Public Finance Associate

Job Description:

A highly regarded Am Law 200 law firm with a nationally recognized public finance practice, is seeking a Public Finance Associate with a minimum of two years of relevant experience to join its team in Boston, Hartford, New York City, Philadelphia, Stamford, or Washington, DC.

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a sophisticated and collaborative practice representing governmental entities, underwriters, institutional investors, nonprofit organizations, lenders, and other major participants in the public finance market. The position offers significant client contact, meaningful responsibility, and the opportunity to work on complex, high-profile transactions that directly impact communities and public infrastructure projects nationwide.

The practice has a longstanding reputation in the municipal finance space and regularly serves as bond counsel and underwriters' counsel on a broad range of transactions. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work on debt issuances, restructurings, and other municipal bond matters, with a particular emphasis on affordable housing, student housing, and workforce housing projects.

Responsibilities Include:

• Assisting with the structuring and execution of public finance transactions
• Serving as bond counsel and supporting debt issuance and restructuring matters
• Drafting and reviewing transaction documents
• Managing deal processes and coordinating with transaction participants
• Working directly with governmental issuers, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, and developers
• Developing strong client-facing, analytical, and transactional skills within a collaborative team environment

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience involving state and local government transactions or public finance matters
• Experience with municipal bonds and bond transaction structuring strongly preferred
• Strong academic credentials and excellent writing, research, analytical, and communication skills
• Demonstrated understanding of financial and transactional concepts
• Prior experience in banking, lending, or consumer finance is a plus
• Admission in the state of the candidate's primary office location is required

Why This Opportunity Stands Out:

• Nationally respected public finance platform with sophisticated, high-impact work
• Hybrid work arrangement with approximately 2-3 in-office days per week
• Direct access to experienced partners and strong mentorship opportunities
• Formal associate integration and mentoring program
• Collaborative and collegial culture emphasizing professional development and long-term growth
• Billable goal of 1,800 hours, including credit for qualifying pro bono and approved DEI activities
• Strong commitment to attorney wellness, inclusion, and workplace flexibility
• Recognized nationally for firm culture, innovation, diversity, wellness, and integration initiatives

Compensation & Benefits:

The target base salary range for this position in New York, Massachusetts, and Washington, DC is approximately $190,000 to $217,500, depending on experience, class year, and overall qualifications.

The firm also offers a highly competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Generous parental leave
• 401(k) plan
• Pet insurance
• Flexible paid time off
• Additional wellness and lifestyle benefits

For consideration, please provide a resume and law school transcript. A deal sheet and cover letter are appreciated but not required. All applications are confidential and NOT shared with employers without the candidate's permission.

Oak Ridge Legal Search and the clients we work with are equal opportunity employers and provide equal opportunity to qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class in accordance with all applicable laws. If a level of experience is indicated, this is a guideline only and does not preclude applications from candidates with more or less experience.

Required Skills:
• Finance