Structured Finance Associate (2–5 PQE) – CLO Specialist
Leading US Law Firm – London Office
Department: Leveraged Finance / Structured Credit & CLOs
Reporting to: Structured Finance Partners and Counsel
Overview:
A prestigious US-headquartered law firm with a market-leading Structured Credit & CLO practice is seeking a Structured Finance Associate (2–5 PQE) to join its London team. This is a unique opportunity to work on high-value, cross-border CLO transactions alongside a global team of experts.
The ideal candidate will bring strong transactional experience in Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs), with a solid understanding of the capital markets landscape and direct involvement on both manager-side and arranger-side mandates.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead and manage complex CLO transactions across the full lifecycle: warehousing, new issuance, refinancings, resets, and re-issues.
* Advise clients on regulatory, tax, and compliance matters, including risk retention and ESG-linked CLOs.
* Draft, review, and negotiate core documentation: indentures, management agreements, offering materials, and PMAs.
* Collaborate with investment banks, CLO managers, trustees, rating agencies, and colleagues across the global platform.
* Provide support on related structured finance matters (e.g., ABS, CMBS, RMBS, and leveraged loans).
* Supervise junior team members and coordinate with U.S. and EU counsel.
* Required Qualifications & Experience:
* Qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 2–5 years PQE in a top-tier finance or capital markets team.
* Demonstrable experience in CLO transactions (essential), including new issuance and/or manager-side mandates.
* Technical proficiency in structured finance, DCM, or leveraged finance.
* Knowledge of UK/EU regulatory frameworks relevant to structured credit (risk retention, STS, ESG).
* Strong academic background and proven transactional drafting and negotiation skills.
* Experience in high-performance, deadline-driven legal environments.
* Preferred Attributes:
* Familiarity with U.S. securities law (e.g., Rule 144A / Reg S).
* Cross-border deal experience; international mindset.
* Exposure to CLO managers or buy-side institutions.
* Additional language skills (German, French, Spanish) are a plus but not required.
* What’s on Offer:
* Exposure to market-leading structured credit and CLO transactions.
* Top-of-market U.S. salary and bonus structure.
* High-quality work in a prestigious and international legal environment.
* Supportive, high-performing team culture with opportunities for progression.
Please get in touch with Chloe Zagni for a confidential discussion 020 3885 2099 about the role, or email chloe.zagni@wickerhamilton.com