The Opportunity:
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.
Project Finance in the UK:
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
Contact Detail:
Buchanan Law Recruiting Team