Job Description

Banking Solicitor / Associate (26 PQE)

Salary: bonus

Location: London

Hybrid working top-tier deal exposure

Why this role

If youre a 26 PQE Banking & Finance Solicitor who wants broader deal exposure earlier responsibility and the chance to build a genuinely commercial practice this is a strong move.

Our client is a well-established UK law firm with a busy Banking & Finance team in London. Youll work on high-quality transactions across corporate lending acquisition finance and real estate finance supported by experienced partners strong knowledge resources and a structured development pathway.

The role

Broad banking work with real responsibility

Youll advise lenders sponsors and borrowers on a wide range of matters including:

• General corporate lending
• Acquisition finance
• Real estate finance (investment development and portfolio work)
• Asset-based lending (ABL)
• Project finance

What youll be doing day-to-day

From the outset you can expect hands-on involvement in:

• Drafting and negotiating facility agreements and ancillary documents
• Working with LMA documentation and broader credit agreements
• Managing transaction timetables conditions precedent and deal deliverables
• Supporting partners on complex matters and taking ownership of discrete workstreams
• Building strong client relationships and contributing to a client-first service

The team

A national platform with strong London presence

The wider Banking & Finance group is a sizeable national team with a strong London hub. The practice acts for a varied client base including:

• Major UK clearing banks
• Specialist lenders (including fund-based and asset-based lenders)
• Private equity houses management teams and debt funds
• Borrowers across the UK Europe and the US

Youll also benefit from a firm-wide investment in technology and knowledge support including:

• Automated drafting tools for leveraged and real estate finance transactions
• Access to senior PSL support
• A structured training programme covering technical and commercial skills

What theyre looking for

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)
• 26 years PQE (or equivalent experience)
• Experience in a Banking & Finance team (or a strong banking seat during training with relevant post-qualification exposure)
• Drafting and negotiation experience including facility agreements and LMA documentation
• Strong commercial judgement and confidence dealing with clients and colleagues
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and stay calm under pressure

Desirable

• Exposure to one or more of: acquisition finance real estate finance ABL leveraged finance
• Experience running smaller transactions (or key workstreams) with appropriate supervision

Working arrangement & location

• London based role
• Hybrid working supported (specific split to be confirmed depending on team requirements)

Salary & benefits

Salary guidance

• (dependent on PQE deal exposure and overall technical strength)

Benefits (indicative)

• Annual bonus (firm and/or individual performance dependent)
• Hybrid working and flexibility where possible
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced pension
• Life assurance
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (often with the option to buy/sell)
• Structured training and mentoring (technical and soft skills)
• Clear progression opportunities within a high-performing national team
• Strong knowledge support and tools to help you work efficiently and develop faster

Interested Lets talk.

If youre a 26 PQE Banking Solicitor and youd like to explore this in confidence please get in touch.

David Hawthorne-Finch Managing Director Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Ltd (H-FTS)

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