Asset Finance Lawyer - Shipping Focus - 2–5 PQE - London
A top international law firm in London is seeking a 2–5 PQE Asset Finance Associate with a strong interest in shipping finance to join its respected, market‑leading Asset Finance practice. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically capable lawyer who enjoys working on commercial, high‑value transactions and who wants to build deep expertise in shipping and maritime asset finance within a globally integrated platform.
The Asset Finance team is known for advising on some of the most significant financing transactions in the market across shipping, aviation, rail and other asset classes. Working closely with both UK and international teams, the practice provides trusted counsel to lenders, sponsors, corporates and financial institutions, regularly handling complex, cross‑border financing structures.
Team Environment and Culture
The London Asset Finance team brings together talented lawyers with a mix of experience across asset classes. The culture is collegial, collaborative and supportive, with a strong emphasis on technical excellence, pragmatic problem‑solving and continuous development.
Associates are given early exposure to substantive work and are encouraged to take ownership of their matters, contributing to client strategy, drafting key documentation, and managing processes alongside experienced partners and counsel. The team values open communication and maintains flat, accessible structures that enable effective mentoring and professional growth. The firm’s broader finance platform is one of the most prominent in the world, ensuring deep resource pools, international collaboration, and a flow of high‑quality work that enables real commercial impact for clients and career growth for team members.
Scope of Work
This role offers exposure to a broad range of asset finance transactions with a strong emphasis on shipping and marine asset deals. Your work will include:
- Shipping finance transactions, including loans secured over vessels, refinancing and restructurings
- Complex cross‑border marine asset financings for clients in the shipping, offshore and logistics sectors
- Syndicated and bilateral credit facilities secured on shipping assets
- Advising lenders, arrangers and corporates on structured finance components of large‑scale shipping transactions
- Drafting and negotiating finance documentation, security packages, intercreditor arrangements and ancillary agreements
- Coordinating with international teams on multi‑jurisdictional transactions and regulatory compliance
The practice’s work is technically sophisticated, commercially driven and often involves leading banks, financial institutions and corporate clients with significant global interests.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will:
- Be qualified in England & Wales
- Have 2–5 PQE in asset finance, shipping finance or related finance disciplines
- Demonstrate strong drafting ability, technical precision, and a sound commercial mindset
- Have experience working on shipping or marine finance matters, or a genuine interest in developing a specialist shipping finance practice
- Be a collaborative team player with excellent communication and organisational skills
Experience with high‑value secured lending, cross‑border finance or complex structured products will be viewed positively. The firm welcomes candidates from top international, US or UK finance practices where they have worked on asset or shipping finance matters.
Why This Opportunity Is Exceptional
This position offers a compelling mix of technical challenge, commercial exposure and career development within a highly respected global practice:
- Exposure to high‑profile, sophisticated shipping and asset finance transactions
- Opportunity to build specialist expertise in the shipping finance sector, one of the most dynamic areas of asset finance
- Work on cross‑border, multi‑jurisdictional deals with leading lenders and corporates
- A culture that supports professional development, mentoring and collaborative teamwork
- Real responsibility early in your career, including direct involvement in client matters and documentation
The Asset Finance team’s international reach and deep bench allow associates to contribute meaningfully to high‑value mandates while benefiting from broad exposure to different asset classes and financing structures. This ensures diverse experience and accelerated development in your specialist area.
For ambitious asset finance lawyers seeking a role that combines technical complexity, specialization in shipping, and a supportive, high‑performing culture, this is an excellent next step.
For a confidential discussion or to express interest, please contact us directly.