Legal Counsel - Banking

JOB TITLE

Legal Counsel - Banking (Lending & Bridge Real Estate Finance Transactions)

ROLE PURPOSE

To provide legal support across lending and financing activities, including the structuring, negotiation and execution of bridge lending transactions, while supporting the wider business in achieving its commercial objectives.

The role offers the opportunity to work closely with business stakeholders across Lending, Credit and Investment functions, providing pragmatic, commercially focused legal advice and supporting the successful execution of a broad range of financing transactions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lending & Bridge Finance Transactions

• Draft, review and negotiate facility agreements, security documents, guarantees, intercreditor documentation and other ancillary finance documentation.
• Advise on transaction structuring and legal risk allocation.
• Support transaction execution from instruction through to completion, including funding and drawdown arrangements.
• Advise on bridging and short-term lending products.
• Develop, review and maintain lending documentation and legal precedents.
• Work closely with Investment, Underwriting, Credit and Operational teams to facilitate transaction delivery.

Advisory & Stakeholder Support

• Provide practical, commercially focused legal advice to business stakeholders.
• Identify and manage legal and regulatory risks associated with lending transactions.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the ongoing development of legal processes, governance and best practice.
• Manage multiple matters simultaneously while maintaining high standards of accuracy and service delivery.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across APS Legal and the wider Arrow Group where required.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Banking & Finance

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent).
• Experience advising on banking, finance, secured lending, specialist lending or related financing transactions.
• Experience drafting and negotiating finance documentation.
• Experience managing transactions from instruction through to completion.
• Experience working directly with clients and business stakeholders.

Experience may have been gained through private practice, an in-house legal team or another relevant legal environment.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Strong understanding of lending and finance transactions.
• Experience drafting and negotiating finance documentation.
• Understanding of secured lending structures.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and legal analysis skills.
• Ability to manage transactions independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to balance legal, regulatory and commercial considerations.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work within agreed timescales.
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE

Experience in one or more of the following:

• Corporate lending.
• Private credit.
• Direct lending.
• Bridging finance.
• Real estate finance.
• Experience supporting alternative lending platforms.
• Interest in private credit and alternative lending markets.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Lending Specialist

A lawyer with strong lending and finance fundamentals who can support a range of lending products, including bridging and real estate-backed lending, whilst delivering practical, commercially focused legal advice in a fast-paced business environment.

Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

APS Legal is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We recognise that talent is not defined by a particular career path and encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Reasonable adjustments will be provided throughout the recruitment process and during employment where required. If you require any adjustments to support your application, please let us know.