Travers Smith is a leading full-service law firm, with a wealth of experience in its areas of specialisation. The firm has a market-leading reputation for its international expertise in Asset Management, M&A and Dispute Resolution & Investigations. Clients include asset managers across the alternative asset classes (private equity, venture, credit, infrastructure and real estate), publicly listed and private companies, financial institutions, and other business enterprises involved in large and complex UK and cross-border matters, transactions and disputes. Our purpose is to provide the highest quality of service to our clients whilst enabling our people to achieve professional fulfilment in a supportive, inclusive and enjoyable working environment.

Department

Our Finance team includes six sub-practices: Leveraged Finance, Infrastructure Finance, Restructuring and Insolvency, Real Estate Finance, Structured and Specialty Finance and Fund Finance.

We are looking to recruit a 2-5PQE Associate into our Structured and Specialty Finance.

We advise on financing pools of loans and other receivables through specialty finance, securitisation, forward flow, covered loan, portfolio sale and risk retention techniques.

Within these spaces, we cover all asset classes, including mortgage-backed lending (first, second, bridging, buy-to-let, commercial, development, equity release), consumer credit, auto loans and non-performing loans.

The ideal candidate would have substantial securitisation experience (possibly as part of a mixed set of experiences including other structured finance, real estate finance and/or infrastructure finance practice).

There is significant cross-over between our Structured and Specialty Finance group and our Fund Finance group, both in terms of Partner and Associate coverage and in the work we do. The two practices work together in particular on securitised NAV facilities to private equity funds, real estate funds and credit funds (who borrow under ABL facilities). This role would be an opportunity for those looking to get more exposure to Fund Finance work, although this is not a requirement and no previous fund finance experience is required.

What makes working in these sub-practices at Travers Smith different to other firms?

• We are pushing into new types of work for new clients, building out our securitisation and securitised NAV/ABL capabilities in particular. In the past year we have advised on over a dozen securitised NAV facilities and other securitisations, including for first-time originators such as MSP Capital, and ABLs (also known as NAV facilities to credit funds).
• We have a loyal client base who come back to us again and again for a range of work.
• Clients see that we have well-resourced teams that are genuinely partner led, with work spread out and done at the right levels. We take a proactive approach at developing and upskilling team members.
• We deliver excellence across all aspects of the deal. Our work is supported by our market-leading Derivatives & Structured Products group and (for fund-facing deals) Funds group.
• We are entrepreneurial and the candidate will be core to the growth of the practice. For the right person, this is a genuine and rare opportunity to make a real impact by playing a role in the team's development.

The Role

Supporting and working directly with Partners from our Structured & Specialty Finance Group, the (Senior) Associate we are looking for will play a key role in supporting the structuring, negotiation, and documentation of Structured Finance transactions. The sub-practice is considered strategically significant to the wider - and highly ambitious - Finance Group so this is an exciting opportunity for a talented associate to have real impact as the practice grows.

We see this as an opportunity to do premium work in a culture that values work-life balance.

Our firm offers a unique culture, exceptional work quality, and active profile-building opportunities within the industry. The candidate will be encouraged to involve themselves in a variety of business development activity organised and led by the partners, but in addition, all associates in the Finance Group receive 1-1 business development coaching from our embedded BD Manager and are empowered to bring their own ideas and pursue opportunities at their level.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of financing documents including term sheets, facility agreements, security documents and intercreditor agreements (acting for either borrowers or lenders).
• Supervise and mentor more junior associates, trainees and paralegals, delegate tasks appropriately and ensure that work is completed to a high standard.
• Work collaboratively with other practice areas within the firm.
• Instruct and coordinate local counsel on cross-border transactions, drawn from our extensive network of international firms.
• Contribute to business development activity that grows the Finance practice, including building relationships with peers at clients and contacts across sponsors, lenders, and financial intermediaries.
• Manage matters with a disciplined practice, including prompt timesheet submission, adhering to all firm processes, and monitoring WIP against budget and scope, providing regular updates to the Matter Partner.

Personal Specification - Experience, Knowledge & Skills

• An outstanding academic record.
• Qualified Solicitor in a Common Law jurisdiction.
• Demonstrable experience working in a similar role within a Structured Finance team.
• Proven interest and competence in comprehending the evolving nature of finance products and the wider asset management market.
• Competent in drafting and commercially astute.
• Evidence of strong verbal and written communication skills.
• An inquisitive personality with a keen attention to detail.
• Can work both autonomously and within a collegiate environment.
• Resourceful with excellent time management skills.
• A willingness to show commitment and engagement to the firm's culture.

Diversity & Inclusion statement:We value and celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of every individual including differences in gender, ethnicity, disability, faith, and more. We're committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of our clients and communities, where everyone feels empowered, respected, and heard. We actively partner with organisations and networks that champion equality and fairness, ensuring our policies and practices uphold these values.

Accessibility statement: If individuals have any accessibility issues when reviewing this document, please notify a member of the Travers Smith HR team so that the document can be provided in your preferred format, such as large print, audio, or braille.

Support and Adjustments for candidates: We are committed to ensuring that people who are disabled or have a long-term condition are empowered in their identity, valued equally, and listened to. If we can adjust the recruitment process to make it more accessible, please let us know. For further information please visit our website:Recruitment - Support and adjustments for candidates | Travers Smith