At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Banking & Finance team to advise on exciting mid-market financing deals.
- Company: Gowling WLG, a top-tier global law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, generous leave, private medical insurance, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and offers excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in diverse sectors while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Lawyer with 3-10 years PQE and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About The Team
Our Banking & Finance team advises on a wide range of UK and international mid-market financing deals. We work across sectors including renewable energy, infrastructure, mining, housing, financial services, private equity, tech, healthcare, retail, and aerospace—handling acquisition finance, corporate lending, asset / receivables finance, project finance, derivatives, and debt capital markets. As part of a global, sector-focused law firm, we offer a fully integrated advisory service, collaborating closely with colleagues across practice areas and jurisdictions to deliver seamless, commercial solutions. Our team also works hand-in-hand with our top-tier restructuring and insolvency and pensions practices, offering exposure to both performing and distressed lending. With 18 lawyers across Birmingham and London, we’re known for our pragmatic, partner-led approach and “magic circle quality with a personal touch.” Clients value our market insight, responsiveness, and commitment to excellence. We invest in our people—offering early client exposure, strong business development support, and a robust training programme led by two senior professional support lawyers.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
This is a non-contentious general Banking role covering one or ideally more of the above areas. Reporting directly to the Banking & Finance Partners you will be a key member within this close-knit team.
You will have a broad diet of work crossing the above areas, including:
- Acting for banks, borrowers and private equity houses on banking matters, both mid market and investment grade, syndicated and bilateral.
- Drafting and negotiating loan facility (senior and mezzanine), security, intercreditor and ancillary documents.
- Preparing facility documentation, negotiating and advising on leveraged acquisition finance transactions.
- Advising on corporate lending transactions (acting for both lenders & borrowers).
- Drafting and advising on asset-backed/receivables finance transactions.
- Drafting and negotiating project finance documentation.
- Advising on cross-border transactions including managing overseas legal counsel and negotiating legal opinions.
- Advising on ISDA and other hedging and credit support documentation.
- Drafting and negotiating documents and advising in connections with structuring matters.
- Advising on general banking matters and working closely with other parts of the firm, such as corporate, real estate, pensions and construction.
About you
We are looking for a qualified Lawyer to join the team at 3 - 10 PQE level. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills as you will be a key ambassador for Gowling WLG. Clear understanding of the commercial issues involved in finance transactions, experience of running high value transactions with minimal partner supervision and negotiating key documents on behalf of clients. An individual who is self-motivated, proactive, and collaborative individual that strives to deliver solutions to the highest quality and exhibits an exceptional attention to detail. Your actions should inspire confidence in clients, partners and peers alike. Business development is a key part of the role, therefore establishing, developing and maintaining client relationships with and obtaining instructions from identified target and existing clients will be expected.
What We Can Offer You:
Gowling WLG has been recognised as one of best places to work in the UK and has been ranked by Great Place to Work® for 26 consecutive years. Excellent benefits, including:
- A hybrid approach to office and remote working.
- Generous annual leave, with the option to buy up to a week's extra annual leave.
- Free private medical insurance, and the option to add family members.
- A generous pension allowance.
- Life assurance covering four times your annual salary.
- Maternity, paternity and adoption leave schemes.
- A range of health and wellbeing programmes.
- State of the art offices, in the heart of Birmingham City Centre and London overlooking Tower Bridge both with onsite restaurants.
- Opportunities to flourish in your role through training and personal development.
Many of our people work flexibly in some way. If you would like to explore your own flexible working arrangements with us, we are happy to discuss this during the recruitment process.
Equal Opportunities:
Gowling WLG is committed both to promoting equality and diversity in the firm and to Equal Opportunities in employment. The firm believes in equality of opportunity regardless of race or racial group (including colour, nationality, ethnicity, national origins), religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender re-assignment and gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy, maternity and paternity. This also includes any incidents of perceptive or associative discrimination and harassment. At Gowling WLG we seek to attract and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures, to create an exciting and rewarding place to work. Our aim is to fulfil everyone's potential and together to achieve personal and business goals. Any offers we make will be conditional subject to clearance by the SRA, evidence of eligibility to work in the UK and DBS clearance.
If you have any queries in relation to this position or would like to see a full job description please contact Nana Panti-Amoa - nana.panti-amoa@uk.gowlingwlg.com
Senior / Principal Associate – Banking & Finance (London / Birmingham) employer: Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG is an exceptional employer located in Birmingham, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, the firm provides numerous growth opportunities and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive culture that values engagement and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in event management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Associate – Banking & Finance (London / Birmingham)
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Gowling WLG. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Principal Associate – Banking & Finance (London / Birmingham)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Gowling WLG.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Gowling WLG's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gowling WLG
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Gowling WLG.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Gowling WLG will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Gowling WLG employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
