Senior lawyer - Legal Director - Trade Finance & Structured Finance

International Law Firm - London

A leading international law firm is seeking an accomplished senior finance lawyer to step into a Director-level leadership role and spearhead the development of its Trade Finance and Structured Finance practice.
This is a rare opportunity to take strategic ownership of a priority growth area within a well-established global platform. The firm is investing significantly in its finance offering and is looking for a commercially driven, entrepreneurial leader with the credibility to build and scale a market-leading practice.
The Opportunity
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the firm's finance capability, working across a strong international network and leveraging deep sector expertise within the wider business.
The role will suit an experienced senior lawyer (equivalent to senior Counsel/Director level) with extensive experience advising financial institutions, export credit agencies, lessors, investors, and corporates on complex cross-border transactions.
Particular interest lies in trade finance, though candidates from structured finance, export finance, asset finance, and transportation finance backgrounds are also encouraged to apply.
A key differentiator of the platform is its highly regarded maritime practice, which is central to the firm's client base across shipping, logistics, and international trade. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build a finance offering closely aligned with this sector strength, unlocking immediate and long-term client demand.
Platform & Growth Opportunity
This is not a cold start opportunity. The firm already benefits from a meaningful flow of finance-related work across its maritime, corporate, commercial, and international trade practices. The incoming Director will benefit from established internal referral networks and a strong culture of collaboration and cross-selling.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in financial institutions and cross-border financing transactions
• Deep expertise in trade finance, export finance, structured finance, asset finance, or related sectors
• A strong track record of leading and delivering complex international transactions
• Established client relationships and demonstrable business development capability
• Leadership experience with the ability to build, develop, and mentor teams
• A strategic, entrepreneurial mindset with a clear vision for practice growth

The Offer
This is a senior leadership opportunity at Director level, offering the chance to shape and scale a strategically important practice within a respected international firm.
The role provides a strong institutional platform, established sector strengths, existing client demand, and genuine investment from leadership to support long-term growth and success.
All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.
To apply or discuss further, please contact Catherine Knowles on 077 259 81300 for a confidential conversation.