Legal Counsel

Role & responsibilities

• Transaction Management involves supporting the documentation process for corporate loan transactions across Large Corporate, Mid-Market Enterprise, International Subsidiary Banking, Infrastructure and Real Estate Finance business segments, typically in the 10m – £750m space and this role will be an excellent and unparalleled opportunity for an Indian qualifier lawyer experienced in the Indian domestic lending space to develop both their technical legal and commercial skills and the broader skillset required to become a top performing banking lawyer in the UK corporate loan markets, and in the cross-border lending space as well.
• While in this role, the role holder will gradually develop a deeper knowledge of certain key commercial aspects of structuring loans and LMA facility agreements more broadly that will be valuable in future frontline roles, giving them the skillset to negotiate key commercial points on transactions as well improving their ability to structure a deal. They will also become proficient in running multiple loan processes, as their confidence in negotiating key commercial terms and bank policy points increases whilst developing a better understanding of the latest market trends. This is also an excellent opportunity to build one's external professional network.
• As team lead, the role holder will have an opportunity to deepen their subject matter expertise while developing leadership capabilities through team management in a dynamic and growing legal function. This unique combination of SME ownership and team leadership offers high visibility and a chance to shape team performance and stakeholder relationships.
• Assisting onshore Senior Transaction Manager with all aspects of loan execution (bilateral or multi-banked loans) and advisory on the structure of a transaction, including Drafting/reviewing term sheets,reviewing facility agreements for policy points/term sheet tick back of key terms.
• Reviewing, negotiating and settling release letters, reliance letters, legal opinions, fee letters, deeds of priority, deeds of subordination, CP sat letter, insurance broker letters and deeds of release. Also Drafting Lender counsel scope of work, simple fee indemnity letters, internal internal dispensations for non-compliant policy points.
• Explaining common risks (both commercial and legal) associated with complex loan transactions and high-level review of minimum standard report (i.e. HSBC's policy document) and finalizing the report with external Lender counsel.
• Supporting and advising UK Commercial Banking clients and the above-mentioned key stakeholders by interpreting legal advice/concepts and explaining impact and associated risks.
• Negotiating and agreeing key terms embedded within term sheets and Loan Market Association (LMA)facility agreements, ensuring compliance with HSBC'S internal policy, relevant credit approvals, common market practices in line with any external regulatory requirements.
• As team lead, leading, mentoring and supporting the team, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive team culture, including allocating work, setting clear expectations, and ensuring timely, high-quality delivery of outputs aligned with business priorities by the team members also providing regular performance feedback, and development support to team members, including through goal-setting, regular/real-time feedback, mid-year checks, and year-end assessments.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to assess capacity, aligning resource planning, and ensuring optimal team utilization and Supporting hiring, onboarding, and integration of new team members, contributing to a strong team bench and succession planning.

Qualifications

• Legal qualification with 8-10 years of relevant work experience within the banking/financial services industry. Though not mandatory, it would be beneficial to have some private practice or law firm background, including exposure to diverse legal issues and client interactions.
• Experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex credit and lending agreements/ loan documentation, security documents/arrangements and ancillary lending transaction documents in line with industry standards. Examples include: bilateral uncommitted/committed facilities, syndicated facility/loan agreements, guarantees and guarantee confirmation letters, mortgage/hypothecation/pledge documents, term-sheet mapping, ancillary documentation (for example corporate authorizations, commitment letter, fee letter, etc). Experience with LMA templates would be beneficial along with demonstrable comprehensive knowledge of credit and lending laws, regulations, and practices.
• Experience in delivering legal advice and guidance on credit transactions, risk management, and regulatory compliance to business counterparts and other stakeholders.
• Prior experience in a people leadership or team management role, preferably in an in-house or law firm environment.
• Though not mandatory, it would be beneficial to have prior experience in managing cross-border lending deals, considering the legal and regulatory requirements of multiple jurisdictions, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders across different regions for smooth facilitation of cross-border deals. Good understanding of compliance with anti-money laundering (AML), know-your-customer (KYC), and other regulatory obligations in cross-border dealings.
• A desire to work towards leading the documentation process for LMA facilities from both a commercial and legal perspective and advising internal stakeholders on key issues.
• A strong desire to develop structuring skills and to lead negotiations on complex corporate loan transactions including refinances, Sustainable Linked Loans, MBO's, "cashouts", acquisition finance and post IPO financing is preferable.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills, alongside an eye for detail, with some experience of successfully influencing others, negotiating effectively.
• Ability to effectively engage and negotiate with senior stakeholders, demonstrating considered foresight and highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to undertake internal and/or external training for personal and professional development and to bolster the skill set that will be developed while in this role, including documentation training.
• Able to deal with and constructively resolve conflicting views and where necessary, escalate to and advise senior management in a clear and succinct manner.