At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on high-value finance transactions and build strong client relationships.
- Company: Join Mills & Reeve, a top UK law firm known for its supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Work with market-leading lawyers on innovative projects that make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 2-6 years' PQE in Banking & Finance and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
We are hiring a Banking & Finance Solicitor into our national Banking & Finance group and would love to hear from you if you are considering your next move.
The role
We're looking for an ambitious Banking & Finance Associate/Senior Associate to join our growing national Banking & Finance team in either Birmingham or Leeds. This is an exciting opportunity to work on high-value, complex UK and international finance transactions alongside recognised market-leading lawyers.
Working closely with partners David Varnham and Nicholas Bell, you'll advise a diverse client base including banks, alternative lenders, debt funds, universities, corporates and institutional clients. You'll benefit from direct client exposure, high-quality work and clear opportunities to develop your career within a collaborative national team.
The person
You'll ideally have 2-6 years' PQE gained within a well-regarded Banking & Finance practice and be keen to accelerate your development in a highly respected team.
You’ll bring:
- Strong technical Banking & Finance experience.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- A proactive, self-starting approach and sound commercial judgement.
- Strong attention to detail.
- The ability to build trusted relationships with clients and colleagues.
- A collaborative mindset and a genuine enthusiasm for business development.
Join a nationally recognised Banking & Finance team with a reputation for innovation, market-leading work and a supportive culture. If you're looking for high-quality transactions, excellent client exposure and a team committed to your success, we'd love to hear from you.
The activities
- Advise borrowers and lenders on a broad range of financing transactions, including corporate banking, real estate finance, acquisition and leveraged finance, asset-based lending, government finance and debt capital markets work.
- Support corporate and real estate colleagues on M&A, private equity, development and investment transactions.
- Act for universities and other not-for-profit organisations on innovative financing arrangements.
- Draft, negotiate and manage finance documents, including transactions using the LMA suite of documents.
- Build strong client relationships and play an active role in business development, networking and profile-raising activities.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
The benefits
As you'd expect, we offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits.
If we offer you a role, we will conduct comprehensive pre-employment screening. This screening will include, but is not limited to, a basic DBS, verification of your right to work, a three year employment history and a self-declaration to assess your character and suitability for the role. Full details of our pre-screening employment process are available upon request.
Use of AI during the recruitment process
Technology is changing rapidly and we are all increasingly using AI software in our day to day lives, as well as using it to support our learning and professional development. Here at Mills & Reeve, we embrace the use of technology and AI and we recognise that candidates may use AI tools to support their applications. As a regulated industry, we expect candidates to use such tools responsibly, honestly and in a manner that allows us to make a fair and accurate assessment of their individual skills, experience and suitability for the role.
Please ensure you have thoroughly read the document attached below to understand what we deem acceptable uses of AI.
The firm
Mills & Reeve is centred on achieving more for clients, their businesses and the wider communities we serve. Our clients and their industries benefit from our knowledge and learning, and receive consistent experiences with no surprises. We tell them what they need to know when they need to know it.
We build personal relationships, with advice individually tailored to individual need. And if clients need things we don't offer, we draw on our network to give recommendations. Our 1,450 plus people and over 850 lawyers share one vision – achieving more for clients.
By joining Mills & Reeve, you'll have the chance to build your skills and experience within a firm that's not only ranked in the top 50 UK law firms, but also one that truly values their people. We're also ranked in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list, and have been awarded Platinum Investors in People. Our mantra is “Achieve more. Together.”, which we feel embodies our purpose and is more than just a catchphrase!
Our values are the principles that help us fulfil our purpose. Our people shaped them and live them every day.
- We're ambitious - We aim high, we embrace new ideas and we're passionate about our work.
- We're open - We communicate openly and honestly to build trust, and we do what's right.
- We care - We're committed to each other, our clients, our communities and the planet.
- We collaborate - We're easy to work with, we offer help willingly and we get things done - together.
And finally, everyone at Mills & Reeve brings a unique perspective and ideas to the team and we do everything we can to help each person to thrive. We're committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment, are happy to consider flexible working arrangements, and want to achieve the right balance for both our people and the firm. We encourage everyone to ask if they feel they need any workplace adjustments, and will do our best to support with these.
Associate/Senior Associate - Banking & Finance in Birmingham employer: Mills & Reeve LLP
At Mills & Reeve, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Data Analyst in our Legal Tech & Data department, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact by transforming complex data into actionable insights while enjoying competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and continuous professional development opportunities. Join us in a supportive environment where your contributions are valued, and you can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate/Senior Associate - Banking & Finance in Birmingham
✨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
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Mills & Reeve LLP. 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/Senior Associate - Banking & Finance in Birmingham
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 Mills & Reeve LLP.
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 Mills & Reeve LLP'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 Mills & Reeve LLP
✨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 Mills & Reeve LLP.
✨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 Mills & Reeve LLP 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 Mills & Reeve LLP 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.