Legal Director Finance (Leeds)

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A major international law firm is seeking an experienced Legal Director for its Finance & Projects team in Leeds. This pivotal position involves leading high-value banking and infrastructure transactions, advising top financial institutions, and nurturing crucial client relationships. With strong emphasis on innovation and career development, this role offers genuine autonomy and the potential for partnership while managing complex, landmark projects in the UK.

Benefits

Competitive salary dependent on experience

Performance-related bonus scheme

Comprehensive pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Access to cutting-edge legal technology

Qualifications

• 8-12 years PQE in banking and finance or project finance.
• Demonstrable track record of managing significant finance transactions.
• Commitment to teamwork and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead on high-value banking and finance transactions.
• Advise on complex infrastructure and energy projects.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships.

Skills

Strong technical expertise in banking and finance law

Outstanding drafting and negotiation skills

Leadership capabilities

Excellent client relationship skills

Strong commercial awareness

Education

Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

Tools

Accounting Software

Financial Report Writing

GAAP

Job description

Job Description

Finance & Projects Legal Director

Salary : Bonus

Location : Leeds Hybrid Working

Lead on Landmark Infrastructure & Banking Deals

An Exceptional Opportunity to Shape Major Transactions

Are you ready to lead on some of the UKs most significant finance and infrastructure projects Our client a major international law firm with 250 years of heritage and a client base spanning over 5000 organisations in more than 100 countries is seeking an experienced Legal Director to join their Finance & Projects team in Leeds.

This is your opportunity to work on landmark deals advise leading financial institutions and corporates and play a pivotal role in transactions that shape the UKs infrastructure and economic landscapeall while enjoying genuine career progression market-leading benefits and a culture that values innovation and collaboration.

About the Firm

Our client is a London-headquartered full-service international law firm recognised for its innovation technical excellence and commitment to delivering outstanding client service. With a global presence and involvement in some of the most high-profile transactions and projects in recent years the firm has established itself as a trusted advisor to FTSE 100 companies major financial institutions and international corporations.

The firms strategic use of AI and technology combined with a collaborative and inclusive culture ensures clients receive cutting-edge legal solutions while lawyers benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional development and work-life balance.

The Finance & Projects Practice

The Finance & Projects team is one of the firms flagship practices advising on complex high-value transactions across banking and finance project finance infrastructure energy and real estate finance. The team has a national and international reputation for handling landmark deals including major infrastructure projects multi-billion-pound financings and innovative financing structures.

Recent highlights include advising on major renewable energy projects large-scale infrastructure developments and significant banking and lending transactions for household-name clients. The Leeds office plays a crucial role in the firms northern powerhouse strategy working closely with colleagues across the UK and internationally to deliver seamless service on complex multi-jurisdictional matters.

The Role

As Legal Director Finance & Projects you will take a leading role in advising clients on sophisticated finance transactions managing complex deals from inception to completion and building strong lasting client relationships. This is a high-profile role offering genuine autonomy exposure to market-leading work and clear progression to partner level.

Your Key Responsibilities

Leading Complex Finance Transactions

Advising on high-value banking and finance transactions including syndicated lending acquisition finance real estate finance and asset-based lending

Managing project finance matters for major infrastructure energy and transport projects

Structuring innovative financing solutions for clients across diverse sectors

Client Relationship Management

Developing and maintaining strong relationships with key clients including banks financial institutions corporates and public sector bodies

Understanding clients business objectives and delivering commercially focused pragmatic legal advice

Acting as trusted advisor on strategic financing matters

Project Finance & Infrastructure

Leading on complex infrastructure and energy projects including PPP / PFI renewable energy and transport infrastructure

Advising on procurement development financing and operational phases of major projects

Working with multidisciplinary teams across construction planning and regulatory matters

Banking & Lending

Advising lenders and borrowers on a full range of banking and finance matters

Drafting and negotiating facility agreements security documents and intercreditor arrangements

Managing relationships with financial institutions and corporate clients

Team Leadership & Development

Supervising and mentoring associate-level lawyers providing technical guidance and career development support

