Paralegal - Banking (12-Months FTC)

Wedlake Bell are recruiting a Paralegal to join our highly-regarded Banking team. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract.

Our Banking team advises on a wide range of financing transactions for both lenders and borrowers. Transactions are weighted towards real estate finance but there is a diverse range of work supporting other teams, in particular our corporate and private client teams. Our clients are equally diverse, ranging from banks and financial institutions, private equity investors, corporate borrowers, and private individuals and entrepreneurs, to name a few. The team is small but growing, led by two former Magic-Circle partners, and supported by two fee-earners (senior to mid-level).

As a Paralegal in the Banking team, you will work closely with all team members on a wide variety of tasks as outlined below. There is no prior experience required - the team offer excellent training and mentorship - though prior experience or a demonstrable interest in banking and finance is beneficial.

This is an excellent opportunity for a law graduate or future trainee solicitor to gain outstanding experience in a truly varied practice. If this sounds interesting, we encourage you to apply.

Find out more about our wider Banking practice here.

About Us:

Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members.

Our culture is widely-recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip!), you will quickly feel like part of the WB team!

Key Responsibilities:

• Providing general paralegal support on a variety of banking and finance matters, including:
  • Assisting with initial due diligence, including the submission and review of company searches;
  • Conducting legal research;
  • Assisting with drafting of simpler banking documents such as deeds of release;
  • Managing conditions precedent, including maintaining an up to date list of conditions precedent, liaising with borrowers/lender solicitors, drafting/reviewing corporate authorisations, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of relevant documentation;
  • Dealing with routine queries from clients and fee-earners in other teams;
  • Administrative assistance on completions, including execution arrangements, collating documents and scanning;
  • Post-completion administration, including submitting Companies House filings, arranging for the delivery of documents to borrower and lender, and overseeing the satisfaction of conditions subsequent;
• Other administrative tasks including diarising and monitoring key dates, printing, scanning, facilitating client on-boarding through drafting engagement letters and corresponding with clients regarding required AML documentation, assisting with preparing, reviewing. and sending out bills, etc; and
• Other ad-hoc responsibilities as required.

Skills and Qualifications:

• A keen interest in Banking and Finance law, ideally with prior work experience (employed or internships/placements) in or a demonstrable understanding (undertaking related subjects during study) of the banking and finance environment;
• A university degree achieving at least a 2:1 – ideally a law degree, or post-graduate qualification in a related field;
• Completion of the LPC, or SQE preparatory courses / successful completion of SQE exams, is advantageous but not essential;
• Prior experience in a law firm would be advantageous but not essential;
• Excellent communication skills – must be able to interact and communicate effectively across all levels of seniority and on both an internal and external basis;
• Able to work well under pressure and in keeping with deadlines;
• Must have excellent attention to detail; and
• Strong IT capabilities, including a good understanding of modern office software (Office 365 suite).

Why Join Us?

• A competitive starting salary;
• Comprehensive pension plan;
• 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;
• Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;
• Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme;
• Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;
• Enhanced parental leave policies;
• Employee Assistance Programme with face-to-face counselling services;
• Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships; and
• A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.

If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.