Lending & Finance Associate

Gould & Ratner LLP • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Gould & Ratner LLP is seeking a mid-level Lending & Finance Associate to join its Corporate Practice. The Financial Services Industry Practice advises banking and other financial services clients on complex lending and commercial finance transactions, representing banks, other lenders, and borrowers in secured, mezzanine, and unsecured commercial loans, including asset-based, revolving, and term loan facilities.

The Associate will work closely with partners on loan and financing transactions for sophisticated clients across industries. Work includes drafting and negotiating loan, security, and ancillary documents; conducting due diligence; and managing transactions through closing. The role provides direct client interaction, significant responsibility, mentorship, and business development experience within a collaborative, full-service, mid-sized law firm.

Requirements

• 3–7 years of commercial lending and finance experience representing lenders and/or borrowers in secured and unsecured commercial loan transactions across a range of industries.
• Experience drafting and negotiating credit agreements, promissory notes, security agreements, guaranties, pledge agreements, and related loan documents.
• Working knowledge of asset-based and cash-flow lending; revolving and term loan facilities; and subordination and intercreditor arrangements.
• Ability to manage transactions from term sheet through closing, including closing checklists, due diligence and UCC/lien search review, perfection matters, and post-closing deliverables.
• Strong writing, analytical, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with internal and external clients at all levels.
• Self-starter with strong organizational and time-management skills and ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously, independently and as part of a team.
• Must be licensed in Illinois or Colorado, hold another state license with a UBE score qualifying for comity in Illinois or Colorado, be eligible to waive in, or be willing to sit for an upcoming Illinois or Colorado bar exam. Relocation candidates who meet these requirements are considered.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to loan participations and syndications, multi-lender transactions, and co-lender arrangements.
• Experience with private lenders and other non-institutional lenders, venture debt or convertible debt transactions, or assisting with legal opinions in finance transactions.

Responsibilities

• Work with partners on loan and financing transactions for clients across industries.
• Draft and negotiate loan, security, ancillary documents, and agreements.
• Conduct due diligence, including review of UCC and lien searches.
• Manage transactions from term sheet through closing, including closing checklists, perfection matters, and post-closing deliverables.
• Interact directly with clients and participate in professional and business development.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Healthcare coverage, including medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Life and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) and profit sharing.
• Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave.
• Generous vacation, personal, and sick time allowance.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits.
• Wellness programs, including an in-office gym, massages, and 24/7 telemedicine.
• Emphasis on professional and business development.
• Collegial and collaborative work environment with low turnover.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed