To thrive in this role, you’ll need to have genuine UK legal experience—whether through education, internships, or practical training—and be professionally fluent in both English and Mandarin. The ability to communicate confidently and accurately across both languages is essential, as is being ready to start immediately.
If you’re looking to build a meaningful career in corporate, banking, and commercial law, this is a rare opportunity to work closely with experienced partners on high-quality, cross-border transactions. You’ll be part of a supportive and ambitious team that values bilingual talent, legal curiosity, and professional growth. For the right candidate, this role offers hands-on learning, real responsibility, and a genuine chance to develop into a future leader in international legal practice.
Company Description
We, Lawson Wright LLP is a newly established SRA regulated English law firm. We are currently recruiting for a bilingual (English and Mandarin) trainee and junior solicitor (newly qualified or above) to join our practice mainly focusing on banking and finance related matters.
Lawson Wright LLP aims to provide legal services with a long-term vision to grow into a highly respected corporate, commercial, asset finance, and banking practice in London, serving financial institutions and companies across a range of transactions. The firm aspires to develop a national presence with enhanced capabilities, while continuing to expand its global network. Please find the job description as set out below.
Role Description
This is a full-time hybrid role for a Bilingual Trainee / Junior Solicitor (Banking, Corporate & Commercial Law) - Mandarin & English at Lawson Wright LLP. The role is located in City Of London but allows for some work from home. Daily tasks include providing legal support in finance, corporate, and commercial matters, involving cross-border transactions and collaboration with international clients and legal teams.
1. Duties
On a daily basis, you will be working in a small team and reporting to senior lawyers / lawyers or partners directly. You will be exposed to tasks including without limitation to the following:
* assisting on or handling mainly banking and finance related work and some corporate and general commercial transactions and/or cases (in both English and Mandarin) including drafting, amending, negotiating and finalising transactional and case related documents, carrying out due diligence and/or other research or investigations, translating and/or interpretating English law governed documents and liaising and co-ordinating with all the parties concerned and attending business trips;
* assisting on or handling marketing and business development related work;
* for junior solicitor only: assisting on supervising trainees and/or other assistants;
* developing and/or maintaining good relationship with client and any other collaborative parties.
2. Requirements:
2.1 Skills:
Well equipped with skills to assume the duties as mentioned above, including mainly
* Language skills: fluent in both English and Mandarin;
* Legal knowledge: a strong understanding of banking and finance law and also understanding of some corporate and general commercial laws;
* Research and analytical skills: the ability to research and analyse complex legal issues, loan documents, security documents and other documents related to finance transactions and some corporate and general commercial transactions;
* Communication skills: outstanding written and verbal communication skills are essential for drafting legal documents, communicating with clients, and negotiating terms with other parties concerned;
* Commercial awareness: very good understanding the business and commercial aspects of banking transactions and being able to provide legal advice that align with the client’s commercial objectives;
* Attention to detail: being thorough and detail-oriented in reviewing documents to identify potential legal issues or risks;
* Teamwork and collaboration: working effectively as part of a legal team and collaborating with other professionals, such as bankers, financial advisors, and other lawyers involved in banking transactions;
* Time management: ability to manage workload efficiently, meet deadlines, and prioritise tasks effectively in a fast-paced legal environment;
* Client management: building and maintaining strong relationship with clients, understanding their needs, and providing high-quality legal services tailored to their requirements;
* Negotiation skills: the ability to negotiate and advocate on behalf of clients in banking and finance transactions, as well as in dispute resolution processes when necessary; and
* Adaptability: being able to adapt to changes in laws and regulations, as well as to evolving market conditions and client needs within the banking and finance sector.
2.2 Experience:
* Working experience: sufficient working experience including
* for trainee: at least six month intern’s/paralegal’s;
* for junior solicitor: two years of trainee-solicitor’s and other types of solid working experience with a reputable international / English / Singapore / Chinese law firm and/or financial institutions including at least three months in the UK. For junior solicitor, one year of trainee solicitor’s or other type of solid working experience in banking and finance related work a plus;
* Education: Obtained an LL.B (2:1 or above) and an LLM (Merit or above), from a top 15 university in the UK.
* A specialisation in banking and finance law is considered an advantage.
* NB: we may also consider (only if and when needed) any candidate whose education experience is: obtained an LL.B (2:1 or above) and an LLM (Merit or above), with a major in corporate and/or general commercial laws from a top 15 university in the UK, USA, Singapore or Hong Kong.
2.3 Qualifications:
* Successful completion of Legal Practice Course (LPC) or all stages of Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) (for trainee, successful completion of LPC or at least Stage 1 of SQE), each with a result of 2:1 (or equivalent) or above; and
* FOR Junior solicitor, successful completion of professional skills courses (PSCs).
Additional Information:
* This is a hybrid role: 3 days in-office (London – Bank area). We reserve the right to update the hybrid working arrangement according to business needs.
* Visa status: Applicants should have the right to live and work in the UK.
* Salary: Competitive