Trainee Solicitor: Asset Finance / Transactional Banking

A leading international law firm is seeking an experienced candidate to join its thriving London-based asset finance team in a two-year trainee position. The team advises lessors, financial institutions, banks, borrowers and airlines on a broad range of complex cross-border transactions.

Key Details

• Salary £56,000 in year 1 with an increase in year 2
• Permanent contract
• London City location
• Hybrid working (60 percent office-based)
• Two-year structured training period (Trainee Year 1 and Trainee Year 2)

Qualification Support (SQE Route)

The role is designed for candidates looking to qualify as a solicitor in England & Wales via the Solicitors Qualifying Exam pathway upon completion of the two-year period. The work undertaken will meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s qualifying work experience requirements, and the firm will confirm this to the SRA at the end of the period.

The firm will cover the cost of sitting each SQE exam once during the employment period and will provide paid study and exam leave for each sitting. This is a full-time role, and additional personal study time will be required. Candidates who have already passed SQE1 and/or SQE2 may still apply, although previously incurred exam costs cannot be reimbursed and the training term will remain two years.

About the Team

The London asset finance team forms part of a highly integrated global practice with colleagues in New York, Miami, Chicago, Dallas and San Francisco. The trainee will work closely with all members of the London team, including partners, and will collaborate regularly with colleagues in the US on international transactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafting and reviewing aircraft leases, security documents and loan agreements
• Preparing and reviewing corporate authorisations
• Assisting with day-to-day transaction management
• Managing conditions precedent and execution deliverables
• Supporting closing and post-closing processes, including signature coordination, originals management and security filings
• Liaising with local counsel and clients
• Preparing transaction bibles

Candidate Profile

• Confident communicator with strong organisation skills
• Able to manage multiple matters simultaneously under time pressure
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail and financial literacy
• Positive, proactive approach to workload
• Minimum six months’ experience as a paralegal in asset finance or another transactional banking practice, ideally within an international or US-headquartered law firm or financial institution

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious individual to gain significant responsibility within a dynamic, cross-border transactional finance practice.

If you're interested, then hit that apply button or reach out to Niamh Nolan directly on Niamh.nolan@oculuslegalgroup.com