Restructuring Associate US Law Firm - London
We are currently working with a highly regarded US law firm in London that is looking to add an NQ - 2 PQE associate to its restructuring practice. This is a genuinely exciting opportunity for someone who is looking to take a clear step forward in their career and join a team that is thriving, busy, and investing for the long term.
The firm is experiencing an exceptional level of workflow and demand, to the point where the team simply cannot keep pace with the volume of matters coming through the door. As a result, this hire is urgent and forms part of a broader plan to grow the practice significantly while continuing to raise the overall quality of the team.
The restructuring team is small, close-knit, and extremely well regarded for the quality of its work. Despite operating at the very top end of the market, the culture is refreshingly grounded. This is not an aggressive or internally competitive environment; instead, the emphasis is on collaboration, mutual respect, and producing excellent work for clients. The firm places huge importance on culture and personality fit. They are looking for someone who is hardworking and ambitious, but also down to earth, modest, and pragmatic. People here are trusted to get on with the job without ego or unnecessary hierarchy, and that approach has led to strong retention over time. In fact, several lawyers have previously left the firm only to return later in their careers, which speaks volumes about the environment and the platform.
Associates in this team are exposed to high-quality, complex restructuring matters from day one. Because the group is lean, there is constant partner contact, early responsibility, and a steep learning curve in the best possible way. Training is practical and hands-on, and junior lawyers are encouraged to develop quickly rather than being siloed or over-supervised.
This role would suit someone who enjoys being busy, wants to be trusted with responsibility early on, and is motivated by the substance of the work rather than rigid structures or titles. Your contribution will be visible, and your development taken seriously.
Candidate Profile
* Newly Qualified – 2 PQE
* E&W Qualified
* Strong training and experience from a top-tier firm (e.g. leading City, Magic Circle, Silver Circle or top US practices)
* A strong work ethic and genuine ambition
* Not overly precious; comfortable rolling up sleeves when needed
* Commercial, personable, and collaborative
Working Pattern
* Hybrid working: 3 days per week in the office
* Target hours: 1,800 per year
Compensation
* Salary:
* NQ: £173,000
* 1 PQE: £175,000
* 2 PQE: £186,000
* Bonus:
* Partial bonus payable from 1,800 hours
* Full bonus at 2,000 hours
* Bonus structure aligned with top US market benchmarks
This is a rare opportunity to join a US restructuring practice at a point of real momentum. The team is exceptionally busy, the quality of work is already established, and there is a clear desire to build something long term rather than simply plug a gap. For a junior associate, the combination of market-leading remuneration, meaningful responsibility, close partner access, and a genuinely supportive culture is hard to find. If you are looking for a role where you can develop quickly, be valued for the work you do, and build a strong foundation for the next stage of your career, this position offers exactly that.