Solicitor - Banking (NQ-2 PQE)

Wedlake Bell's highly regarded Banking practice is recruiting a Solicitor (NQ - 2PQE) to expand the team and continue to deliver the high standards of service we offer to our clients. This is a full-time, permanent position. 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 two fee-earners (senior to mid-level). Joining the team, a Solicitor 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 supporting the project-management of 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, in order to advance your own development. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven Banking Solicitor (NQ - 2PQE) 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;
• Developing the practice by promoting the firm and its work to existing and potential clients.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience working in a recognised 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 NQ – 2PQE;
• 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;
• A high level of professionalism and integrity.

Why join us?

• A competitive starting salary and bonus;
• A comprehensive pension plan;
• 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;
• A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.

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. If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.