Corporate Sponsor Finance Associate | Chicago | Am Law 100 ranked

Watts & Associates is working discreetly with a highly regarded Am Law 100 ranked international law firm seeking a 3rd to 5th year Corporate Sponsor Finance Associate to join its Chicago, Illinois office on a hybrid basis.

This is a strong opportunity for a finance focused associate who enjoys sophisticated, deal driven work and wants consistent exposure to sponsor side and lender side matters in a busy corporate finance practice.

The firm offers a well established national and international platform with a collaborative, partner accessible culture and a meaningful presence in Chicago. The team is known for working closely with clients and for providing associates with real responsibility as they progress.

The Opportunity

The role focuses on sponsor finance and complex financing transactions, including acquisition financings, leveraged buyouts, refinancings, incremental facilities, and bespoke credit structures. You will represent private equity sponsors, borrowers, private credit funds, alternative lenders, and banks across a range of credit products and deal structures.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The firm is seeking a 3rd to 5th year Corporate Sponsor Finance Associate with:

• 3 to 5 years of sponsor finance or complex financing transaction experience
• Experience advising one or more of private equity sponsors, borrowers, private credit funds, alternative lenders, or banks
• Strong drafting and negotiation experience with credit agreements and related financing documentation
• Illinois Bar admission in good standing
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid schedule with four days per week in the office

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Associates in this practice gain high quality deal exposure and the chance to develop sponsor finance judgment through direct partner interaction and hands on responsibility. The Chicago platform offers visibility within the broader firm, with a steady flow of sophisticated financing work and a team oriented environment.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this role is $235,000 to $365,000, depending on class year, experience and other relevant factors.

Relevant search terms: sponsor finance, leveraged finance, acquisition financing, leveraged buyout, LBO, private equity, private credit, direct lending, alternative lenders, bank finance, credit agreement, term loan, revolving credit facility, incremental facility, refinancing, senior secured, syndicated loans, unitranche, mezzanine finance, borrower side, lender side, corporate finance, debt finance, finance associate, Chicago corporate, Illinois Bar

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