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Structured Finance Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Direct Counsel

CLO Finance Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$260K - $365K/yr

CLO Finance Associate Attorney Location: New York (Open to other U.S. office locations including ... Handle CLO and related structured finance transactions. * Work on securitizations , warehouse ...

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All JobsStructured Finance Attorney JobsStructured Finance Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL

Structured Finance Attorney information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.4K

$72.5K

$142.2K

How much do structured finance attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for structured finance attorney in Chicago, IL is $72,492.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $79,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a structured finance attorney?

Structured Finance Attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in the structuring, negotiation, and documentation of complex financial transactions, such as securitizations, asset-backed securities, and other forms of structured products. They advise clients—typically banks, financial institutions, corporations, and investment firms—on regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and transactional matters. Their work often involves coordinating with other legal and financial experts to ensure deals are legally sound and meet business objectives.

What are the typical challenges a structured finance attorney faces when working on complex transactions?

Structured Finance Attorneys often navigate intricate legal documentation and rapidly evolving regulatory environments. One common challenge is coordinating among multiple stakeholders, such as issuers, underwriters, rating agencies, and investors, to ensure all interests and compliance requirements are addressed. Additionally, keeping abreast of industry trends and regulatory changes is crucial, as these can significantly impact deal structures and risk assessments. Success in this role requires strong project management skills, adaptability, and attention to detail to handle tight deal timelines and complex negotiations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a structured finance attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structured Finance Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, active bar membership, and deep knowledge of securities law, capital markets, and financial products. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as experience drafting complex transaction documents and using deal management software, is essential. Exceptional analytical thinking, negotiation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital for effectively structuring sophisticated financial transactions, managing regulatory risks, and ensuring clients’ interests are protected in a dynamic legal environment.

What is the difference between Structured Finance Attorney vs Corporate Finance Attorney?

AspectStructured Finance AttorneyCorporate Finance Attorney
CredentialsJD, bar admission, often specialized certifications in finance lawJD, bar admission, often similar certifications in corporate law
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, financial institutions, corporate legal departmentsLaw firms, corporate legal departments, financial institutions
Industry UsageFinancial services, banking, investment firmsCorporations, investment banks, private equity
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding legal roles in structured finance dealsUnderstanding legal roles in corporate financing

Structured Finance Attorneys focus on legal aspects of complex financial transactions like asset-backed securities, while Corporate Finance Attorneys handle broader corporate funding and mergers. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in overlapping environments, but their specific focus areas differ within the finance industry.

Does structured finance attorney pay well?

Structured finance attorneys typically earn higher salaries compared to general legal roles due to their specialized knowledge in complex financial transactions. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and firm size, with experienced attorneys often earning six-figure incomes or more. Strong analytical skills and understanding of financial instruments are important for success in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Structured Finance Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Structured Finance Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Structured Finance Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Structured Finance Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Structured Finance Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Structured Finance Attorney job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 42% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 57% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,492 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Asset Finance & Securitization Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL

Direct Counsel
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Direct Counselexternal

$260K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Asset Finance & Securitization Associate Attorney
Location: Boston, MA; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Philadelphia, PA; New York, NY

Direct Counsel is seeking an Asset Finance & Securitization Associate Attorney to join the Global Finance practice of a premier Am Law firm in Charlotte, North Carolina. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a nationally recognized structured finance team representing issuers, borrowers, hedge funds, credit funds, banks, underwriters, and other market participants in sophisticated asset finance and securitization transactions.

The ideal candidate will have 3–6 years of large law firm experience in structured finance, asset-backed securitizations, or related finance transactions and an interest in developing innovative financing structures across a wide range of asset classes.

Responsibilities
  • Represent issuers, borrowers, banks, hedge funds, credit funds, underwriters, and other financial institutions in sophisticated asset finance and securitization transactions.
  • Structure, negotiate, and document complex asset-backed financing and sale transactions involving a variety of asset classes.
  • Draft and negotiate transaction documents, financing agreements, securitization documents, and related ancillary agreements.
  • Advise clients on innovative structured finance products, derivatives, and emerging financing structures.
  • Collaborate with attorneys across multiple practice areas to develop creative financing solutions tailored to client objectives.
  • Manage multiple transactions simultaneously while maintaining direct client interaction and delivering exceptional client service.
Qualifications
  • J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
  • 3–6 years of experience in structured finance, securitization, asset finance, or related finance transactions at a large law firm.
  • Experience with asset-backed transactions involving one or more of the following asset classes is preferred:
    • Solar loans
    • Mineral rights
    • Royalties
    • Marketplace loans
    • Credit card receivables
    • Auto loans and leases
    • Mortgages
    • Single-family rental properties
    • Timeshares
    • Trade receivables
  • Excellent drafting, analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage sophisticated transactions in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
  • Active bar admission, or eligibility for admission, in North Carolina or the ability to obtain admission.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Salary: Starting at $260,000, with compensation commensurate with class year and experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement savings, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and relocation assistance for qualified candidates.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a finance attorney seeking to join a top-tier structured finance practice handling cutting-edge asset finance and securitization transactions for leading financial institutions and market participants.