Principal Associate - Surety (0420)

Principal Associate - Surety (0420)

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Surety team to handle high-value finance agreements and client support.
  • Company: Mills & Reeve, a top UK law firm with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive benefits, and opportunities for career progression.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace with flexible arrangements and a commitment to personal growth.
  • Why this job: Work with experienced professionals and build valuable client relationships in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: 8+ PQE in finance or project finance; surety experience is a plus but not required.

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

Mills & Reeve are offering an experienced transactional finance lawyer the opportunity to join our market leading Surety team.

We're excited to offer an opportunity for a senior transactional finance lawyer to join our well-established, market-leading Surety team. Our team is led jointly by Lucy Collins and Justin Hennessey who together have over 50 years' experience working in this sector. We act for global insurance companies providing high-value guarantee and on-demand bond facilities to their customers – supporting them both domestically and overseas.

You will work on those facility agreements; recourse arrangements; guarantee/on demand bond wordings; security documentation; intercreditor arrangements; risk participation and sharing arrangements. Experience with LMA documentation is important. We provide a full service to our surety clients and you will also co-ordinate with our colleagues providing client support in customer distress/ restructuring scenarios and when claims are made on guarantees and on-demand bonds issued by our clients. We believe this approach produces better rounded lawyers whilst adding variety to the role.

Our practice is founded on our technical excellence, commerciality and long-standing personal relationships in the market. Spending time with clients, getting to know them and understanding their needs is integral to the role. We will introduce and help nurture those relationships. Based in our London office.

You will be 8+ PQE having gained experience in the surety, banking, finance and/ or project finance sector. Whilst some experience in the surety sector would be beneficial it is by no means a pre-requisite as support and training will be provided by the team and you will find your background will provide an excellent grounding. The role offers an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself and progress your career with a high-performing and market-leading team - with a realistic opportunity to progress to partnership for the right candidate.

The Role Requires Someone Who:

  • has a commercial approach to legal problem solving and an ability to assess risk
  • has the ability to build relationships with clients, potential clients and multipliers
  • possesses excellent interpersonal and team skills, including ability to work with others
  • has excellent written English skills
  • has the ability to work under pressure
  • is dedicated to providing outstanding client service

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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.

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

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.

Principal Associate - Surety (0420) employer: Mills & Reeve

Mills & Reeve is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside a competitive salary and extensive benefits. Our collaborative culture fosters personal relationships and encourages innovation, making it an ideal place for talented professionals to thrive and progress their careers within a market-leading Surety team.

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Contact Details:

Mills & Reeve Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Associate - Surety (0420)

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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Associate - Surety (0420)

Transactional Finance Law
Surety Law
LMA Documentation
Client Relationship Management
Interpersonal Skills
Team Collaboration
Written English Proficiency

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Mills & Reeve, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.

Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.

Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Mills & Reeve and the specific role of Principal Associate - Surety (0420). Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.

Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Mills & Reeve’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at Mills & Reeve

Know Your Legal Principles

Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.

Be Ready for Case Studies

Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.

Show Off Your Research Skills

As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Mills & Reeve.

Exude Professionalism and Confidence

In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Mills & Reeve.