Interim Legal Counsel - Commercial Lending (Banking & Finance)
June to December 2026 | c.£425 day rate | Bristol (hybrid or fully remote)
Potential temp‑to‑perm
I'm recruiting on behalf of a leading values‑driven UK bank with a strong, supportive culture and a high‑performing Business Banking legal team. Due to increased demand, they are looking for an interim Legal Counsel (c.2+ PQE) to support their Commercial Lending function.
This is an excellent opportunity for a junior banking & finance lawyer to step into a busy, high‑pressure but collaborative environment, working closely with senior lawyers and the Head of Legal.
The role
Working within the Commercial Lending / Business Banking legal team, you will:
* Support the documentation of commercial lending facilities (including syndicated loans, project finance and security documents)
* Act as a first point of contact for Relationship Managers and external panel solicitors
* Review facility agreements, security documents, reports on title, valuation reports and monitoring surveyor reports
* Help ensure transactions progress efficiently, identifying bottlenecks and escalating where needed
* Work cross‑functionally with Relationship Managers, Lending Operations, Middle Office, Credit Risk and others
* Contribute to process improvement, precedent management and general legal risk management within the team
* You will be supervised by two experienced Senior Legal Counsels
Person specification
* UK‑qualified solicitor, ideally 2+ PQE in banking & finance
* Experience drafting or reviewing commercial lending documentation (LMA familiarity helpful)
* Ability to manage a busy workload, work autonomously and communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders
* Pragmatic, detail‑focused and comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment
* A friendly, collaborative approach aligned with the bank's values
Working pattern & logistics
* 5 days a week preferred, but 4 days a week can be accommodated too
* Tuesday in the Bristol office preferred, but not essential
* Contract length from June to December (potential for slight flexibility)
Why this role?
* High‑quality banking & finance work
* Supportive, mission‑driven organisation with a strong ethos
* Great exposure to senior stakeholders
* Potential for temp‑to‑perm
If you are interested in being considered for this contract role, please email your CV to shannonhewes@chadwicknott.co.uk ASAP.
At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.
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