Corporate Debt Lawyer - Managing Associate - 5PQE+, LondonPURPOSE OF THE ROLE
*As part of our AG2030 growth strategy, we are growing our established Corporate Debt practice to appoint a Managing Associate to be at the forefront of complex financial transactions, advising leading banks, financial institutions, and corporate borrowers and lenders on the structuring, negotiation, and execution of debt finance deals.

*This dynamic role offers the opportunity to work on high-value matters across a range of sectors, from syndicated lending and acquisition finance to refinancing and restructuring. You will play a pivotal part in helping clients navigate the evolving financial landscape, mitigate risk, and achieve their strategic objectives, all while developing your expertise in a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environment. If you thrive on challenge, collaboration, and making a tangible impact in the world of finance, this is the role for you.

*Strong drafting underpins the integrity and reliability of the transaction, safeguarding the client’s position and supporting successful outcomes, and as a Managing Associate you will play a key role in setting and maintaining standards for the wider team whilst working with a sophisticated and interesting client base.

*As an MA, you will be the conduit between the Partners and more junior fee earners, helping to resolve any issues, motivating those around you and acting a role model in terms of attitude, commitment and inclusive behaviour.

THE TEAM
*Our finance group has a strong (and growing) City presence and market-leading teams across the rest of the UK. Additionally, we have a significant presence in Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Poland and the Middle East. In the UK, there are 30 partners and over 85 other lawyers.

*In addition to corporate debt, the wider group includes leveraged finance, funds finance, speciality finance, asset based lending, asset finance, project finance, real estate finance, debt capital markets, social housing finance, social and sustainable finance and structured finance and derivatives.

*Our Corporate Debt team is dedicated to enabling smoother finance transactions for both borrowers and lenders. With over fifty years’ experience, we are trusted by hundreds of financial institutions and companies each year to structure, document, and deliver global funding solutions for corporates.

*As main panel appointees for a wide range of lenders, we structure debt facilities every day, equipping us with the expertise to streamline transactions, anticipate lender policies, overcome hurdles, and find structures that work for all parties. Our team delivers both straightforward and bespoke lending structures, combining bank debt, bonds, private placements, and other innovative solutions to make transactions viable.

*We routinely advise on evolving ESG requirements, the availability of funding, and structures to incentivise corporates. Our guidance covers a myriad of factors and risks that can influence funding, from national security considerations and sanctions to defined pension schemes. Above all, we promise excellent service, minimal friction, and a single-minded focus: helping companies fund the next stage of their journey and enabling lenders to support that growth.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS ROLE
*Structuring and Documenting Finance Transactions: Accurate and advanced drafting is a key element of this role. Advising borrowers and lenders on the structuring, negotiation, and documentation of debt facilities, including bank loans, bonds, private placements, and bespoke lending solutions.

*Panel Appointments and Lender Relationships: Acting as main panel appointees for a range of lenders, which involves regular engagement with lender policies, positions, and requirements, and anticipating issues to streamline transactions.

*Risk Management and Regulatory Guidance: Guiding clients through complex factors and risks that can influence funding, such as national security considerations, sanctions, and pension scheme issues.

*Cross-Border and Multi-Jurisdictional Transactions: Coordinating and delivering finance transactions that span multiple jurisdictions, working with international networks to ensure seamless execution.

*Team Training: Supporting and mentoring more junior team members, sharing knowledge and initiating positive change and helping others to develop to the best that they can be. Sharing your network with others and using your relationships to build business opportunities for the team and firm.

*Business Development: Support and initiate activities to win new business and clients for the team and firm, representing the firm confidently in pitches and external presentations. You will build strong rapport with clients to foster relationships based on trust.

*Continuous self-development is highly valued. You will be encouraged to participate in formal training programmes (whether technical or skills-based) and to take advantage of mentoring, coaching, and leadership development opportunities available to you.

YOUR AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE
*Qualified Solicitor with a minimum of 5yrsPQE and demonstrable experience in corporate debt finance transactions, acting for lenders and/or borrowers, ideally within a leading law firm.

*Strong technical knowledge of facility agreements, security documents, intercreditor agreements, and related finance documentation.

*Proven ability to draft clear, precise, and commercially robust legal documents, with meticulous attention to detail and an understanding of how drafting choices impact risk and enforceability.

*Experience in negotiating and amending complex finance documents to reflect commercial terms and protect client interests.

*Ability to identify and address potential ambiguities or inconsistencies in documentation, ensuring clarity and minimising the risk of dispute.

*Familiarity with market-standard documentation (e.g. LMA) and the ability to tailor drafting to bespoke structures and client requirements.

*Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex drafting points to clients and colleagues.

*Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple transactions and deadlines simultaneously.

*Commitment to continuous improvement and staying up to date with developments in finance law, regulation, and market practice.

*Collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team and contribute to knowledge sharing and best practice in drafting. Ability to coach, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to more junior team members, supporting their professional development...