Banking and Finance Senior Associate

DLA Piper LLP; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper LLP in Manchester is seeking a Senior Associate with 4–7 years' PQE to join its Global Finance Group, focusing on Asset Based Lending. You will work on a broad range of finance transactions and act as lead lawyer on key documents, while collaborating with partners across the UK and internationally.

The ideal candidate will have strong finance expertise, ABL exposure, and excellent client-relations skills, with a willingness to develop cross-border capabilities in a dynamic, global firm.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales (or Commonwealth jurisdiction) with English market exposure.
• 4–7 years' PQE with proven finance experience, including ABL.
• Strong technical skills in finance and familiarity with ABL structures.
• Experience with cross-border transactions is desirable.
• Ability to lead a transaction team and own key documents.
• Excellent communication, client-relations and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Work on a broad range of finance transactions with emphasis on ABL.
• Represent lenders and borrowers in complex ABL transactions.
• Provide international deal exposure and cross-border mandates.
• Draft finance documents including credit agreements and security documents.
• Contribute to business development and client growth.
• Develop specialist sector knowledge across UK and London.
• Lead and supervise junior associates in transactions.

Skills

Finance law

ABL experience

Cross-border deals

Client relations

Team leadership

Education

Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales

Job description

We have an opportunity for a Senior Associate at 4- 7 years' PQE to join DLA Piper's Global Finance Group to be based in our Manchester office, primarily to support the Asset Based Lending team.

Main duties and responsibilities

By joining one of the largest teams of dedicated finance lawyers in the world, you will receive support from Partners devoted to developing and achieving your goals. Candidates will enjoy a uniquely dynamic range of work, acting for borrowers and creditors at all levels of the capital structure. Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Working on a broad range of Finance transactions with an emphasis and focus on ABL but with opportunities to also work on leveraged finance, corporate finance for PLC borrowers, real estate finance and general banking work
• Representing lenders and borrowers in complex ABL transactions
• International deal exposure, advising regularly on cross border mandates alongside DLA Piper colleagues in other offices
• Involvement in drafting a wide range of Finance Documents, including credit agreements, intercreditor agreements and security documents
• Business development activities locally and in London and contributing to client growth
• Opportunities to develop specialist sector knowledge
• Opportunities to work with Finance partners from across the UK, not just in your ‘home’ office
• Potential for client or interoffice secondments

About you

We do not set upper or lower limits of PQE for any of our vacancies. We have however given an indicative PQE as an approximate guide for applicants. Candidates who have between 4 - 7 years' PQE are likely to have the right level of knowledge and have gained the right level of experience needed to be able to successfully undertake this role.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a Solicitor, qualified in England & Wales or a Commonwealth jurisdiction (and if the latter applies, the candidate will have at least 2 years' experience working in the English market)
• Be an experienced finance lawyer with prior exposure to ABL and an interest in developing an ABL practice
• Demonstrate strong technical skills in finance work, and be comfortable with the technical/legal aspects of the most common ABL structures
• Have an international awareness and focus to their work. Experience of multi-jurisdictional transactions would be preferable but is not essential
• Be comfortable acting as the 'lead lawyer' in a transaction team, taking responsibility for the key documents, reporting to the matter partner and supervising junior associates
• Demonstrate good financial hygiene on transactions and understand their role in winning and delivering profitable work
• Be willing to work in areas of Finance outside of ABL and/or outside of their direct experience to become a more rounded finance lawyer
• Be commercially astute and stay current on key legal and business news
• Have excellent skills in communication, client relations, and team-working
• Provide a professional, quality service in a timely manner, and responds effectively to requests from internal and external clients
• Be able to handle multiple priorities, working to sometimes conflicting timescales in a fast-paced and challenging environment
• Be able to build trust and rapport to develop effective relationships, internally and externally
• Be keen to get involved in business development (with the right support from Partners and colleagues)
• Comply with professional standards and all relevant regulatory obligations
• Comply with the firm's systems, policies and procedures in all matters, including compliance, financial systems and time recording.
• Maintain a controlled, objective and flexible approach under pressure
• Be proactive and innovative

The Department

DLA Piper's Global Finance Group is one of the largest dedicated global practices with over 90 offices worldwide. We provide pragmatic and actionable solutions to the most pressing challenges for our clients, and we represent leading investment and commercial banks, credit funds, financial sponsors, public and private companies, and regulatory authorities that actively help shape the market.

Our practice advises on all aspects of financing across a broad range of sectors. Our extensive network allows our clients to tap into the deep resources of our global organisation, taking advantage of our lawyers’ understanding of the particular legal risks and business opportunities that prevail in all major world markets.

Our team advises lenders and borrowers on complex, high value and high-profile financing transactions in the UK and internationally.

The 4-partner Manchester team is ranked Tier 1 in Chambers and Legal 500 and has particular expertise in leveraged finance, asset based lending (ABL), corporate finance for PLC borrowers, asset finance and real estate finance.

Our Finance Group are a close-knit, collegiate team with an emphasis on developing talent and finding opportunities for our Associates to stretch themselves.

About us

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.

Agile Working

We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That’s why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.

Pre-Engagement Screening

In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability, and references from previous employers.

Our hiring approach

Our hiring approach enables us to learn about the professional and person you are, and gives you the opportunity to learn about us. Your recruitment experience can differ depending on the type of role you are interviewing for. You will always meet your direct Line Manager for your role, as well as peers and close collaborators for the position. For some of our roles we may also use assessment tools, practical exercises, and panel presentations. Your Recruitment Business Partner will inform you of the recruitment process at the start of any recruitment process, but please let us know if you have any questions prior to making an application.

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