At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal counsel on trade finance transactions in a dynamic, multinational environment.
- Company: Leading global firm with a focus on innovative trade finance solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with top-tier professionals and develop your expertise.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of global trade finance.
- Qualifications: English-qualified lawyer with 5+ years' experience in trade finance.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Purpose of the Role: Experienced Legal Counsel specializing in Global Trade activities, with a focus on commodities Trade Finance transactions, export finance, and corporate trade finance. This role requires expert knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, robust contract and risk management skills, and the ability to provide strategic legal counsel to cross-functional teams in a dynamic, multinational environment.
What You Will Be Doing:
- Serve as a key member of the legal team responsible for trade finance transactions, including: (i) commodities trade finance (including repo transactions), (ii) export finance, (iii) discounting (including promissory notes and drafts), and (iv) corporate trade finance (including issuance/confirmation of guarantees, letters of credit, SBLCs, and related instruments).
- Act as the specialist lawyer for Trade Finance transactions across all relevant stages, structuring, negotiation, and execution—providing expert legal counsel and risk assessment throughout the transaction lifecycle.
- Core duties include (but are not limited to):
- Advise, draft, review, and negotiate documentation to align with legal, regulatory, and commercial objectives.
- Liaise with external counsel as required to support complex transactions.
- Monitor legal, regulatory developments and market trends impacting trade finance.
- Provide training and guidance to frontline and support teams (front office bankers, agency, middle office, back/middle offices, syndication, innovation trade finance, and related departments) on applicable trade finance legal and regulatory considerations.
- Contribute legal input internally to credit and new product committees, risk assessment processes, and policy development.
- Coordinate with other legal teams, foreign branches, compliance, tax, middle office, and risk management to ensure integrated risk control and governance.
Ensure alignment with internal policies, escalation protocols, and applicable international and local regulatory requirements in a fast-paced, multinational environment.
Your Experiences & Skills:
- English-qualified lawyer with a minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience (PQE).
- Exceptional academic credentials complemented by strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Proven experience in trade financing, obtained at a top-tier city law firm, with potential alignment to in-house practice.
- Experience across trade finance activities is advantageous but not mandatory; willingness to develop breadth of expertise is desired.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and key stakeholders; strong interpersonal and relationship-management skills.
- Aptitude for prioritisation, time management, and working under pressure in a dynamic environment.
- Team-oriented with flexibility to respond to client demands while adhering to firm policies, procedures, and governance standards.
- Proven ability to identify, assess, and manage legal risks, with escalation where appropriate.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including client management and the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly.
Trade Finance Lawyer - VP/Director in City of London employer: LevelUP HCS
As a leading employer in the trade finance sector, we offer a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters professional growth and development. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package and supportive culture, which encourages innovation and teamwork. Located in a vibrant multinational setting, this role provides unique opportunities to engage with diverse teams and contribute to impactful global transactions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Finance Lawyer - VP/Director in City of London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the trade finance sector! Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals for informational chats. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in commodities trade finance and your understanding of legal regulations. We want to see you shine as the expert you are, so prepare some examples of how you've tackled complex transactions in the past.
✨Practice Your Pitch
Before any interviews, practice your pitch! We recommend running through common interview questions and preparing your answers. Focus on your problem-solving skills and how you’ve managed legal risks in previous roles. Confidence is key, so let your personality come through!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s get you that dream job in trade finance!
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Finance Lawyer - VP/Director in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in trade finance and legal counsel. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or transactions you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the trade finance landscape, so make sure to connect your experiences to what we do at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Legal Expertise:In your application, highlight your knowledge of applicable laws and regulations related to trade finance. We’re looking for someone who can provide strategic legal counsel, so share examples of how you've navigated complex legal issues in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do and our company culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at LevelUP HCS
✨Know Your Trade Finance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commodities trade finance, export finance, and corporate trade finance. Be ready to discuss specific transactions you've worked on and how you navigated the legal complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Contract Skills
Prepare examples of contracts you've drafted or negotiated in the past. Highlight your ability to align documentation with legal, regulatory, and commercial objectives, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Stay Updated on Legal Trends
Familiarise yourself with recent legal and regulatory developments affecting trade finance. Being able to discuss these trends will demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to staying informed.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Be ready to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams. Emphasise your interpersonal skills and how you've contributed to risk assessment processes or policy development in a team setting.
