London, United KingdomFinancial ServicesMid-Senior Level
The opportunity
Our client is a specialist investment firm focused on emerging markets that is seeking a Legal Counsel to support its corporate debt investment activities. The role will work closely with the investment team on transactions across the full investment lifecycle, with a focus on drafting and negotiating corporate lending documentation, advising on creditor protections and supporting enforcement matters. The position can be based in either London or Johannesburg.
Responsibilities
- Draft, review, and negotiate corporate debt, financing, security, and related transaction documentation.
- Provide legal advice throughout the investment and transaction lifecycle.
- Support the structuring and execution of debt investments across African markets.
- Advise on enforcement, restructurings, defaults, and other distressed or contentious matters.
- Identify and manage legal and contractual risks across investments.
- Coordinate with external counsel and other advisers across transactions and portfolio matters.
- Work closely with investment professionals to provide practical, commercially focused legal advice.
Requirements
- 2–7 years of relevant post-qualification legal experience.
- Experience in corporate debt, banking and finance, investment law, or a related area.
- Strong experience drafting and negotiating financing and commercial documentation.
- Exposure to debt enforcement, restructuring, or distressed situations is advantageous.
- Strong interest in and commitment to African markets.
- Excellent analytical, drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Commercially minded, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-paced investment environment.