Finance Associate (Transportation & Aviation)

Build a Specialist Career in Aviation, Rail & Esoteric Asset Finance A chambers ranked group with a reputation for excellence; you'll join one of the world's leading transportation and structured finance teams, executing high-value, cross-border financings on aircraft, railcars, ships, and energy infrastructure, gaining the kind of niche, premium expertise that few associates ever build, with a clear and active path to Counsel and Partner. Job Purpose This is a rare opportunity to specialize in one of finance law's most valuable niches: esoteric asset finance. As a Mid-Senior Associate in a market-leading Transportation & Structured Finance group, you'll advise leading banks, lessors, airlines, shipping companies, and infrastructure funds on sophisticated financings secured by tangible, high-value assets. You'll work directly with market-leading partners on deals that define the practice area, building a specialist skill set that commands premium value across the industry. What You'll Do * Structure complex asset-backed financings, including securitisations, structured leasing, and secured lending facilities across aviation, rail, shipping, and energy/digital infrastructure * Advise clients on the most efficient capital-raising strategies using high-value tangible assets * Draft and negotiate loan agreements, operating and leveraged lease agreements, security and collateral documentation, and securities issuance documents * Run transactions end-to-end, coordinating with clients, lenders, and opposing counsel to manage timelines and drive deals to closing * Navigate the ownership, leasing, and cross-border issues unique to esoteric asset classes * Identify and mitigate legal, financial, and regulatory risk, ensuring compliance with securities laws and cross-border financing requirements * Act as a trusted advisor on deal structure, market practice, and risk allocation while building lasting client relationships * Work closely with senior partners on deal execution and contribute to the development of junior team members What You'll Need * Active U.S. bar admission, in good standing * J.D. from an accredited law school * Class years 2020-2024 (mid-to-senior associate level); slightly more senior candidates welcome * Experience at an Am Law-ranked firm * Transactional finance experience in one or more of: structured finance/securitisation, leveraged or acquisition finance, secured lending, securities/capital markets, or aviation/leasing (operating or leveraged) About the Firm This is an Am Law 50 firm with a global reputation as one of the world's leading finance practices, particularly dominant in structured finance, securitisation, and asset-backed transactions. The Transportation & Structured Finance group is widely regarded as a top-tier player in aviation, rail, and shipping finance, handling some of the market's most complex esoteric asset deals for banks, private equity firms, infrastructure funds, airlines, shipping companies, and energy platforms. The group is currently expanding to support growing deal flow. Perks * Flexible 3-2 hybrid working arrangement * Dress as you please, part of a broader culture that prioritizes associate happiness alongside high performance * A collegiate, low-ego team culture with many parents, supporting a more realistic approach to work/life balance Why This Role Matters This is a chance to join one of the world's leading transportation and structured finance teams, working on high-value, complex, cross-border deals in a premium niche few associates get to access. The team has a strong track record of promoting associates to Counsel and Partner, and an upcoming leadership transition creates real long-term upside for those who step up. You'll work directly with senior partners known for hands-on mentorship and a focus on people over ego. The group's culture reflects a genuine focus on associate happiness and wellbeing, even while handling demanding, high-stakes work. As the team scales, there's high internal visibility and real opportunity to build a standout profile in a growing practice. How to Apply If your résumé isn't fully up to date, don't worry, apply using what you have and we can go from there.