At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead project finance deals and advise clients on structuring and risk management.
- Company: Join a leading international law firm with a strong global project finance presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible hybrid work model and clear progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Work on impactful projects in energy and infrastructure while receiving strong mentorship.
- Qualifications: Mid-level to senior associate with 3-8 years' experience in cross-border project finance.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with genuine partner access and investment in talent development.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
A leading international law firm is seeking a mid-level to senior Project Finance Associate to join its thriving London-based practice. This is a strategic growth hire, reflecting continued investment in the team amid a strong pipeline of complex, cross-border mandates particularly in the Energy, Infrastructure, and Natural Resources (EINR) sectors.
The London office plays a central role in the firm’s global project finance offering, advising on landmark transactions across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and emerging markets. This role offers the chance to work on large-scale projects involving public-private partnerships, greenfield infrastructure, renewable energy, oil & gas, transport, and social infrastructure.
The UK continues to be a major hub for international project finance work, particularly in energy transition and infrastructure development. Legal work in this space involves:
- Structuring and negotiating complex finance packages, often involving multilaterals, DFIs, ECAs, and syndicates of commercial lenders
- Advising on security and intercreditor arrangements under English law
- Navigating risk allocation among stakeholders through offtake agreements, EPC/O&M contracts, and concession frameworks
- Supporting on financial close processes, refinancing arrangements, and regulatory risk across multiple jurisdictions
- Acting for both sponsors and lenders, ensuring compliance with international lending standards (e.g. Equator Principles, LMA guidelines)
The team’s practice is full-spectrum and offers the opportunity to act on both sponsor-side and lender-side mandates, spanning the full lifecycle of project development and financing.
Team & Culture:
- Lean, collaborative team with genuine partner access and strong mentorship culture
- Friendly, supportive environment that encourages autonomy and responsibility at all levels
- Flexible hybrid model: 2 days in the office is standard, with an emphasis on results and hours, not presenteeism
- Clear progression opportunities, with ongoing investment in talent development
Candidate Profile:
- Mid-level to senior associate, ideally with 3–8 years’ PQE
- Strong experience in cross-border project finance transactions, ideally with exposure to EINR sectors
- Proficient in drafting and negotiating project finance documentation (e.g. common terms agreements, facility agreements, intercreditor agreements, sponsor support documents)
- Comfortable running workstreams independently and mentoring junior colleagues
- Experience with both sponsor and lender mandates is ideal
- UK-qualified preferred, but internationally qualified candidates with relevant experience in English law-governed transactions are also encouraged to apply
- Strong academic background and a stable, well-regarded firm track record
Key Responsibilities:
- Leading on project finance deals from term sheet to financial close
- Advising clients on deal structuring, risk management, and documentation under English law
- Liaising with local counsel, technical and commercial advisers, and multiple stakeholders across jurisdictions
- Contributing to business development initiatives and maintaining strong client relationships
- Supporting the broader strategic growth of the project finance offering
Project Finance Lawyer employer: Buchanan Law
Contact Detail:
Buchanan Law Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Finance Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the project finance sector, especially those who have experience in the Energy, Infrastructure, and Natural Resources areas. Attend industry events, webinars, or conferences to make connections and learn about potential job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and developments in project finance, particularly in the UK market. Being knowledgeable about current projects and regulatory changes can help you stand out during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of the firm to gain insights into their culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that can be used to tailor your approach when applying.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience in cross-border project finance transactions. Highlight your role in structuring deals, managing risks, and working with various stakeholders to demonstrate your expertise and fit for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Finance Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in project finance, particularly in the Energy, Infrastructure, and Natural Resources sectors. Emphasise your role in cross-border transactions and any specific projects you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the firm's focus areas and how your background aligns with their needs. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle complex finance packages and your familiarity with English law.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in drafting and negotiating project finance documentation. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed workstreams and mentored junior colleagues in previous roles.
Highlight Your Academic Background: Include details about your academic qualifications, especially if you have a strong academic record from a well-regarded institution. If you're UK-qualified or have relevant international experience, make sure to mention this prominently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Buchanan Law
✨Know Your Project Finance Fundamentals
Make sure you have a solid understanding of project finance principles, especially in the Energy, Infrastructure, and Natural Resources sectors. Be prepared to discuss your experience with complex finance packages and how you've navigated risk allocation in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Border Experience
Highlight any previous work on cross-border transactions, particularly those involving public-private partnerships or renewable energy projects. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the complexities of international law and various stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Drafting Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of project finance documentation you've drafted or negotiated. This could include common terms agreements or intercreditor agreements. Showing your proficiency in this area will be crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the firm values a collaborative culture, share examples of how you've worked effectively within a team. Discuss your experience mentoring junior colleagues and how you contribute to a supportive work environment.