Trade Finance Attorney at Robert Walters

Role Purpose

• To provide comprehensive legal support to the Global Commercial Banking (CMB) business, with a specific focus on the Global Trade and Receivables Finance (GTRF) division. These roles involve identifying and managing legal risks, supporting transactions, and ensuring timely escalation of issues.
• Successful candidates will develop expertise in trade finance law, contributing to a world-leading trade and supply chain finance solutions provider.

Role Responsibilities

Impact on the Business:

• Provide legal support for GTRF transactions, ensuring adherence to GTRF policies and procedures to manage legal risk.
• Draft, review, and negotiate trade-related documentation, including facility and security documentation, amendments, and bespoke transactions under supervision.
• Escalate matters through agreed channels to ensure timely and appropriate legal support.
• Conduct gap analyses of standard terms against bespoke documentation.
• Track and collate data from transactional support to inform management decisions.

Customers / Stakeholders:

• Deliver succinct, solution-oriented legal advice that addresses root causes and resolves issues.
• Actively engage with Global GTRF Legal, CMB Legal, and other stakeholders, escalating complex matters as required.
• Maintain regular communication with senior legal management on developments, risks, and legislative changes.

Leadership & Teamwork:

• Collaborate with the GTRF GLS team and other legal and business units globally to foster a positive and professional working environment.
• Share knowledge and contribute to document management systems to promote best practices.
• Lead and inspire confidence in stakeholders by demonstrating deep expertise and effective communication.

Operational Effectiveness & Control:

• Comply with legal risk management requirements outlined in the Group Standards Manual and Legal FIM.
• Monitor, control, and mitigate legal risks while adhering to regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Ensure appropriate procedures and controls are followed for all transactions and operational tasks.

Requirements

• Qualified lawyer (common law jurisdiction preferable) with extensive post-qualification experience in banking and finance law (8-10+ years for Legal Counsel; 12+ years for Senior Legal Counsel).
• Strong understanding of banking and finance transactions; trade finance experience preferred.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage workloads, meet deadlines, and work both independently and within a team.
• Experience in regulatory and risk management advantageous.