Trade Finance Lawyer - VP/Director
Trade Finance Lawyer - VP/Director

Trade Finance Lawyer - VP/Director

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
LevelUP HCS

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide expert legal counsel on trade finance transactions in a dynamic, multinational environment.
  • Company: Join a leading firm with a strong focus on global trade and commodities.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work culture.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across teams.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact in trade finance while developing your legal expertise.
  • Qualifications: English-qualified lawyer with 5+ years' experience in trade finance.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.

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 employer: LevelUP HCS

As a leading employer in the legal 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 a culture that values diversity and innovation. Located in a vibrant multinational setting, we provide unique opportunities for our legal team to engage with complex trade finance transactions while working alongside industry experts.
LevelUP HCS

Contact Detail:

LevelUP HCS Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Trade Finance Lawyer - VP/Director

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in the trade finance sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of commodities trade finance and related legal frameworks. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios specific to trade finance. Show them you’re not just a lawyer, but a trade finance expert ready to tackle their challenges.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you top of mind. We believe a little courtesy goes a long way!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve made it super easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Let’s get you that dream job in trade finance!

We think you need these skills to ace Trade Finance Lawyer - VP/Director

Legal Counsel
Trade Finance Transactions
Commodities Trade Finance
Export Finance
Contract Management
Risk Management
Negotiation Skills
Documentation Drafting and Review
Regulatory Knowledge
Interpersonal Skills
Relationship Management
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Communication Skills

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 passionate about trade finance 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, make 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 give us 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 us 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 legal complexities. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but have practical experience.

✨Showcase Your Contract Management Skills

Be ready to talk about your experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts. Highlight any instances where you successfully aligned documentation with legal and regulatory objectives. This is crucial for demonstrating your ability to manage risk effectively.

✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit

Since this role involves liaising with various teams, share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Emphasise your interpersonal skills and how you’ve contributed to a team-oriented environment, especially under pressure.

✨Stay Updated on Legal Trends

Research recent legal and regulatory developments in trade finance before your interview. Being able to discuss current trends and their implications will show that you’re proactive and engaged in the field, which is essential for providing strategic legal counsel.

Trade Finance Lawyer - VP/Director
LevelUP HCS

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