Banking Lawyer

6w1 month ago

Cognia Law

London, GB · Full-time · £180,000 – £250,000

About this role

As a skilled lawyer with experience in Loans and South African, International or UK qualification, your expertise will play a pivotal role in our esteemed legal team for a top international banking brand. You will provide essential transaction execution services to the client’s in-house global legal team. Primary focus is supporting global banking relationship managers through negotiation of standard form bilateral and syndicated loan documentation.

Your role involves leading negotiations of contractual documentation for bilateral and syndicated loan facilities, including committed and uncommitted loan agreements, security agreements, legal opinions, and corporate authorisations. Ensure compliance with procedural checks, escalating issues to global banking relationship managers, Legal, Compliance, Risk, Credit, and Portfolio Management. Oversee the entire documentation negotiation and execution process from initial draft to financial close.

Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to foster effective collaboration. Cognia Law is a Chambers-ranked international law company providing consulting, flexible resourcing and managed legal services. The team collaborates with game changers in adjacent areas for holistic, value-based solutions.

This unique chance allows you to contribute legal prowess and connect or reconnect with the South African legal landscape. Bring insights from international practice to enhance team services. Enable sustainable change in the legal sector with best-fit talent.

Requirements

Law degree from a top tertiary institution
8+ years PQE with relevant experience in syndicated lending, general lending transactions and LMA style loan-agreements
Qualified lawyer with experience of negotiating loan documentation preferably investment grade and leveraged loan facilities and strong transaction management skills
Ability to live and work in South Africa for 18-24 months
Experience in Banking and Finance law essential
Proactive and dynamic
Ability to work independently but also as part of the wider Credit and Lending Legal team
Responsive and focused on client service

Responsibilities

Leading and conducting negotiations of contractual documentation pertaining to bilateral and syndicated loan facilities, including committed and uncommitted loan agreements, security agreements, legal opinions, and corporate authorisations
Ensuring compliance with procedural checks and balances, identifying and escalating issues to global banking relationship managers, Legal, and relevant internal stakeholders including Compliance, Risk, Credit, and Portfolio Management
Overseeing and driving the entire documentation negotiation and execution process from initial draft to financial close, with involvement in post-closing management as needed
Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders involved in the transactions
Staying updated on local and international regulatory and legal developments impacting financing transactions and disseminating knowledge to colleagues