Structured Finance Associate (Clo)

Job description

Allen & Overy is a leading global law firm operating in over thirty countries. We work on some of the most challenging and important deals and disputes and have built a reputation for delivering exceptional legal solutions that help our clients grow, innovate and thrive. Our business teams work hand-in-hand with our lawyers, Consultants and other specialist teams, and are ambitious, driven and leaders in their field. The legal industry is changing, and we're committed to leading that change by putting our people first, embracing new ways of thinking and integrating technology into our everyday work.
We’re on an exciting journey to create an even stronger offering for our clients and our people: In May 2023, we announced our proposed merger with Shearman and Sterling, with the intention of becoming a new global leader named Allen Overy Shearman Sterling, A&O Shearman for short.
With a shared commitment to attracting and retaining the best people and an equal focus on creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace, we’re confident that this merger will further our efforts to leave a better firm for future generations as well as providing our people with exceptional career opportunities along the way.
Once complete, the merger will combine two of the world’s most prestigious law firms, leaders in their respective markets, to create an integrated global elite firm. You can read more about this on our dedicated microsite https://www.announcingaoss.com/.
What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. We provide challenge, support and a place for you to belong. And together we excel, working on meaningful projects of global significance.
Department purpose
The Structured Finance team within the International Capital Markets group is widely recognised as a leader in the markets in which it operates. Legal 500 and Chambers both rank us as a top tier practice and the group regularly wins awards itself and for the deals in which it is involved.
In a rapidly changing legal and regulatory environment, we are considered thought leaders in the market, at the forefront of structuring increasingly complex and innovative transactions. The group has expanded over the past few years and has a positive outlook for future growth. We are regularly engaged in transactions in the UK, across the rest of Europe, the US, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.
Role purpose
We are looking to recruit junior and mid-level transactional lawyers for our Structured Finance practice. We are looking for individuals who are keen to expand and complement their existing skills and experience by working on a range of Structured Finance transactions, involving capital markets, securitisation, derivatives and banking technology.
One of the key parts of the role will involve working in the growing collateralised loan obligation (CLO) market. We are a global practice and market leader working as a single team across Europe and New York to build a truly transatlantic CLO practice. Outside of the CLO area, the role will involve areas such as structured funding (secured or unsecured, and which may be on loan facility, capital markets or derivatives format) and liquidity/capital solutions, which will encourage the development of a broad skillset in the Structured Finance area over time.
Although we are seeking applicants who ideally would have some experience in structured capital markets transactions, the Structured Finance team is made up of lawyers who have previously worked in a wide-range of disciplines and accordingly we welcome applications from those who may currently be based within General Finance, General Capital Markets, and Structured/Project Finance or Real Estate finance. Therefore, previous Structured Finance experience, although desirable, is not a pre-requisite - more important is the ability to demonstrate strong legal, analytical, transaction execution and creative problem-solving skills, as market-specific skills and experience can be developed in the collegial team environment as part of the role. The role will involve considerable responsibility and client contact with outstanding support from a well-developed training and support network.
We can offer you a competitive salary package and unrivalled training and development opportunities along with the support of one of the leading finance practices in the world.
Key relationships

• Structured Finance Partners and Associates
• PSLs and the wider team
• Wider A&O community

Role and responsibilities

• Advise on generally large scale structured financing transactions, acting for deal participants by advising on, structuring, documenting, negotiating and managing the execution of the transactions
• Drafting, reviewing and amending documentation
• Providing strategic guidance to clients
• Managing client expectations and project delivery appropriately
• Business development - development of personal plan, assistance with and implementation of business development campaign
• Legal research

Key requirements

• Qualified lawyer 1-4 PQE
• Self-starter with the desire and ability to continuously acquire, build upon and share knowledge
• Sound experience of operating at associate level within a complex international organisation
• Strong commercial/business acumen with the ability to deliver creative and pragmatic solutions and advice

Who we are looking for

• Strong legal and analytical skills
• Proven prioritisation, organisational and project management skills
• Excellent communication, professionalism and interpersonal skills
• Organised and methodical approach to work
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work within a fast paced environment and meet deadlines
• Positive attitude and style with both clients and fee-earners
• Proactive and confident with a high level of initiative

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of Allen & Overy’s recruitment team who will work with you to provide any reasonable adjustments as required.
We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
At Allen & Overy, we recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services.
Allen & Overy recognises the value of flexible working and embraces hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do however remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together. If you would like additional flexibility we will of course consider this in line with business needs.

Additional information - External

Allen & Overy is a leading global law firm operating in over thirty countries. We work on some of the most challenging and important deals and disputes and have built a reputation for delivering exceptional legal solutions that help our clients grow, innovate and thrive. Our business teams work hand-in-hand with our lawyers, Consultants and other specialist teams, and are ambitious, driven and leaders in their field. The legal industry is changing, and we're committed to leading that change by putting our people first, embracing new ways of thinking and integrating technology into our everyday work.
We’re on an exciting journey to create an even stronger offering for our clients and our people: In May 2023, we announced our proposed merger with Shearman and Sterling, with the intention of becoming a new global leader named Allen Overy Shearman Sterling, A&O Shearman for short.
With a shared commitment to attracting and retaining the best people and an equal focus on creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace, we’re confident that this merger will further our efforts to leave a better firm for future generations as well as providing our people with exceptional career opportunities along the way.
Once complete, the merger will combine two of the world’s most prestigious law firms, leaders in their respective markets, to create an integrated global elite firm. You can read more about this on our dedicated microsite https://www.announcingaoss.com/.
What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. We provide challenge, support and a place for you to belong. And together we excel, working on meaningful projects of global significance.