Managing Associate / Of Counsel - Fund Finance

London, England, United Kingdom

12/10/2024

We are seeking to hire a Managing Associate or Of Counsel (6 years+ PQE) who can be based either in London or Bristol.

The ideal candidate will have a range of funds finance experience - capital call, hybrid, general partner, management fee, co-invest and NAV/asset backed facilities – ideally acting for both lenders and sponsors / borrowers, gained from working within an international or leading regional firm. You will also have experience with fund structures and partnership documents, and the ability to work on transactions as part of a team in a friendly, collegiate environment.

The features that mark us out from our competitors are: a “strong fund finance practice” as mentioned in Legal 500; a global funds finance offering with our colleagues including in Asia, Ireland, Luxembourg, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the Middle East; excellent training; structured career path in a collegiate practice with a growth trajectory and partnership prospects; the quality of our relationships with leading financial institutions and asset managers / funds and the support of our tax, securitisation, regulatory and fund formation teams.

Person specification:

• Excellent academics, technically excellent with strong drafting skills
• Applicants will ideally be 6+ PQE, which will have been gained at another international or leading regional firm.
• Strong client focus with an ability and willingness to get actively involved in marketing and business development.
• Commercially driven.
• Able to work effectively as part of a diverse and inclusive team.
  
  
  

Our team:

• Our team operates as a fully integrated global practice acting for banks, funds, asset managers, corporates and governments on some of the most complex, challenging and innovative transactions worldwide. Our team has the characteristics you’d expect from a top tier global legal practice. We act for first class clients doing headline-making cross-border transactions, we have the highest standards and demand a lot from ourselves and each other and we’re passionate about our clients and the work we do. We are also working hard to be more diverse and inclusive. We believe that having all types of people from all types of backgrounds provides a variety of approach and thought which helps our business be both creative and dynamic. But we recognise there is more to do on that and we’re on it. And we’re also growing, fast.
• A focus on developing business: Winning clients and work is not just the job of senior lawyers. We need the whole team to pull together to grow the practice. We need the whole team to be entrepreneurial and business minded. And from day 1, we’ll support you in developing these skills. They’re integral to the success of our business and to your own success as you career progresses. An important part of that will often be through client secondments in some of the biggest businesses in the market.
• A team focus: Our team has a flat structure. We’re not hierarchical; we’re all just lawyers with different levels of experience. We’re all approachable and we all help each other out. There is a real trust amongst us that we’ll all work hard together to do whatever it takes to get the job done well. People are given early responsibility because we believe the best way to learn is by doing. And that often involves stepping outside your comfort zone, whilst at the same time being properly supported. And we’re a team that gets along and has fun together too. It can’t be all work and no play.
• A balanced life: We act for first class clients on the biggest deals in the market. And because of that, we work hard and sometimes our careers take up more time than they should. That’s part of being ambitious lawyers who really care about our clients. But physical and mental wellbeing are at the heart of our culture too. Working hard is important but balance is important too and we make sure our team has down-time when needed. A couple of years ago, we were one of the first law firms to become a signatory to the Mindful Business Charter and since then we have worked hard to create an environment where we look after ourselves and each other. And we now have a new way of working where our team is in the office a minimum of two days a week, leaving people to work from home or work from the office depending on what’s best for them.
• A digital approach: Recently we acquired a digital solutions business called Wavelength. Our data scientists, legal engineers and designers are now unlocking new value, efficiencies and insights in a way that is transforming the products and services we sell to our clients. The legal market is changing in front of our eyes and as part of our team you’ll develop the digital and tech skills you need to play a key role in the development of a next generation law firm. And you’ll also be able to use these skills to help others. For example, our GreenTech Fund uses our digital expertise to support start-ups by giving free legal advice to new companies who are focused on using technology to mitigate climate change. This approach is reflected in everything that we do; we’re bold and unafraid of changing old habits if we think there’s a new and better way of doing things.
  
  
  

Here at Simmons & Simmons

Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters, you will work on inspirational and thought-provoking projects, using your influence to create positive impact for our clients, society and the planet. We also ensure that everyone's voice is heard from day one, irrespective of job title, qualification, or background. You'll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible.

Some key information:

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.
• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).
• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.
• We bring together the best legal advice from our established legal teams with non-traditional capabilities via Simmons & Simmons Solutions that enhance, expand and differentiate the Simmons offering.
• We are proud to rank as a top 30 Employer for Working Families and a top 25 Employer for Social Mobility.
• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.
• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.
• All UK offices have their own artwork collections - including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.
  
  
  

If you're interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team . To apply for the role, click on the link at the bottom of the page or visit our career page, where there is a detailed job description.