Debt Finance Associate

Stoel Rives LLP is seeking a debt finance associate with 3-5 years of experience to join its Corporate Practice Group in either the Seattle or Portland office.

Our Corporate Team

Our Corporate team consists of over 70 lawyers who focus on all areas of corporate law representing both public and private entities at all stages of formation and growth. Our clients are engaged in energy production and distribution, agribusiness, healthcare, computer technology, life sciences, aerospace technology, timber and forest products, mining, retail and manufacturing. We develop a deep understanding of the strategic objectives of these businesses to enhance our ability to plan and execute transactions for our clients. The variety of industries reflects the diversity of public and private companies launching, growing and operating across our footprint. 

Position Overview

The associate’s area of work will include structuring, negotiating and documenting secured and unsecured debt finance transactions with both traditional financial institutions and private credit entities; sponsor-backed M&A; and common intercreditor and collateral issues in mezzanine, unitranche and split-lien structures. The associate will independently produce client-ready documents, manage project workstreams, and work with others on complex transactions. The associate will work with colleagues across offices and practice groups and directly with clients.

Experience & Skills Needed

Below are the skills and experience necessary for this role. We don’t expect a single person will have all of these; however, if you have many of them and are enthusiastic about developing the others, we encourage you to apply. 

• Experience focused on structuring, negotiating and documenting secured and unsecured debt finance transactions with both traditional financial institutions and private credit entities; sponsor-backed M&A; and common intercreditor and collateral issues in mezzanine, unitranche, and split-lien structures.
• Familiarity with client industries including agribusiness, consumer products, tech, and forest products is helpful.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work successfully within a team through communication and appropriate delegation and supervision.
• Experience exercising business and professional judgment, understanding client goals, and developing practical solutions to meet those goals.
• Demonstrated commitment to client service.
• Evident engagement in business development and civic and professional organizations.
• JD from an accredited university and active membership in or commitment to applying to the Oregon or Washington State Bar.

Hours Expectations & Compensation

The hours expectation for this position is 1,800 billable hours and an “all-in” hours expectation of 2,150. The billable hours expectation includes up to 50 pro bono hours. The all-in hours includes the billable hours expectation as well as any additional billable hours, additional pro bono hours, and investment hours. Investment activities include business development, professional development, mentoring and coaching, recruiting, contributing to the firm’s workplace culture, and civic and community activities.

To be eligible for a bonus, associates must reach or exceed 1,850 billable hours (inclusive of up to 50 pro bono hours) and also meet or exceed the all-in hours expectation.

The base compensation range for this position is $193,000 - $280,000, inclusive of salaries in both the Portland and Seattle markets. Base compensation presented to an individual candidate may vary based on skills, overall experience, and market location.

Developing & Retaining Talent

Stoel Rives places a high priority on attracting, developing, and retaining lawyers and business professionals.

We offer a variety of training programs and retreats addressing practice area topics and skills at all levels, as well as legal and professional skills generally. We have a coaching and mentoring program, and our new lawyer integration program provides new lawyers with the resources and information necessary to succeed after they join the firm. Finally, we have a core competency model which is a roadmap of the practical skills, abilities, and client service techniques needed for long-term success at the firm.

We value lawyers and business professionals who bring to the firm different backgrounds and lived experiences. Our people bring a variety of educational backgrounds, unique career experiences, bodies of knowledge, technical abilities, and community involvement. This variety makes us better at advising and serving our clients and it ensures a positive and supportive workplace for everyone. 

We are proud participants in the ABA Well-Being Pledge, strongly believing that the well-being of our people is paramount to the success of the firm. 

To learn more about the benefits of working as an attorney at Stoel Rives, click here.