Private Credit & Direct Lending Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Private Credit & Direct Lending Attorney - Hybrid

Charlotte, NC (Hybrid) | Full-Time | $235,000 - $360,000 + Bonus | Relocation Assistance Available

Join a nationally recognized law firm with a premier Financial Services practice representing private credit funds, direct lenders, institutional investors, and portfolio companies in sophisticated investment transactions. This is an exceptional opportunity for a transactional attorney who enjoys structuring complex debt and equity investments, advising on mergers and acquisitions, and working on high-value financing matters for leading clients.

As an Investment Team Associate, you'll work across private credit, direct lending, structured finance, and equity investments while collaborating with experienced attorneys across Corporate, Finance, and Financial Services practices. This role offers meaningful client interaction, early responsibility, and exposure to sophisticated transactions that will accelerate your professional growth.

Whether you're looking to deepen your experience in investment transactions or expand your practice into private credit and direct lending, you'll join a collaborative team that values mentorship, innovation, and long-term career development.

• Represent private credit funds, direct lenders, institutional investors, and portfolio companies on sophisticated investment transactions.
• Work on complex debt and equity structures, mergers and acquisitions, and financial services transactions.
• Collaborate with nationally respected attorneys across Corporate, Finance, Structured Finance, and Financial Services practices.
• Gain significant client exposure and hands-on responsibility from day one.
• Hybrid work schedule that supports flexibility and collaboration.
• Competitive compensation ranging from $235,000-$360,000 , plus performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings plans, flexible spending accounts, and financial wellness resources.
• Paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and paid holidays.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Wellness and employee assistance programs.
• Bar admission support for eligible candidates.
• Strong mentorship and a clearly defined path for long-term career growth.

• Represent private credit funds, direct lenders, institutional investors, and portfolio companies in sophisticated financing and investment transactions.
• Structure, negotiate, and document debt and equity investment transactions.
• Advise clients on private credit, direct lending, and structured finance matters.
• Lead and support buy-side and sell-side mergers and acquisitions.
• Counsel clients on growth equity, control equity, recapitalizations, restructurings, and exit transactions.
• Draft and negotiate complex financing agreements, investment documents, and commercial contracts.
• Advise portfolio companies on acquisitions, financings, restructurings, and strategic transactions.
• Collaborate with attorneys across Corporate, Finance, Tax, and Regulatory practices to deliver integrated legal solutions.
• Manage multiple high-value transactions while maintaining exceptional client service.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited U.S. law school.
• 2-6 years of transactional legal experience.
• Experience in corporate law, finance, mergers and acquisitions, private credit, lending, or financial services transactions.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple sophisticated transactions in a fast-paced practice.
• Licensed in North Carolina or eligible for admission.

• Graduate of a Top 50 U.S. law school.
• Experience practicing at an Am Law 200 firm.
• Attorneys from highly regarded regional firms handling sophisticated transactional matters are encouraged to apply.
• Experience representing private credit funds, institutional investors, lenders, or portfolio companies.
• Background in structured finance, direct lending, debt finance, or investment transactions.
• Strong academic credentials and demonstrated commitment to transactional practice.

This opportunity is with a highly regarded Southeastern law firm recognized nationally for its sophisticated work in financial services, corporate transactions, banking, private equity, and investment management. The firm represents leading financial institutions, investment funds, Fortune 500 companies, and growing businesses on complex, high-value matters across a broad range of industries.

Attorneys benefit from a collaborative culture that emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and meaningful client interaction. With early responsibility, cross-practice collaboration, and a commitment to long-term career growth, the firm provides an exceptional environment for attorneys seeking to build a successful transactional practice.

Top transactional attorneys are looking for more than sophisticated deal work—they want meaningful client relationships, mentorship, opportunities for advancement, and a collaborative culture where they can continue growing their practice. This opportunity offers all of those advantages, providing exposure to market-leading private credit, direct lending, and investment transactions while supporting long-term professional success in one of the country's strongest financial markets.

Charlotte is one of the nation's premier financial centers and continues to attract major banks, investment firms, private equity sponsors, and corporate headquarters. Its thriving legal and business communities offer outstanding opportunities for attorneys practicing finance, corporate, and investment law.

Outside the office, Charlotte provides an exceptional quality of life with a vibrant Uptown district, award-winning restaurants, breweries, professional sports, performing arts, and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. Residents enjoy access to lakes, greenways, and the Blue Ridge Mountains, along with a lower cost of living than many major metropolitan markets, making Charlotte an outstanding place to build both a career and a life.

• Salary Range: $235,000-$360,000 annually, plus eligibility for performance-based bonuses. Actual compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and overall fit.
• This is a full-time hybrid position based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
• Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.
• Bar admission support may be available where applicable.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable background and bar admission verification.
• The hiring employer is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable federal, North Carolina, or local law.

Reference #: BSS 25-03688