Debt Finance Associate/Senior Associate

Our Debt Finance Group advises leading Irish and international lenders, sponsors, corporates, and private credit lenders on complex financing transactions across the capital structure. The team is widely recognised in the market for structuring and executing innovative deals across acquisition/leveraged finance, investment‑grade and syndicated lending, real estate finance, fund finance, and refinancing.

About the Role

As a Debt Finance Associate, you will play a central role in the execution of loan and security transactions, working closely with partners and senior associates to deliver pragmatic, timely, and high‑quality advice. You will manage discrete workstreams end‑to‑end (drafting, negotiation, due diligence, CP/closing, and post‑completion), contribute to client relationship development, and support knowledge initiatives that enhance consistency and efficiency across the practice.

This role offers significant scope for growth and evolution, and a successful candidate will have the opportunity to broaden their exposure across product types and sectors, taking on increasing responsibility as they develop.

You will

• Advise on Irish law aspects of acquisition and leveraged finance, unitranche/term loan B, revolving credit facilities, investment‑grade and syndicated lending, ABL, and real estate development/investment finance and fund finance.
• Draft, negotiate, and manage LMA‑based facility agreements, security documents (debentures, share charges, mortgages), accession agreements, intercreditor arrangements, and related finance deliverables.
• Lead due diligence on borrower groups and collateral packages, identify key issues, propose solutions, and present findings succinctly to clients and deal teams.
• Own CP and closing workstreams: build and run CP lists, coordinate signings and funds flows, and manage post‑completion deliverables including CRO filings and Land Registry/Registry of Deeds applications.
• Liaise proactively with counterpart counsel, lenders/agents, financial advisers, and internal specialists (Tax, Corporate/M&A, Real Estate, Restructuring).
• Contribute to business development and thought leadership, and support trainees/trainee solicitors through coaching and supervision.
• Use legal technology and GenAI tools responsibly (e.g., document automation, drafting aids), following firm policy and practice group playbooks.

Key Responsibilities

1) Transaction Execution
• Run associate‑level workstreams to deadlines; anticipate issues; escalate early and propose practical solutions.
• Prepare clear issues lists and closing checklists; maintain accurate trackers and status reports for clients and partners.

2) Drafting & Negotiation
• Produce first‑drafts and mark‑ups of finance documents; negotiate with counterparties to agreed commercial positions; ensure consistency across suites.
• Translate commercial objectives into precise legal terms and robust protections.

3) Due Diligence & CP/Closing
• Scope and deliver targeted legal DD; highlight red‑flags and mitigants.
• Manage CP collection, verification and stakeholder sign‑offs; steer signings/funding; complete CRO and Land Registry/Registry of Deeds filings and post‑completion packs.

4) Client Service & Collaboration
• Build strong working relationships with clients and agents; provide responsive, clear, and commercial advice.
• Work seamlessly with cross‑departmental teams on complex or cross‑border mandates.

5) Risk, Compliance & Quality
• Ensure matter conduct complies with confidentiality, privilege, data protection, AML/KYC, and outside counsel guidelines.
• Follow internal SOPs/playbooks; contribute to continuous improvement and knowledge assets.

What Success Looks Like

• On‑time, well‑controlled closings with minimal re‑work and clear post‑completion hygiene.
• High client satisfaction reflected in repeat mandates and positive feedback.
• Consistent document quality and knowledge contribution (precedents, playbooks, clause libraries).
• Proactive collaboration across practice groups and smooth teamwork on multi‑disciplinary matters.

Why Join Us?

• Work on high‑profile Irish and cross‑border finance transactions for market‑leading lenders and sponsors.
• Gain exposure across the product spectrum and develop deep sector knowledge in a collaborative environment.
• Benefit from structured training, partner access, and meaningful career progression.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential
• Qualified solicitor, ideally 2–6 years’ PQE in banking/finance (leveraged, corporate, or real estate finance) within a recognised practice; strong candidates slightly outside this band will be considered.
• Strong academic credentials and excellent analytical, technical, and drafting skills.
• Demonstrable commercial awareness and ability to prioritise effectively under time pressure.
• Confident communicator; comfortable engaging with clients, counterpart counsel, agents, and internal stakeholders.
• Familiarity with LMA documentation, intercreditor frameworks, and typical Irish security/perfection requirements.

Desirable
• Experience across acquisition/leveraged finance, ABL, and real estate finance; exposure to fund finance a plus.
• Experience managing CP/closing workstreams and delivering post‑completion hygiene at scale.
• Comfort with legal tech/GenAI drafting aids and contribution to precedents/playbooks.

Mindset & behaviours
• Pragmatic, hands‑on problem‑solver; calm under pressure; outcome‑focused.
• Collaborative team player with a track record of working effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Curious and growth‑oriented, committed to continuous learning and improving how we deliver for clients.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus structure
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Hybrid working arrangements