Job Description

The Consultant will draft and standardise core finance documents., supporting the delivery of a consistent, market-leading client experience across multiple jurisdictions. A unified suite of high-quality finance documents will strengthen collaboration, enhance operational efficiency, and reinforce the DLA Piper brand. This ultimately contributes to the firm's strategic objective of providing seamless, cross-border legal solutions to international and regional clients operating across Africa.

Main duties and responsibilities

• The Africa Finance Documentation Standardisation Project, ensuring the successful creation of a consistent suite of finance precedents and related documents for use across DLA Piper Africa member firms and jurisdictions
• Produce high-quality, market-leading finance documentation that reflects best practice, supports risk management, and meets the expectations of international and regional financial institution clients
• Ensure the timely delivery of agreed project outcomes within the six-month engagement period, managing priorities and stakeholder expectations to achieve key project milestones
• Support the enhancement of the DLA Piper Africa brand and client experience by delivering documentation that demonstrates quality, consistency, and the firm's ability to provide seamless legal services across multiple jurisdictions
• Draft, standardise and refine key finance documents (including Security Documents, legal opinions, resolutions, formalities certificates and other condition precedent documents) across 20 Africa jurisdictions

About you

• Significant experience as a Banking & Finance lawyer, Professional Support Lawyer, Knowledge Lawyer, or equivalent finance specialist, with strong expertise in finance transactions and related legal documentation
• Demonstrable drafting experience
• Strong technical knowledge of finance documentation, including security documents, legal opinions, resolutions, formalities certificates, conditions precedent documentation, and associated transaction documents
• Strong understanding of cross-border legal practice and the requirements of international financial institutions and other multinational clients operating across Africa
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outputs within demanding timescales while maintaining attention to detail and consistency
• Excellent drafting, analytical, and quality assurance skills
• Experience working across diverse jurisdictions with an appreciation of the legal and commercial considerations relevant to the African market, if possible
• Qualified lawyer with substantial post-qualification experience in Banking & Finance, ideally operating at Senior Associate, Legal Director, Professional Support Lawyer, or equivalent level

About us

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.