Banking Associate

About the Team

Our national banking and finance team advises clients on a range of financing transactions across a wide variety of sectors, often with a multi‑jurisdictional element. Acting for borrowers, lenders and investors gives us a practical understanding of the needs of all parties to a financing transaction. Our expertise extends to corporate lending, leverage finance, asset finance, real estate finance (investment and development), project finance and invoice discounting both on a bilateral and a syndicated basis.

We work closely with some of the UK's major banks and financial institutions, and have approved panel status with many of them.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a one to four year PQE Associate to join our market‑leading Leveraged Finance practice with a focus on developing our expertise and market share across the North. The successful candidate will be based in Leeds and will benefit from taking part in shaping the local team and brand while having the structure and support to progress in your career.

The work on offer is varied with a focus on leveraged finance, corporate financings, corporate/sponsor‑led transactions and growth lending/venture debt.

• Work across the full transaction lifecycle: drafting and negotiating facilities agreements and security documents (both LMA and non‑LMA form), drafting intercreditor arrangements and standard‑form precedent documentation.
• Collaborate closely with corporate and restructuring teams on all transaction matters.
• Manage in‑life portfolio work on a portfolio basis, working with lenders and borrowers on waivers, re‑sets, restatements and bolt‑ons.
• Assume matter responsibility and participate in client development initiatives.

• Between one and four years PQE experience with leveraged finance (as well as cash‑flow and general banking) experience gained at your current firm.
• Proactive approach and passion for the work.
• Experience liaising with lenders, borrowers, intermediaries and/or investors across the full transaction lifecycle.
• Willingness to progress from conditions precedent and security arrangements to ownership of credit agreements.

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and, above all, for our ability to focus on what matters. With offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses and empower our people to be their authentic selves in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation.

We offer a competitive remuneration system, great working environment, high‑quality work and a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits. For more information, visit our Benefits Package page.

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our commitment to diversity, inclusion and well‑being. We aim to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and fosters a strong sense of community between colleagues. Everyone who applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.