Private Credit Finance Associate Attorney / Of Counsel

Job Description

Job DescriptionPrivate Credit Finance Associate Attorney / Of Counsel
Location: New York, NY

Direct Counsel is seeking Private Credit Associates and Of Counsel to join a Chambers-ranked Band 1 private credit practice at a leading U.S. law firm in New York. This opportunity spans junior, mid-level, senior, and Of Counsel roles and is ideal for attorneys with lending-side experience looking to work on sophisticated private credit and leveraged finance transactions.

The Opportunity
The Private Credit team represents a diverse client base, including private credit funds, business development companies (BDCs), banks, financial institutions, and CLOs. Associates and Of Counsel handle direct lending transactions at all levels of the capital stack, ranging from lower-middle market and middle-market transactions to large-cap and syndicated financings.

Junior and mid-level associates (2–7 years) will work on sophisticated lending matters, with opportunities for client interaction, drafting, negotiation, and execution of credit agreements. Senior associates and Of Counsel (7+ years) will focus on complex leveraged finance matters, including acquisition financings and sponsor-backed LBOs, providing strategic advice and leading transaction execution.

The practice operates across multiple market cycles and is recognized for its ability to navigate complex financial and structuring issues, delivering immediate value to clients. Attorneys will collaborate closely with senior partners and receive exposure to high-profile, high-value transactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute and support private credit transactions, including direct lending, syndicated financings, and leveraged finance

• Draft, review, and negotiate loan agreements and related transaction documents

• Advise clients on capital structure, credit arrangements, and market-driven financial issues

• Manage transaction closings and timelines

• Collaborate with partners, senior associates, and clients on complex, high-value matters

• Participate in business development and client-facing activities (associates)

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school

• Admission to the New York State Bar and in good standing required

• 2–7+ years of relevant lending-side law firm experience, including private credit, direct lending, or leveraged finance

• Strong academic credentials and prior law firm experience

• Experience with acquisition financings, sponsor-backed LBOs, or complex credit transactions preferred (particularly for senior/Of Counsel roles)

• Excellent drafting, analytical, and communication skills

Compensation

• Associates (2–7 years): $235,000 – $390,000, commensurate with experience

• Of Counsel (7+ years): $460,000 – $650,000, commensurate with experience

Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and representative deal sheet.

Work Environment

• Collaborative, high-performing private credit practice

• Exposure to marquee clients and sophisticated financing transactions

• Opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, and business development

• Hands-on responsibility for high-value matters across all levels of experience