Bankruptcy Associate Attorney (Junior)

Direct Counsel is seeking a Junior Bankruptcy Associate to join a sophisticated restructuring and insolvency practice in Los Angeles. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney with 2–4 years of bankruptcy and restructuring experience who is looking to gain significant responsibility while working on complex Chapter 11 proceedings, out-of-court restructurings, distressed transactions, and insolvency-related litigation.

The ideal candidate will have experience representing debtors, creditors, trustees, and other stakeholders in bankruptcy matters and restructuring transactions across a variety of industries.

Responsibilities

Bankruptcy & Restructuring

• Represent clients in Chapter 11 and other bankruptcy proceedings
• Advise debtors, creditors, trustees, and other interested parties in insolvency matters
• Assist with all phases of bankruptcy cases, including:
  • Case strategy
  • Motion practice
  • Claims analysis
  • Plan confirmation matters
  • Asset sales
  • Court appearances
• Conduct legal research and draft bankruptcy-related pleadings, motions, briefs, and memoranda

Out-of-Court Workouts & Distressed Transactions

• Advise clients on:
  • Loan workouts
  • Debt restructurings
  • Forbearance agreements
  • Out-of-court restructuring transactions
• Assist with assignments for the benefit of creditors (ABCs)
• Support the purchase and sale of distressed assets
• Participate in negotiations involving lenders, borrowers, investors, and other stakeholders

Litigation & Client Counseling

• Support bankruptcy-related litigation and contested matters
• Analyze financial and operational issues affecting distressed businesses
• Work directly with clients to develop practical restructuring solutions
• Coordinate with attorneys across corporate, finance, litigation, real estate, and other practice groups

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active California Bar membership or eligibility to practice in California
• 2–4 years of bankruptcy, restructuring, or insolvency-related experience
• Experience representing:
  • Debtors
  • Creditors
  • Trustees
  • Other stakeholders in bankruptcy proceedings
• Experience with:
  • Chapter 11 proceedings
  • Bankruptcy litigation
  • Loan workouts
  • Restructuring transactions
  • Distressed asset matters
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities
• Ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced environment
• Strong academic credentials

Industries Served

Matters may involve clients across a variety of industries, including:

• Real Estate
• Entertainment & Media
• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Financial Services
• Other distressed and special situations sectors

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $220,000 – $250,000
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Generous paid time off and parental leave
• Employee assistance and wellness programs
• Professional development and business development support
• Formal mentoring and associate training programs

Why This Opportunity

• Work on sophisticated bankruptcy, restructuring, and distressed transaction matters
• Significant client exposure and hands-on responsibility
• Direct mentorship from experienced restructuring attorneys
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial firm culture
• Opportunity to develop expertise across both bankruptcy litigation and transactional restructuring work
• Strong platform for long-term professional growth and advancement

Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and fostering inclusive hiring practices.