Private Credit Associate Chicago, IL | Hybrid Am Law

Private Credit Associate

Watts & Associates is working discreetly with a highly regarded Chambers-ranked Am Law 100 global full-service law firm seeking a Private Credit Associate with three to five years of experience to join its Chicago office on a hybrid basis. This opportunity offers sophisticated private credit and leveraged finance work for direct lenders, banks, private equity sponsors and borrowers within a nationally recognized finance platform.

The successful attorney will work closely with experienced partners, take ownership of core transaction work streams and gain exposure to complex financings across the middle market.

• Global Am Law 100 platform

• Chambers-ranked Private Credit and Banking & Finance practices

• More than 60 lawyers dedicated exclusively to private credit

• Advises major direct lenders, banks, sponsors and borrowers

• Deals spanning cash flow, acquisition, unitranche and ABL

• Partner-led culture with early associate responsibility

• Formal mentoring, coaching and lateral integration

• Hybrid working, wellbeing support and paid sabbatical

This is an opportunity to join a market-leading private credit practice offering:

• Complex direct-lending and leveraged-finance transactions

• Acquisition finance, LBOs and recapitalisations

• Ownership of drafting, diligence and closings

• Direct access to leading partners and clients

• Broad lender, sponsor and borrower exposure

• Structured mentoring and technical development

• Clear progression toward senior responsibility

The successful attorney will support and lead private credit and finance matters, including:

• Represent private credit funds, banks and borrowers

• Draft and negotiate core finance and security documents

• Manage diligence, checklists and closing conditions

• Handle cash-flow, acquisition and LBO financings

• Advise on amendments, refinancings and add-ons

• Collaborate with corporate, tax and restructuring teams

• Coordinate clients, counter parties and local counsel

• Resolve issues with practical, commercial judgement

• Support ABL, workouts and restructurings
The role offers direct partner and client collaboration, increasing responsibility and ownership of key work streams.

The firm is seeking a Private Credit Associate with:

• Three to five years of private credit or finance experience

• Demonstrated lender-side experience; borrower exposure is a plus

• Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills

• Cash-flow, acquisition, LBO and recapitalisation experience

• Ability to manage multiple deals and demanding deadlines

• Excellent academics and a J.D. from an accredited law school - T14 preferred

• Illinois Bar admission

• Experience from a nationally recognized law firm
ABL, restructuring or workout experience is preferred.

The anticipated base salary range is $225,000-$420,000, depending on class year, experience, qualifications and other relevant factors. The firm also offers bonus eligibility, comprehensive health and insurance benefits, retirement support, paid time off, family-care benefits, professional development, wellbeing resources and pro bono opportunities.