Job Description

Banking Solicitor - Senior Associate
Location: Belfast
An outstanding opportunity has arisen for an experienced Banking Solicitor at Senior Associate level to join a leading and expanding banking and finance practice in Belfast. This role is ideal for a solicitor looking to take the next step in their career, with increased responsibility, high-quality transactional work and a clear pathway for progression.
The Opportunity
You will join a well-established banking team advising on a broad range of corporate lending matters, including acquisition finance, real estate finance and renewables finance. The team is regularly instructed on complex, cross-border transactions as well as strategically significant bilateral facilities.
The Belfast office plays a central role in the Northern Irish banking market while also advising on transactions governed by English and Irish law. This role offers exposure to multi-jurisdictional work and the opportunity to collaborate closely with colleagues across the wider UK practice.
The Role
As a Senior Associate, you will take a lead role on transactions, managing matters from instruction through to completion and supporting partners on high-value and complex deals. You will have significant client exposure and will be expected to contribute to the continued growth of the banking practice.
Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and managing banking and finance transactions, acting for lenders and borrowers
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating finance documents, including LMA-style facility and security documentation
• Advising on corporate and real estate finance transactions with a commercial and pragmatic approach
• Playing an active role in client relationship management and business development
• Supervising, mentoring and developing junior solicitors and trainees
• Working collaboratively with colleagues in restructuring, insolvency, corporate, property, energy and construction teams

The Candidate
This role is suited to an ambitious and commercially focused Senior Associate who is comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy.
The ideal candidate will have:

• 3-7 years' PQE in banking and finance within a commercial law firm
• Qualification in Northern Ireland, England & Wales and/or Ireland
• Strong experience drafting and negotiating LMA-style loan documentation
• Experience in real estate finance and/or corporate finance (desirable)
• Excellent technical ability, with strong organisational and communication skills
• A proactive approach to business development and practice growth
• A collaborative mindset and interest in mentoring junior team members

Why Consider This Role?

• High-quality, complex banking and finance work
• A leadership role within a growing and ambitious team
• Clear scope for career progression
• Exposure to national and international clients
• Supportive and flexible working environment

This is a compelling opportunity for a Senior Associate Banking Solicitor seeking a long-term role within a market-leading finance practice.

Skills Required