Olaniwun Ajayi (UK) LLP
Senior Associate
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An excellent opportunity has arisen for diligent and highly motivated individuals to join the finance team of Olaniwun Ajayi (UK) LLP.
About the Firm
Olaniwun Ajayi (UK) LLP is the UK arm of Olaniwun Ajayi, one of Africa’s leading full-service law firms. The UK practice advises leading financial institutions, investment funds, development finance institutions, governments, corporates, and other international organisations on complex English law cross-border transactions, with a particular focus on Africa and other emerging markets.
This is an exciting opportunity for talented finance lawyers to join a growing international finance practice, work on high-value, sophisticated transactions, and take significant responsibility for matters and client relationships.
We are looking for a technically strong and commercially minded finance lawyer who is comfortable taking ownership of transactions and working directly with clients.
Role and Responsibilities
As a Senior Associate in our finance team, you will be responsible for:
- Leading complex and high-value transactions, including private credit, project finance, leverage and acquisition finance, structured finance, debt capital markets, and related transactions.
- Advising regional and international financial institutions, investment funds, governments and government agencies, development finance institutions, project sponsors, corporates, and other international organisations on a broad range of financing transactions across Africa and other emerging markets.
- Leading negotiations with counterparties and their advisers, identifying key legal and commercial issues, and developing solutions that achieve the client’s objectives.
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating term sheets, facility agreements, intercreditor agreements, security documents, and other financing and transaction documentation.
- Managing matters with a high degree of autonomy and ensuring transactions progress efficiently to completion.
- Developing and maintaining strong relationships with clients and taking an active role in understanding and anticipating their legal and commercial requirements.
- Supporting partners on business development initiatives, including client relationship development, pitches, proposals, and market-facing activities.
- Providing technical guidance and support to junior lawyers and contributing to the development of legal expertise within the team.
- Keeping up to date with legal and market developments and sharing knowledge and insights with colleagues and clients.
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Candidate Profile
A successful candidate will have:
- At least 5 years’ post-qualification experience, with strong experience in banking and finance, project finance, debt capital markets, or a related practice area, gained in the UK or an overseas affiliate of an international law firm.
- Qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales, with substantial relevant English law transactional experience.
- Experience working on high-value and/or complex transactions, with a significant level of responsibility for matters and client relationships.
- Excellent technical drafting and negotiation skills, with a strong understanding of financing structures and documentation.
- The ability to manage transactions independently, exercise sound commercial judgment, and work effectively under pressure.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A genuine interest in cross-border transactions.
- The ability and desire to develop expertise across a range of finance practice areas.
- A strong academic background.
- A proactive and entrepreneurial approach, with an interest in contributing to business development and the continued growth of the firm’s international practice.
- French language skills are highly desirable.
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What We Offer
- The opportunity to work on a range of complex, high-impact transactions involving leading financial institutions, investment funds, DFIs, governments, and corporates.
- Significant responsibility and direct client exposure within a growing specialist international practice.
- The opportunity to develop expertise across a broad range of financing disciplines.
- A collaborative and entrepreneurial working environment.
- Competitive salary.
Contract Type
- Permanent Senior Associate: full time, permanent position.
- Fixed Term Senior Associate: full time, fixed-term position (approximately 9 months).
- Can be located in the UK or abroad.
Please send a cover letter and CV to: careers.london@olaniwunajayi.net
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