At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on high-quality banking transactions and manage client relationships.
- Company: Established UK law firm with a strong Banking & Finance team in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, annual bonus, and extensive leave.
- Other info: Structured training and clear progression opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Gain early responsibility and work on diverse, impactful deals.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 2–6 years’ PQE in Banking & Finance.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 125000 € per year.
Salary: £90,000–£125,000 + bonus
Location: London
Hybrid working + top-tier deal exposure
Why this role? If you’re a 2–6 PQE Banking & Finance Solicitor who wants broader deal exposure, earlier responsibility and the chance to build a genuinely commercial practice, this is a strong move. Our client is a well-established UK law firm with a busy Banking & Finance team in London. You’ll work on high-quality transactions across corporate lending, acquisition finance and real estate finance, supported by experienced partners, strong knowledge resources and a structured development pathway.
The role
Broad banking work with real responsibility. You’ll advise lenders, sponsors and borrowers on a wide range of matters including:
- General corporate lending
- Acquisition finance
- Real estate finance (investment, development and portfolio work)
- Asset-based lending (ABL)
- Project finance
What you’ll be doing day-to-day
From the outset, you can expect hands-on involvement in:
- Drafting and negotiating facility agreements and ancillary documents
- Working with LMA documentation and broader credit agreements
- Managing transaction timetables, conditions precedent and deal deliverables
- Supporting partners on complex matters and taking ownership of discrete workstreams
- Building strong client relationships and contributing to a client-first service
The team
A national platform with strong London presence. The wider Banking & Finance group is a sizeable national team, with a strong London hub. The practice acts for a varied client base including:
- Major UK clearing banks
- Specialist lenders (including fund-based and asset-based lenders)
- Private equity houses, management teams and debt funds
- Borrowers across the UK, Europe and the US
You’ll also benefit from a firm-wide investment in technology and knowledge support, including:
- Automated drafting tools for leveraged and real estate finance transactions
- Access to senior PSL support
- A structured training programme covering technical and commercial skills
What they’re looking for
Essential
- Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)
- 2–6 years’ PQE (or equivalent experience)
- Experience in a Banking & Finance team (or a strong banking seat during training with relevant post-qualification exposure)
- Drafting and negotiation experience including facility agreements and LMA documentation
- Strong commercial judgement and confidence dealing with clients and colleagues
- Ability to manage competing deadlines and stay calm under pressure
Desirable
- Exposure to one or more of: acquisition finance, real estate finance, ABL, leveraged finance
- Experience running smaller transactions (or key workstreams) with appropriate supervision
Working arrangement & location
London based role. Hybrid working supported (specific split to be confirmed depending on team requirements).
Salary & benefits
Salary guidance: £90,000–£125,000 (dependent on PQE, deal exposure and overall technical strength)
Benefits (indicative)
- Annual bonus (firm and/or individual performance dependent)
- Hybrid working and flexibility where possible
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced pension
- Life assurance
- 25+ days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (often with the option to buy/sell)
- Structured training and mentoring (technical and soft skills)
- Clear progression opportunities within a high-performing national team
- Strong knowledge support and tools to help you work efficiently and develop faster
Interested? Let’s talk. If you’re a 2–6 PQE Banking Solicitor and you’d like to explore this in confidence, please get in touch. David Hawthorne-Finch Managing Director, Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Ltd (H-FTS) Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com
Banking Solicitor in Leeds employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
Join a prestigious UK law firm in London, where you will thrive in a dynamic Banking & Finance team that offers exceptional deal exposure and early responsibility. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will benefit from structured training programmes, hybrid working options, and a supportive work culture that prioritises client relationships and professional growth.
Contact Detail:
Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Banking Solicitor in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the banking and finance sector. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its recent deals. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your knowledge of their work and how you can contribute. Practice common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the role. It shows your enthusiasm and professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Banking Solicitor role. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Banking Solicitor in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Banking Solicitor role. Highlight your relevant experience in banking and finance, especially any drafting and negotiation work you've done. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about banking law and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the role. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Commercial Awareness:In your application, demonstrate your understanding of the banking sector and current market trends. We’re keen on candidates who can think commercially and understand the bigger picture, so don’t hold back on sharing your insights!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly. Plus, it shows you're proactive – a quality we admire!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
✨Know Your Banking Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of banking and finance law. Understand key concepts like corporate lending, acquisition finance, and real estate finance. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations, such as managing competing deadlines or negotiating a facility agreement. Think of examples from your past experience that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Client Relationship Skills
Since building strong client relationships is crucial, prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed client interactions in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve contributed to a client-first service, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your enthusiasm for the role and the firm. Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of transactions you’ll be involved in, or how the firm supports professional development. This shows you’re serious about your future there.
