At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-level legal advice on diverse banking matters and manage client relationships.
- Company: Join Wedlake Bell, a respected firm with a thriving Banking practice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, health insurance, and wellness initiatives.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing team, working on impactful finance transactions.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor (2-4 PQE) with banking experience and strong client skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Wedlake Bell's highly regarded Banking practice is recruiting an Associate (2-4 PQE) to expand the team and continue to deliver the high standards of service we offer to our clients. This is a full-time, permanent role. Our Banking team advises on a wide range of financing transactions for both lenders and borrowers. Transactions are weighted towards real estate finance but there is a diverse range of work supporting other teams, in particular our corporate and private client teams.
Our clients are equally diverse, ranging from banks and financial institutions, private equity investors, corporate borrowers, and private individuals and entrepreneurs, to name a few. The team is small but growing, led by two former Magic-Circle partners, and supported by a close-knit team of four - Senior Associate, Solicitor, Trainee Solicitor, and a Paralegal.
Joining the team, an Associate can expect a busy but varied workload, working on a range of finance transactions, drafting bespoke documents and agreements, being a key client contact for updates and advice, and project‑managing deals from the banking side. The team's small size lends to the development of team members - you may expect close partner contact and good exposure to clients to advance your own development.
This is an excellent opportunity for a driven Banking Associate (2-4 PQE) to join a thriving practice dealing with a variety of high‑level work, where you will have real opportunities to develop your expertise and professional development. If this sounds interesting, and you have a background in banking work, we encourage you to apply.
Examples of Recent Work
- Acting for Pollen Street Capital, a real estate debt and private equity fund, on a number of borrowing base facilities (in England, Ireland and Spain to date) to support bridge and small development lenders with their liquidity needs.
- Acting for the Yianis Group on their various financings including the Marriott hotel in Canary Wharf, the Hilton hotel in Manchester and various residential investments holdings.
- Acting for the borrowers on a £350M financing in respect of a major City office block and a high performing London supermarket property.
- Acting for a leading pharmacy chain in connection with the group's £115M revolving credit facility provided by a four‑bank club.
Key Responsibilities
- Delivering clear and high‑level legal advice on a range of banking matters;
- Acting as the day‑to‑day contact for advising clients on ongoing or new matters;
- Developing the practice by promoting the firm and its work, both to existing and potential clients.
Key Skills and Qualifications
- Experience working in a leading banking practice, with demonstrable exposure to finance transactions, ideally with experience drafting bespoke financing agreements for banks/other financial institutions and reviewing finance documents when acting on the borrower side;
- Be a qualified Solicitor in England & Wales, ideally 2-4 PQE;
- A clear and developed understanding of banking and finance law and its commercial application;
- Strong client relationship and business‑development skills;
- Strong academic history and ability to 'think outside the box' and analyse;
- A high level of professionalism and integrity.
Benefits
- A competitive starting salary and bonus;
- A comprehensive pension plan;
- 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;
- Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;
- Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme;
- Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;
- Enhanced parental leave policies;
- Employee Assistance Programme with face‑to‑face counselling services;
- Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships;
- A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances. If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.
Associate - Banking (2-4 PQE) Legal Professional London employer: Job Search Place Limited
Wedlake Bell is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in the heart of London. With a focus on professional development, Associates benefit from close partner contact and exposure to a diverse range of high-level banking transactions, ensuring meaningful career growth. The firm also prioritises employee wellbeing with a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances, health insurance, and various wellness initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate - Banking (2-4 PQE) Legal Professional London
✨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
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Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Job Search Place Limited. 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 Associate - Banking (2-4 PQE) Legal Professional London
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 Job Search Place Limited.
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 Job Search Place Limited'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 Job Search Place Limited
✨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 Job Search Place Limited.
✨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 Job Search Place Limited 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 Job Search Place Limited 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.
