Legal Counsel - Business Banking - Bristol

Chadwick Nott; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ethical bank in Bristol seeks a Legal Counsel to support its Business Banking team. This position involves managing legal documentation for commercial lending, collaborating with internal teams and stakeholders. Ideal candidates will be UK-qualified solicitors with experience in banking and finance law, strong drafting skills, and a proactive mindset. A blend of office and home working is offered, along with a competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Friendly and supportive culture

Qualifications

• UK-qualified solicitor with 2-5 years' PQE in banking and finance law.
• Strong experience in drafting and negotiation of documentation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the legal process for bespoke loan documentation.
• Liaise with solicitors, borrowers, and valuers.
• Ensure documentation meets legal and regulatory standards.
• Provide legal guidance to various teams.

Skills

UK-qualified solicitor

Drafting and negotiating commercial lending documentation

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Stakeholder management

Proactive mindset

Education

2-5 years' PQE in banking and finance law

Job description

Overview

Legal Counsel - Business Banking - Bristol. A leading ethical bank is seeking a Legal Counsel to support its Business Banking team. This role centres on managing the legal documentation process for commercial lending from drafting and negotiating facility agreements to overseeing security and ancillary documents. You'll work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure transactions are delivered smoothly, compliantly and on time.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the legal process for bespoke loan documentation, including facility agreements and security packages
• Liaise with panel solicitors, borrowers, surveyors and valuers to manage transactions from start to finish
• Review and advise on title reports, valuations and monitoring surveys
• Ensure all documentation meets legal, regulatory and internal policy standards
• Provide legal guidance to relationship managers, lending operations and credit teams
• Monitor progress, flag bottlenecks and keep stakeholders informed
• Support template and process improvements across Business Banking
• Maintain governance standards and accurate records
• Contribute to panel solicitor performance reviews and procurement processes

What you\'ll bring

• UK-qualified solicitor with 2-5 years\' PQE in banking and finance law
• Strong experience drafting and negotiating commercial lending documentation
• Familiarity with LMA-style agreements and lending structures (desirable)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• High attention to detail and ability to manage a busy workload independently
• Comfortable working cross-functionally and advising on complex issues
• A proactive, collaborative mindset with a focus on ethical outcomes

Based in Bristol with a blend of both office and home working, you can expect a friendly, supportive culture with a competitive salary and array of benefits.

For more information about this role please contact Hannah Somers at Chadwick Nott.

(t) 0117 917 1929
(m) 07435 943574
(e) [e-mail]

At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.