At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise clients on diverse banking transactions and manage deals from the banking side.
- Company: Wedlake Bell, a Top 100 law firm in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, health insurance, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant culture with regular social events and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a thriving team and develop your expertise in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor (2-4 PQE) with banking experience and strong client relationship skills.
Wedlake Bell's highly regarded Banking practice is recruiting an Associate (2-4 PQE) to expand the team and continue to deliver the high standards of service we offer to our clients. This is a full-time, permanent role.
Our Banking team advises on a wide range of financing transactions for both lenders and borrowers. Transactions are weighted towards real estate finance but there is a diverse range of work supporting other teams, in particular our corporate and private client teams. Our clients are equally diverse, ranging from banks and financial institutions, private equity investors, corporate borrowers, and private individuals and entrepreneurs, to name a few. The team is small but growing, led by two former Magic-Circle partners, and supported by a close-knit team of four – Senior Associate, Solicitor, Trainee Solicitor, and a Paralegal.
Joining the team, an Associate can expect a busy but varied workload, working on a range of finance transactions, drafting bespoke documents and agreements, being a key client contact for updates and advice, and project-managing deals from the banking side. The team's small size lends to the development of team members – you may expect close partner contact and good exposure to clients to advance your own development.
This is an excellent opportunity for a driven Banking Associate (2-4 PQE) to join a thriving practice dealing with a variety of high-level work, where you will have real opportunities to develop your expertise and professional development. If this sounds interesting, and you have a background in banking work, we encourage you to apply.
Examples of Recent Work- Acting for Pollen Street Capital, a real estate debt and private equity fund, on a number of borrowing base facilities (in England, Ireland and Spain to date) to support bridge and small development lenders with their liquidity needs.
- Acting for the Yianis Group on their various financings including the Marriott hotel in Canary Wharf, the Hilton hotel in Manchester and various residential investments holdings.
- Acting for the borrowers on a £350M financing in respect of a major City office block and a high performing London supermarket property.
- Acting for a leading pharmacy chain in connection with the group’s £115M revolving credit facility provided by a four-bank club.
About Us
Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members.
Our culture is widely-recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip and walking trips!), you will quickly feel like part of the WB team.
Key Responsibilities- Delivering clear and high-level legal advice on a range of banking matters;
- Acting as the day-to-day contact for advising clients on ongoing or new matters; and
- Developing the practice by promoting the firm and its work, both to existing and potential clients.
- Experience working in a leading banking practice, with demonstrable exposure to finance transactions, ideally with experience drafting bespoke financing agreements for banks/other financial institutions and reviewing finance documents when acting on the borrower side;
- Be a qualified Solicitor in England & Wales, ideally 2-4 PQE;
- A clear and developed understanding of banking and finance law and its commercial application;
- Strong client relationship and business-development skills;
- Strong academic history and ability to think outside the box and analyse; and
- A high level of professionalism and integrity.
A competitive starting salary and bonus; 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events; Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year; Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme; Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one; Enhanced parental leave policies; Employee Assistance Programme with face-to-face counselling services; Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships; and A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.
Equality and Diversity
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.
Associate - Banking (2-4 PQE) employer: Wedlake Bell
Wedlake Bell is an exceptional employer located in the heart of the City of London, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises collaboration, trust, and mutual respect. As part of a small but growing Banking team, Associates benefit from close partner contact, diverse high-level work, and ample opportunities for professional development, all while enjoying a supportive environment that promotes work/life balance and employee wellbeing through various initiatives and events.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate - Banking (2-4 PQE)
✨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 Wedlake Bell. 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 - Banking (2-4 PQE)
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 Wedlake Bell.
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 Wedlake Bell'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 Wedlake Bell
✨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 Wedlake Bell.
✨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 Wedlake Bell 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 Wedlake Bell 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.
