Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
Associate / Senior Associate - Trade Finance

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Our Banking and Finance team advises on a wide range of funding arrangements. The team acts for borrowers and lenders, including international banks and commodities companies.
Our expertise covers secured and unsecured credit facilities (bilateral and syndicated), development and property finance, acquisition finance, project finance, asset finance, receivables finance, trade finance, mezzanine finance and other structured finance transactions including complex inter-creditor and security sharing arrangements.
The team are looking for an Associate or Senior Associate (4+ PQE) with experience in Trade Finance to join our growing Banking and Finance team. Work will include bilateral and syndicated secured and unsecured lending, trade finance, banking regulation and compliance, money laundering regulations and sanctions work.
The firm has a strong trade finance and commodities and litigation department which is supported by the Banking and Finance team.
We are looking for candidates who have experience in trade finance, letters of credit, receivables financing and an understanding of regulatory capital and how insurance and non-payment insurance is used.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected:
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
To undertake fee-earning work and provide a profitable contribution to the work of the division. To contribute to the successful development of the firm in line with the business plan and the firm’s commonality of purpose. Engage in relevant BD and marketing work To deliver a high quality commercial legal service ensuring personal compliance with quality standards and professional ethics. To be an ambassador for the firm at all times and always promote it in a positive light.
Excellent support and progression opportunities are on offer.
Essential & Desirable Criteria
Admitted to the roll of solicitors 4+ years post qualification experience Letters of credit and bills of exchange Credit and non- payment risk insurance Electronic shipping and trade documentation Borrowing base and reserve based lending structures Export credit arrangements Pre-payment and limited recourse financing Receivables finance Transfer of receivables and forfaiting Silent payment guarantees and independent payment undertakings Oils, gas, metals and soft commodities
The firm operates a hybrid agile working policy allowing employees to work from home (or another UK location) for at least 50% of their time. Individuals can also apply for other flexible working options either at the time of recruitment or during the course of their


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
employment.
At our firm, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a priority and at the heart of everything we do. We actively want to attract a diverse workforce and welcome applications from everyone, from all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting an inclusive culture where everyone can be their full selves and experience being seen and heard. You can find out more about our firm’s commitment, initiatives and Pennclusion committees here .
We ensure that there are equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees, at all stages of the recruitment process and employment, regardless of age, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and social background. We aim to provide adjustments for people who have a disability, long-term health condition (including mental health) or neurodiversity. If you would like to request an adjustment, please contact Emily.Green@penningtonslaw.com
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location