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 presence in project finance.
- 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 support for talent development.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ 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, and conferences to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current trends and developments in project finance, particularly in the UK and international markets. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of the firm you're interested in. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and the specific skills that are highly valued in their project finance team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interviews by practising how to articulate your experience with cross-border transactions and your understanding of English law as it pertains to project finance. Be ready to discuss specific examples of your work in this area.
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 skills in drafting and negotiating project finance documentation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the firm's focus areas. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with their needs, demonstrating your ability to contribute to their team.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, including your PQE and any relevant certifications. If you have experience with both sponsor and lender mandates, make sure to mention this as it aligns with the candidate profile they are seeking.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, highlight your ability to work collaboratively in a team and mentor junior colleagues. This is important for fitting into their friendly and supportive culture.
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.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Border Experience
Highlight any experience you have with cross-border transactions, particularly in relation to English law. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed relationships with stakeholders across different jurisdictions.
✨Showcase Your Drafting Skills
Since drafting and negotiating project finance documentation is key for this role, come prepared to discuss your experience with common terms agreements and intercreditor agreements. You might even want to bring along samples of your work to demonstrate your proficiency.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This role involves working closely with various stakeholders, so be sure to convey your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've mentored junior colleagues or contributed to a team environment in previous roles.