Associate

Skadden’s London finance practice advises financial sponsor and corporate clients on some of the largest, most complex and innovative cross-border financing transactions.  We are consistently recognised as having one of the leading  leveraged and acquisition finance practices, and regularly advise financial sponsors and corporate borrowers on financings across all tiers of the capital structure including syndicated senior and second lien facilities, unitranche / private credit facilities, ABL facilities, Holdco PIK and fund financings.

In addition to leveraged finance, a substantial part of the group's practice comprises infrastructure and real estate finance, restructuring and asset-backed financings. 

The team in London works closely with the finance practices in our other  offices around the world, primarily the US, Germany, France and HK. Integration of teams across all offices is key to providing the high level of service our clients demand.  Few transactions are purely domestic and solid transaction management skills are key to the role.

The team regularly works alongside the high yield practice (e.g. on a bank bridge to a HY exit or the provision of a SSRCF sitting alongside a HYB).  Consequently, members of the London banking team become quickly very knowledgeable about High Yield financing structures and techniques (which increasingly inform the terms of European financings).

The new hire will join a dynamic and fast growing group in London where you will undertake a wide variety of work reflecting the breadth of the group's practice, with a particular focus on leveraged and infrastructure finance.  Working in a team that promotes a high performance, collaborative culture, you will have the chance to work on market leading, high profile, cross-border transactions, advising both financial sponsors and corporate clients from around the world.  You will be regularly exposed to clients from the start and will be encouraged to market to those clients to build the firm's relationship. You will be working with partners who care about your development and career progression.

We are looking for an individual with 1 to 3 years' relevant post qualification experience in the London market (or experience in a similar common law jurisdiction), although those with less or more relevant experience will be considered on their merits.  The successful candidate will have:

• A good understanding of highly leveraged capital structures and leveraged loan products
• An appreciation of how financial sponsors work and familiarity with the different stages of PE transactions
• the confidence to take the lead on the drafting and negotiation of commitment papers and definitive loan and intercreditor documents;
• Preferably – but not essentially – experience in one or both of real estate finance and restructuring
• Complete understanding of English law security
• Experience of managing the closing of transactions and the condition precedent process
• Enthusiasm and an ability to work to demanding timetables for very demanding and clever clients
• Strong client skills and an enthusiasm to develop client relationships and new business opportunities
• A collaborative approach.

We pay generous rates and provide our lawyers with a highly competitive benefits package.  The package includes:

• Discretionary year-end bonus
• Technology allowance
• 22 days holiday and 3 personal days
• Enhanced Family leave
• Private medical insurance
• Permanent health insurance
• Life Insurance
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Gym allowance
• Travel Insurance

Mentoring and Hybrid Working

Associates who join Skadden laterally participate in our mentor program, Skadden Integration+, which specifically focuses on the unique needs experienced attorneys face during professional transitions. 

These efforts, along with our professional development and other Skadden benefits, including a hybrid work model (which remains subject to review), consists of working Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the office (for full-time attorneys), and living proximate to the office, underscores Skadden's long-standing commitment to investing in its people, culture and diversity.

Skadden has a sophisticated training programme that includes both in-house and external seminars and training sessions.  We also pride ourselves on providing our lawyers with "on-the-job" training and constructive "real-time" partner feedback.  The formal training programme includes:

• Regular team meetings
• Regular corporate know-how meetings.
• Weekly and monthly training seminars and workshops for all levels covering legal topics relevant to the firm’s practice areas and skills.  These are presented by partners and associates and external specialists, QC’s and other professionals.
• Live video-links to seminars presented across Skadden’s network of offices.

Pro bono

Skadden strongly encourages its lawyers to assist, through pro bono work, those individuals and groups unable to afford legal services. A number of pro-bono opportunities are also available to our lawyers through our pro-bono programme.  We are affiliated to LawWorks, a registered charity which supplies pro-bono projects to the firm.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental to our success as a global law firm, giving us a wealth of different perspectives from which to address our clients’ most pressing issues across a wide spectrum of industries, geographies and cultures. We strive to develop initiatives at Skadden to specifically address diversity, equity and inclusion goals — including for recruiting, professional development, attorney retention and advancement, and cross-cultural awareness — while also continually inculcating inclusion principles into the fabric of the firm. This includes ensuring that all job applicants are treated fairly regardless of, for example, age, disability, sex, race and sexual orientation as per our Equal Employment Opportunity statement. If you require adjustments to be made during the selection process, please speak to a member of the recruitment team (Nicola Kerley, Attorney Recruiting Manager nicola.kerley@skadden.com).