Banking & Finance Lawyer in City of London

We are working with a high-performing global banking and finance team in London that is continuing to grow off the back of an exceptionally strong workflow. While the team has already made a number of successful junior hires, deal flow remains consistently high and there is clear scope to bring in another 2–4 PQE associate, with flexibility to look at candidates from the Class of 2020 to Class of 2023.

This is a team that has grown organically and thoughtfully, and the emphasis is firmly on long-term development rather than short-term headcount. The team is sizeable, with around 20 associates, and is led by a small group of highly respected partners who work extremely closely with one another and with the associate group. Although there is a natural spread of experience, the structure is intentionally non-hierarchical, and the culture is genuinely close-knit. Many of the lawyers have trained together, lateralled together, and progressed together within the team, which creates a strong sense of loyalty and shared purpose.

A particularly striking feature of this group is retention. A large cohort joined from another leading international firm a few years ago, and the vast majority remain at the firm today, having progressed through the ranks. Almost every partner and senior associate is a tangible example of what long-term progression in the team can look like, which is a compelling message for anyone thinking about their next move.

The practice sits at the intersection of large-cap private credit and traditional bank lending, and it is this mix that really differentiates the team from many competitors. Associates gain exposure to both private credit funds and banks, working on complex, high-value financings for top-tier clients. While the work is predominantly lender-side, the team is open-minded when it comes to background, and strong borrower-side experience will also be considered, particularly where candidates show good commercial judgement and deal ownership.

What the partners value most is not the sheer volume of deals but the quality of training and the level of autonomy the associate has had. Associates are expected to take responsibility, run aspects of transactions, and think commercially. Formal training takes place every six weeks within the team, complemented by regular cross-selling and knowledge-sharing with other practice areas, ensuring broad technical development.

Candidate profile:

• 2–4 PQE (Classes of 2020–2023)
• Banking / finance experience from a strong private practice background
• Lender-side experience preferred, but not essential
• Exposure to private credit and/or bank lending highly advantageous
• Comfortable taking ownership of workstreams and liaising with clients
• Commercial, adaptable, and confident working as part of a large, high-performing team

Working Pattern & Compensation:

• Minimum of 3 days per week in the office (with flexibility to be in more)
• Cravath scale
• Discretionary bonus payable on hitting 2,000 hours

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a market-leading banking and private credit team that combines scale, quality, and culture in a way that is genuinely hard to find. The group is busy, ambitious, and very well regarded, with a deep associate bench and an impressive client list. For an associate at the 2–4 PQE level, this role offers exposure to premium work, excellent training, and the chance to be part of a team where progression is proven rather than promised. If you are looking to join a high-functioning platform where people invest in each other and grow together, this is well worth exploring.