Private Credit Associate Chicago, IL | Hybrid Am Law

Private Credit Associate | 3-5 Years | Chicago, IL | Hybrid | $225,000-$420,000 Base + Bonus | Am Law 100

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 recognised 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.

• 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

• 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
• Experience from a nationally recognised 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.

Relevant search terms: private credit associate, finance associate, direct lending attorney, leveraged finance associate, lender-side finance, borrower finance, acquisition finance, cash-flow lending, leveraged buyout financing, recapitalisation, unitranche financing, asset-based lending, credit agreements, security documents, intercreditor agreements, private equity sponsor finance, Chicago attorney jobs, Illinois Bar, Am Law 100, mid-level associate

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