Junior Corporate Finance Associate Attorney

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Position Type: Associate (1–3 years)
Practice Area: Corporate Finance / Financial Services

About the Role
Direct Counsel is partnering with a leading Am Law firm to identify a junior associate for its Corporate Finance Group in Chicago. This is an excellent opportunity for a developing attorney to gain hands-on experience working on a wide range of finance transactions within a collaborative and nationally recognized practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the documentation, negotiation, and closing of finance transactions
• Support deals involving asset-based lending, real estate finance, and cash flow loans
• Conduct due diligence and prepare transaction-related documents
• Work closely with lenders, borrowers, and internal deal teams
• Collaborate with senior attorneys on structuring and executing complex transactions

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of legal experience
• Experience representing lenders and/or borrowers in finance transactions is preferred
• Candidates with 1–2 years of general transactional experience are encouraged to apply
• Strong academic credentials
• Excellent drafting and analytical skills
• High attention to detail and strong organizational abilities
• Demonstrated motivation and ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Requirements

• Active membership in the Illinois Bar or eligibility to waive in
• Must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Chicago area prior to start

Compensation & Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $235,000 – $260,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Why Apply
This is a strong opportunity to join a well-established corporate finance team offering meaningful responsibility, hands-on training, and direct exposure to sophisticated transactions. The firm provides a collegial environment, a robust national platform, and clear pathways for long-term professional growth and advancement.