevant factors.

Benefits:
The firm offers a comprehensive total compensation package, including a 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, health savings account, virtual health services, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, paid family leave, transportation benefits, back-up child care, college savings plan, pet insurance, paid sick time, vacation time, and additional supplemental coverage options.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Direct Counsel for a confidential discussion.