At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a leading law firm and work on complex trade and commodity finance transactions.
- Company: Top transatlantic law firm with a market-leading practice in structured trade finance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and exposure to international clients.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for career growth and diverse client interactions.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the dynamic world of commodities and finance across multiple jurisdictions.
- Qualifications: Experience in structured trade finance or related fields, strong drafting skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our client is seeking an associate to join its market-leading Structured Trade & Commodity Finance practice in London. The team advises on sophisticated financing arrangements across the commodities, energy, and natural resources sectors, acting for a broad mix of international banks, trading houses, commodity producers, private credit providers, and investment funds. The practice is recognised for handling complex cross-border matters involving physical commodities, structured lending, collateral arrangements, and trading documentation across multiple jurisdictions.
The successful candidate will work on a wide range of structured commodity and trade finance transactions, supporting clients operating across regions including Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and North America. The role offers exposure to both financing and commercial trading arrangements, with matters frequently involving oil & gas, LNG, metals, mining, bulk commodities, and wider energy transition assets.
Lawyers within the team regularly advise on:
- Borrowing base and reserve-backed lending facilities
- Pre-export finance and structured prepayment arrangements
- Inventory-backed financings and warehouse monetisation structures
- Receivables purchase and trade-related working capital facilities
- Repo and title transfer financing structures
- Commodity-linked margin loans and derivative-supported financings
- Syndicated and club lending transactions
- Cross-border security and collateral packages involving multiple jurisdictions
In addition to financing work, the team also supports clients on the commercial side of physical trading and commodity supply arrangements, including:
- LNG sale and purchase agreements
- Crude oil and refined products trading documentation
- Metals and minerals offtake contracts
- Long-term supply, marketing, and distribution arrangements
- Storage, warehousing, and logistics agreements
- Master trading terms and commodity framework documentation
Our client is interested in speaking with lawyers who have experience within structured trade finance, commodity finance, banking, leveraged finance, or broader cross-border financing transactions. Candidates are likely to demonstrate:
- Strong technical drafting and transactional skills
- Experience handling complex financing or security structures
- Familiarity with commodities, trade flows, or energy-related transactions
- An ability to manage multiple matters within fast-moving transactional environments
- Commercial awareness and strong stakeholder management capability
- England & Wales qualification or another common law qualification, with appropriate UK market experience
Candidates should have experience from leading UK law firms (City, Magic or Silver circle) or US law firms. Exposure to structured commodity finance, receivables finance, inventory-backed lending, trade finance documentation, or commodity-linked financings would be particularly advantageous.
Associate Solicitor, Trade & Commodity Finance - Leading Transatlantic Law Firm (2-5 PQE) in London employer: Rutherford
Join a prestigious transatlantic law firm renowned for its market-leading Structured Trade & Commodity Finance practice in London, where you will engage with complex cross-border transactions and work alongside top-tier clients in the commodities and energy sectors. The firm fosters a collaborative and dynamic work culture, offering exceptional professional development opportunities and exposure to high-profile cases that will enhance your legal expertise. With a commitment to employee growth and a supportive environment, this is an ideal place for ambitious solicitors looking to make a significant impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Solicitor, Trade & Commodity Finance - Leading Transatlantic Law Firm (2-5 PQE) in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals in structured trade and commodity finance. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with people working in firms you’re interested in. This isn’t just about asking for a job; it’s about learning from their experiences and getting advice on how to stand out. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the field!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your technical drafting and transactional skills. Bring examples of your work or discuss complex financing structures you've handled. Let them see what you can bring to the table!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only gives you access to exclusive roles but also shows your commitment to finding the right fit in the structured trade and commodity finance sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Solicitor, Trade & Commodity Finance - Leading Transatlantic Law Firm (2-5 PQE) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in structured trade finance and commodity transactions, as well as any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background fits with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your experience aligns with our needs. Be specific about your achievements in similar roles and show us your enthusiasm for joining our team.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong technical drafting and transactional skills, make sure to highlight these in your application. Provide examples of complex financing structures you've worked on, and don't shy away from mentioning any cross-border matters you've handled.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best chance to showcase your talents. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rutherford
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of structured trade and commodity finance. Familiarise yourself with key terms like borrowing base facilities, pre-export finance, and collateral arrangements. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your previous work in structured trade finance or related areas. Have specific examples ready that highlight your technical drafting skills and experience with complex financing structures. This will help demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Understand the Market
Research the current trends in the commodities and energy sectors. Knowing what's happening in the market will not only impress your interviewers but also help you understand the challenges and opportunities their clients face.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the firm's approach to cross-border transactions and how they manage client relationships. This shows your commercial awareness and genuine interest in the role, making you stand out as a candidate.
