Commodities Trade Finance Lawyer

Commodities Trade Finance Associate

Join our fast-growing and highly regarded Commodities Trade Finance group in Geneva. The team is ranked among the best in the market by leading directories, including Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. In this role, you will work directly with Associates, Partners, and clients across a range of jurisdictions on interesting, upbeat, and often complex matters. The position requires excellent drafting skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Role Requirements

• Admitted as a solicitor in England & Wales.
• If newly qualified, have completed at least one seat in trade finance or banking & finance, ideally with a leading City law firm.
• If PQE 1, have one year of trade finance or banking & finance experience, ideally with a leading City law firm.
• Speak fluent English; French, German, or Italian is a plus.
• Have excellent English communication and drafting skills.
• Demonstrate a keen interest in international trade, banking, trade finance, and applicable laws.
• Have a basic understanding of trade finance structures and needs in the commodities sector, with enthusiasm to build upon this knowledge.
• Be willing to think out of the box to find and implement innovative structures.
• Be willing to learn and strive to be the best lawyer possible.
• Be efficient with excellent time management skills.
• Understand that providing outstanding client service is paramount.
• Be willing to understand the client's business to best meet its objectives.
• Be willing to invest in strong internal and external relationships.

What We Offer

The successful candidate will join a reputable and thriving practice, working with a high-performing and supportive team that views the broader success of the firm as paramount. Clients are global and diverse, including commodity trading and shipping firms and banks located in Switzerland, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Eastern Europe, America, and Africa. Along with an attractive salary package, you will be eligible for bonuses, offered training programmes, and provided with a clear career progression path. The position is full-time based in Geneva.

About the Firm

HFW is a leading global law firm specializing in the aerospace, commodities, construction, energy, insurance, and shipping sectors. The firm has almost 600 fee-earners, including 180 partners, based in 20 offices across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. As true industry specialists, we take a progressive approach to our roles in commercial business, thinking creatively and pragmatically to support our clients. HFW prides itself on its deep industry expertise and its entrepreneurial, creative, and collaborative culture.

Geneva is the world's leading hub for physical commodities and trade finance across diverse sectors such as coffee, cocoa, grains, and soft commodities, oil and energy, and metals.