Associate - Banking & Finance (Non-REF) - 1-3 years PQE

BCL Legal; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international law firm is seeking an Associate in Banking and Finance to manage transactional debt finance work. The role involves drafting complex agreements and coordinating teams. Ideal candidates will be UK qualified solicitors with 1-3 years of experience in debt finance, strong drafting skills, and excellent client management abilities. Benefits include a competitive salary, hybrid working conditions, generous holiday, and a commitment to diversity and professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Hybrid working

25 days annual holiday

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Comprehensive flexible benefits package

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• You will be a UK qualified solicitor with circa 1-3 years' PQE with experience in debt finance work.
• Developing strong drafting skills and ability to handle complex financing structures is essential.
• Good listening and written communication skills are key.

Responsibilities

• Handle a wide range of transactional debt finance work including leveraged/acquisition finance.
• Draft and negotiate complex facility agreements and intercreditor agreements.
• Coordinate trainees on the management of conditions precedent and closing processes.

Skills

Debt finance experience

Strong drafting skills

Commercial acumen

Client-facing skills

Business development skills

Education

UK qualified solicitor

1-3 years' PQE

Job description

Associate - Banking and Finance

Leading international law firm | Non‑real estate finance focus | London | 1‑3 PQE

The firm / team:

• Our client is a global law firm with over 1,250 lawyers, 350+ partners across 27 offices and 17 jurisdictions, serving innovative businesses worldwide.
• The Banking & Finance practice is a substantial team led by 10+ partners, handling a broad spectrum of debt finance work.
• This opportunity sits within the non‑real estate finance division, working alongside a dedicated partner‑led team specialising in transactional lending matters.
• The team advises an impressive client base including private equity sponsors, debt funds, banks and both listed and unlisted corporates.
• This is a collaborative, forward‑thinking practice that values creativity, excellence and continuous learning, with opportunities to shape your own business development initiatives.

The role:

• As an Associate, you will handle a wide range of transactional debt finance work including leveraged/acquisition finance, acting for super senior lenders, and general corporate lending.
• Your work will encompass receivables/asset based lending and loan trading/balance‑sheet transactions across complex and bespoke financing structures.
• The role involves drafting and negotiating complex facility agreements and intercreditor agreements, with strong client‑facing responsibilities.
• You will coordinate trainees on the management of conditions precedent and closing processes, developing your transaction management skills.
• You will perform a lead role in negotiating security documents and gain valuable exposure to all aspects of transaction delivery.
• There are excellent opportunities for business development, both supporting team initiatives and driving forward your own client relationship ideas.
• You will work collaboratively with team members to improve efficiencies and working arrangements across the practice.

About you:

• You will be a UK qualified solicitor with circa 1‑3 years' PQE with experience in debt finance work.
• You should be developing strong drafting skills with the ability to adapt to handle complex and bespoke financing structures.
• Bright with strong technical ability and good commercial acumen are essential attributes.
• Good listening and written communication skills are key, along with proven or potential business development skills and an entrepreneurial attitude.
• You should have a high level of client contact and previous responsibility for client files, demonstrating confidence in client‑facing situations.
• A willingness to learn and continuously develop your skills and standing as a legal professional is essential.
• The role will suit an ambitious, technically strong banking lawyer who is eager to take on greater responsibility and contribute to a dynamic, high‑performing team.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Hybrid working (3 days per week in award‑winning offices, flexibility to work remotely for 2 days)
• 25 days annual holiday plus discretionary December day off, with option to purchase up to 5 additional days
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (up to 26 weeks full pay after one year's service)
• Comprehensive flexible benefits package
• Strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and professional development

To apply for this opportunity or to discuss in confidence, please contact us with your updated CV.