Lending & Finance Associate

Gould & Ratner LLP•Chicago, IL

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

Gould & Ratner LLP is seeking a mid-level Lending & Finance Associate with 3–7 years of experience to join its Corporate Practice. The firm’s Financial Services Industry Practice represents banking and other financial services clients in complex lending and commercial finance transactions. Matters include secured, mezzanine, and unsecured commercial loans, such as asset-based, revolving, and term loan facilities, and may involve sophisticated clients of all sizes and across industries. The associate will work closely with partners on all aspects of loan and financing transactions, including drafting and negotiating loan, security, ancillary documents, and agreements; conducting due diligence; and managing transactions through closing. The position offers direct client interaction, significant responsibility, mentorship, and business development experience within a collaborative, full-service, mid-sized law firm. The role follows a hybrid in-office/remote arrangement, with attorneys currently required to be in the office 10 days per month.

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, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external clients at all levels.
Self-starter with strong organizational and time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously, both independently and as part of a team.
Must be currently licensed in Illinois or Colorado, licensed in another state with a UBE score qualifying for comity in Illinois or Colorado, eligible to waive in, or willing to sit for an upcoming Illinois or Colorado bar exam.

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.
Experience with venture debt or convertible debt transactions.
Experience assisting with legal opinions in finance transactions.

Responsibilities

Work with partners on all aspects of loan and financing transactions.
Draft and negotiate loan and security documents.
Draft and negotiate ancillary documents and agreements.
Conduct due diligence.
Manage transactions from term sheet through closing.
Handle closing checklists, due diligence and UCC/lien search review, perfection matters, and post-closing deliverables.
Interact directly with clients and participate in business development.