Banking Associate/Senior Associate

Leveraged Finance Associate / Senior Associate - Manchester A leading UK law firm is looking to recruit an Associate or Senior Associate to join its growing Leveraged Finance team in Manchester. This is an excellent opportunity to join a nationally recognised banking practice while playing a key role in building out the Manchester offering. The team operates as one national group, meaning you'll benefit from cross-office collaboration and exposure to complex, high-value transactions, while helping shape the local brand in the North. The Opportunity You'll work across a broad range of matters including: · Leveraged finance transactions · Corporate and sponsor-led financings · Growth lending and venture debt · Drafting and negotiating LMA and non-LMA facility agreements and security documents · Intercreditor arrangements · In-life portfolio work including waivers, resets, restatements and bolt-ons The practice acts for both lenders and borrowers, with particularly strong relationships on the lender side. Clients include major UK clearing banks, alternative lenders and private equity sponsors, alongside national and international mandates. The team is frequently instructed opposite leading London firms on sophisticated transactions, including public-private financings and company-side work. There is a consistent pipeline of work, providing genuine opportunity for early matter responsibility and involvement in business development initiatives. The Team The Manchester team is lean and entrepreneurial, supported by a well-established national banking group. This structure offers the best of both worlds - the platform, client base and technical support of a large firm, combined with the visibility and progression opportunities of a growing regional team. Why Consider This Role? · High-calibre leveraged finance work · Strong exposure to private equity-backed transactions · Genuine opportunity to help grow a regional practice · Reasonable chargeable hours target, supporting work/life balance · Clear progression prospects within a national team The Ideal Candidate · Strong leveraged finance experience (including general banking/cashflow lending) · Experience acting across the full transaction lifecycle · Comfortable liaising with lenders, borrowers, sponsors and intermediaries · Commercially minded and proactive in approach · 2+ PQE (flexible depending on experience)- Associate or Senior Associate level This is a standout opportunity for an ambitious finance lawyer looking to step into a visible role within a high-performing national team, without sacrificing balance. For a confidential discussion, please get in touch.