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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal counsel on global trade finance transactions and manage risk effectively.
- Company: Dynamic multinational firm with a focus on innovative trade solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Join a leading team and shape the future of global trade finance.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE as an English-qualified lawyer with trade finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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.
Legal Counsel, Global Trade - 5+ PQE in London employer: LevelUP HCS
Contact Detail:
LevelUP HCS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel, Global Trade - 5+ PQE in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal and trade finance sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of global trade laws and recent market trends. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements. Practise answering common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your skills in risk management and contract negotiation.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that excite you! Use our website to find roles that match your expertise in trade finance. Tailor your approach to each company’s culture and values, showing them why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and mention any key points from the conversation that highlight your fit for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel, Global Trade - 5+ PQE in 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 achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about global trade and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Keep it concise but impactful—let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Legal Expertise: In your application, be sure to 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 done this 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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
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 prepared to discuss specific transactions you've worked on and how you navigated the legal complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Contract Skills
Since this role involves a lot of contract drafting and negotiation, come ready with examples of contracts you've worked on. Highlight your approach to risk management and how you've ensured compliance with legal and regulatory standards in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This position requires collaboration with various teams, so be ready to share experiences where you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams. Emphasise your interpersonal skills and how you’ve contributed to a positive team environment.
✨Stay Updated on Legal Trends
Familiarise yourself with the latest legal and regulatory developments in trade finance. Being able to discuss current trends and their implications during the interview will show that you're proactive and well-informed.