Paul Hastings
London·Los Angeles
Leveraged finance·Private equity·Capital markets
Since the 2010s, Paul Hastings has deliberately recruited top lateral talent to dominate leveraged finance and private equity work, climbing the European rankings faster than almost any competitor.
Why this firm
Built a top leveraged finance practice through lateral hires
Ranked #1 lead bank legal counsel in Debtwire's 1H26 North America leveraged loan rankings ($136.4bn across 137 deals), built by adding 11 lateral partners in London in just the past six months
A genuinely hands-on, learn-by-doing training style rather than heavily structured formal sessions
Founded in Los Angeles in 1951, and didn't open its London office until 1997: a relatively recent, deliberate entry into the market it now dominates in leveraged finance
What this firm looks for
Drawn from Paul Hastings's own recruitment materials
Based on the firm's published recruitment materials, graduate recruitment commentary and stated values.
Collective over individual success
The firm's own careers messaging states people never thrive as individuals at Paul Hastings, only when they advance the common interest, an explicit anti-individualist framing of teamwork.
Personable with humility
Managing director of talent Yvette Croucher is quoted saying the firm looks for people who are confident, get on with people easily, are personable and enthusiastic, with a good splash of humility.
Entrepreneurial culture fit
Croucher describes Paul Hastings as a very entrepreneurial firm that takes a holistic approach to hiring, encouraging applications even from candidates without top grades.
Past applications
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