Structured Credit Associate Attorney

As a Structured Credit Associate Attorney at Direct Counsel, your primary responsibilities will include handling collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), overseeing securitization transactions, and managing asset-based lending, both bilateral and syndicated. You'll collaborate with deal teams on sophisticated finance transactions for leading international investment banks and asset managers, while also taking on significant client contact, making your role essential within the firm.

To be considered for the Structured Credit Associate Attorney role at Direct Counsel, you should have between 2 to 6 years of structured credit or finance experience. Additionally, you must be admitted to practice law and in good standing in the jurisdiction where you're hired. A strong academic background and law firm experience are also vital, along with an entrepreneurial mindset and innovative problem-solving skills.

The compensation for the Structured Credit Associate Attorney position at Direct Counsel varies based on experience and other relevant factors, with a salary range between $235,000 and $390,000 annually. This competitive salary reflects the high standard of work and expertise required in this market-leading structured credit practice.

As a Structured Credit Associate Attorney at Direct Counsel, you'll have the opportunity to work from several vibrant locations, including New York, Washington, D.C., or Los Angeles. This flexibility allows you to choose an environment that suits your lifestyle while engaging in exciting, high-profile transactions.

The Structured Credit practice at Direct Counsel stands out due to its market-leading position, exceptional team dynamics, and the caliber of clients you’ll engage with. Being part of a collaborative and forward-thinking environment means you're not just a cog in the wheel; you'll contribute to high-profile transactions and develop significant relationships with clients and colleagues alike.

At Direct Counsel, a Structured Credit Associate Attorney will find an environment rich with growth opportunities. You’ll gain exposure to complex, high-profile transactions that will refine your legal skills and deepen your understanding of structured credit law. The firm prides itself on supporting career development through mentorship, training, and access to varied client engagements.

During the interview process for the Structured Credit Associate Attorney position at Direct Counsel, candidates can expect a thorough evaluation of their structured credit and finance experience. You'll likely meet with various team members, including partners and associates who will assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the vibrant team dynamic.

When answering this question, detail any specific transactions you've worked on involving collateralized loan obligations. Highlight your role within those transactions, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Discuss any relevant outcomes or skills you've developed that would be beneficial for the Structured Credit Associate Attorney role.

In your response, discuss strategic approaches like effective communication with clients, meticulous attention to detail, and collaboration within team settings. Provide specific examples from your past work that showcase your ability to oversee complex transactions and mitigate risks effectively.

Discuss your approach to staying updated on relevant regulations and compliance standards and your methods for ensuring all aspects of a transaction adhere to legal requirements. Mention how you keep communication open with compliance teams and how that has positively impacted your past projects.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly outline a challenging scenario from your experience. Focus on your proactive response, the skills you utilized to navigate the challenge, and the positive outcome that resulted from your efforts.

Share your thoughts on essential skills such as analytical thinking, negotiation skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication. Relate these skills back to your own experience and provide examples of how you've effectively employed these in your work.

When responding, think of a specific project where you played a key role and describe your contributions. Emphasize how collaboration, support, and innovative ideas led to the project's success, demonstrating the importance of teamwork in structured credit transactions.

Share strategies you use for time management, prioritization, and stress management during tight deadlines. Illustrate with examples where applicable, explaining how these strategies helped you deliver quality work on time without compromising excellence.

Express your insights on current challenges, such as regulatory changes, market volatility, or technological advancements. Show your awareness of industry trends and discuss how you would approach these challenges as a Structured Credit Associate Attorney.

Articulate your enthusiasm for joining Direct Counsel, focusing on the firm's reputation, the caliber of clients, and the collaborative culture. Mention how your career aspirations align with the opportunities that Direct Counsel offers in structured credit law.

Highlight the importance of trust and clear communication in client relationships. Share methodologies you utilize for understanding client needs, fostering connections, and becoming a reliable resource for their legal inquiries or challenges.