Job Description

Legal Director – Finance

Location: Leeds

Salary: £90,000 to £120,000 plus bonus

Experience: Senior level (typically 8–12+ years’ PQE)

If you’re a senior finance lawyer looking to lead complex, high-value transactions and build long-term client relationships, this is a standout opportunity to join a Finance and Projects team in Leeds.

You’ll take real ownership of matters, advise on sophisticated banking and project finance work, and play a visible role in developing the practice and mentoring junior lawyers.

The Opportunity

This role offers exposure to major banking, project finance and infrastructure matters, with scope to shape deal strategy, drive client relationships and contribute to business development.

• Lead complex banking and finance transactions, including syndicated lending, acquisition finance, real estate finance and asset-based lending

• Manage project finance matters for infrastructure, energy, transport and other large-scale projects

• Structure and negotiate finance solutions that align with clients’ commercial objectives

• Draft and negotiate facility agreements, security documents and intercreditor arrangements

• Build and maintain strong client relationships with lenders, borrowers, corporates and public sector bodies

• Supervise, mentor and develop junior lawyers, supporting technical excellence and knowledge sharing

• Contribute to business development, profile-raising and thought leadership activity

• Use legal technology and process improvement to enhance client service delivery

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• Strong senior-level experience in banking and finance and/or project finance (typically 8–12+ years’ PQE)

• Proven track record managing significant finance transactions from inception to completion

• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, with the ability to deliver high-quality documentation under pressure

• Strong commercial awareness and a pragmatic, solutions-led approach

• Confident client relationship skills and experience advising financial institutions, corporates and/or public sector bodies

• Leadership capability, including supervision and mentoring

• Collaborative working style across multidisciplinary teams and offices

Desirable

• Project finance or infrastructure finance experience, particularly in energy, transport and/or PPP/PFI

• Experience across real estate finance, acquisition finance and/or asset-based lending

• Experience in a large, international law firm environment

• Track record of business development and client origination

• Exposure to complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £90,000 to £120,000 plus bonus

• Hybrid working model (minimum three days per week in the Leeds office)

• High-quality, complex finance work with strong client exposure

• Clear progression pathway and structured development support

• Training programmes, mentoring and coaching

• Access to legal technology and AI tools

• Supportive, inclusive culture with a focus on wellbeing

About Our Client

Our client is a large, international, full-service law firm with a strong finance and projects capability and a collaborative culture. The firm advises a broad client base on complex transactions and is known for combining technical excellence with a commercial, solutions-led approach.

Location & Working Arrangements

Leeds. Hybrid working with a minimum requirement of three days per week in the office. Occasional travel to other UK offices may be required.

Next Steps

Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.