Contributing to the teams technical excellence and knowledge-sharing initiatives

Supporting junior colleagues in developing their skills and confidence

Business Development & Thought Leadership

Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities with existing and prospective clients

Contributing to client seminars publications and thought leadership initiatives

Building your personal profile and reputation in the finance and projects market

Innovation & Technology

Leveraging the firms AI and technology tools to enhance efficiency and client service

Contributing to the development of innovative legal solutions and service delivery models

Essential Requirements

Qualified solicitor in England and Wales with 812 years PQE in banking and finance or project finance

Strong technical expertise in banking and finance law with proven experience advising on complex high-value transactions

Demonstrable track record of managing significant finance transactions from inception to completion

Excellent client relationship skills with experience managing relationships with financial institutions corporates or public sector clients

Outstanding drafting and negotiation skills with the ability to produce high-quality documentation under pressure

Strong commercial awareness and ability to deliver pragmatic business-focused advice

Leadership capabilities with experience supervising and mentoring junior lawyers

Business development skills and a proactive approach to building client relationships and generating new opportunities

Commitment to teamwork and collaboration with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and offices

Highly Desirable

Experience in project finance or infrastructure finance particularly in energy transport or PPP / PFI sectors

Track record of working with FTSE 100 companies major financial institutions or public sector bodies

Experience in real estate finance acquisition finance or asset-based lending

Demonstrable business development achievements including winning new clients or expanding existing relationships

Background in large international law firms with exposure to complex multi-jurisdictional transactions

Experience with innovative financing structures or emerging sectors such as renewable energy or sustainable finance

Involvement in thought leadership activities including publications client seminars or industry events

What Our Client Offers

Financial & Reward

Competitive salary of (dependent on experience)

Performance-related bonus scheme

Comprehensive pension scheme with employer contributions

Life assurance and income protection

Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme

Working Environment & Flexibility

Hybrid working model (minimum 3 days per week in the Leeds office)

Modern collaborative office space in the heart of Leeds

Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance

Supportive inclusive culture that values diversity and wellbeing

Career Development & Progression

Clear pathway to partnership with transparent progression criteria

Comprehensive training programmes and continuous professional development opportunities

Access to cutting-edge legal technology and AI tools to enhance your practice

Opportunities to work on landmark high-profile transactions for leading clients

Secondment opportunities to clients or other offices (UK and international)

Mentoring and coaching support from senior partners and leadership team

Work Quality & Client Exposure

High-value complex transactions across banking finance and infrastructure sectors

Diverse client base including FTSE 100 companies major banks and public sector bodies

Collaborative multidisciplinary approach working with specialists across the firm

National and international reach with opportunities to work on cross-border matters

Culture & Support

Strong emphasis on collaboration innovation and continuous improvement

Active diversity equity and inclusion initiatives with employee networks and support groups

Employee assistance programme with access to wellbeing resources and mental health support

Social and networking events to build relationships across the firm

Pro bono opportunities to contribute to the community and develop your skills

Location & Working Arrangements

This role is based in the firms Leeds office located in the city centre with excellent transport links. The firm operates a hybrid working model requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office to support collaboration client engagement and team development. Flexible working arrangements are available to support work-life balance and the firm is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

How to Apply

If you are an ambitious finance lawyer ready to take the next step in your career and lead on landmark transactions with a leading international law firm we would love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion about this exceptional opportunity please contact :

Lee Hawthorne-Finch

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions

Email :

Please include your CV outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.

Confidentiality Statement : All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Our client is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Applications are welcomed from all qualified candidates regardless of age disability gender identity marriage or civil partnership status pregnancy or maternity race religion or belief sex or sexual orientation.

Required Experience

Director

Key Skills

Accounting Software,Forecasting,Ellucian,Financial Report Writing,GAAP,Accounting,Corporate Finance,Financial Analysis,Financial Modeling,Budgeting,Financial Management,Financial Planning

Employment Type : Full-Time

Vacancy : 1