At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-level legal advice on diverse banking matters and manage client relationships.
- Company: Join a thriving Banking practice led by former Magic-Circle partners.
- Benefits: Permanent role with opportunities for professional development and close partner contact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent exposure to clients and career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing team and work on high-profile finance transactions.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with experience in banking and finance transactions.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Wedlake Bell's highly regarded Banking practice is recruiting an Associate (3-4 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 (3-4 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 investment 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.
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.
- Developing the practice by promoting the firm and its work, both to existing and potential clients.
Key Skills and Qualifications
- 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.
Associate - Banking (3-4 PQE) employer: Wedlake Bell
Contact Detail:
Wedlake Bell Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate - Banking (3-4 PQE)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the banking sector! Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or classmates. You never know who might have a lead on your next big opportunity.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with finance transactions and bespoke agreements. Share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your expertise and how you can add value to their team.
✨Be Proactive
Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up – reach out directly to firms you’re interested in. Send a friendly email expressing your interest in their banking practice and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. It shows initiative and could put you on their radar!
✨Apply Through Our Website
If you’re keen on joining us at StudySmarter, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people, and we love hearing from passionate candidates who want to be part of our growing team!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate - Banking (3-4 PQE)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in banking and finance transactions, especially any work with real estate finance. We want to see how your background aligns 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 banking law and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific transactions you've worked on. Mention any bespoke documents you've drafted or significant deals you've managed. This helps us see your practical skills in action!
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’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wedlake Bell
✨Know Your Banking Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of banking and finance law. Understand the key concepts related to real estate finance and be ready to discuss recent transactions you've worked on. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but also have practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Client Interaction Skills
Since the role involves being a key client contact, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Think about specific situations where you provided clear advice or resolved issues, as this will demonstrate your ability to handle client interactions effectively.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
With a small team dynamic, it's crucial to show that you can work well with others. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with colleagues in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlighting your teamwork skills will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions About Their Work
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the firm's recent projects or their approach to client service. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the firm aligns with your career goals.