Legalist is a tech-enabled alternative asset manager that uses proprietary data-driven origination to invest in uncorrelated legal and government-payment assets. Founded out of Y Combinator in 2016, Legalist manages over $1.7 billion for endowments, foundations, and family offices.
We are seeking an experienced private credit originator to source and term sheet lending opportunities for lower middle-market companies. This individual will be responsible for developing new borrower and intermediary relationships, managing the lending process through executed term sheets, and becoming a trusted financing partner within our target markets.
The ideal candidate has an established network of referral sources and borrowers and has demonstrated success originating asset-based, cash flow, or specialty finance transactions in the $5 million to $50 million range.
Responsibilities
- Source new lending opportunities through direct borrower outreach and referral networks.
- Develop relationships with investment banks, commercial banks, private equity sponsors, consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other intermediaries.
- Lead initial borrower discussions and determine strategic fit.
- Structure financing solutions that satisfy borrower needs while meeting fund investment objectives.
- Prepare and negotiate indicative terms, letters of intent, and term sheets.
- Maintain an active pipeline of qualified lending opportunities and provide accurate forecasting.
- Develop long-term relationships that generate repeat business and referrals.
- Work collaboratively with investment professionals to ensure a smooth transition from origination through closing.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience originating commercial lending or private credit transactions.
- Demonstrated history of originating loans in the $5 million to $50 million range.
- Proven ability to execute a high annual volume of term sheets and maintain a robust pipeline.
- Established network of borrower, intermediary, sponsor, and banking relationships.
- Strong understanding of credit structures, collateral, loan documentation, and commercial finance.
- Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with underwriting and portfolio management teams.
Preferred Experience
Experience in one or more of the following:
- Direct lending
- Private credit
- Asset-based lending
- Specialty finance
- Commercial banking
- Structured finance
Skills Required
- 10+ years of experience originating commercial lending or private credit transactions
- History of originating loans in the $5 million to $50 million range
- Proven ability to execute a high annual volume of term sheets and maintain a robust pipeline
- Established network of borrower, intermediary, sponsor, and banking relationships
- Strong understanding of credit structures, collateral, loan documentation, and commercial finance
- Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with underwriting and portfolio management teams
- Direct lending experience
- Private credit experience
- Asset-based lending experience
- Specialty finance experience
- Commercial banking experience
- Structured finance experience
What We Do
Legalist is an institutional alternative asset management firm. The firm uses data-driven technology to invest in credit assets at scale. Legalist combines proprietary sourcing technology with rigorous underwriting expertise to generate risk-adjusted returns for its clients.
