Trade Finance & Equipment Leasing Finance, Counsel - Vice President

Role Description

The Vice President and Counsel for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) will work within the Legal Department and report to the Head of Trade Finance in the department’s Lending Group, as a trade finance, equipment leasing and finance, and commercial lending subject matter expert.

Role Objectives

Primary responsibilities include: 

• Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating documentation for trade finance, equipment leasing and finance and general commercial lending transactions, including reimbursement agreements and letter of credit matters, supply chain finance and inventory finance contracts and arrangements, trade receivables financing documentation, equipment leases, secured notes, equipment finance agreements, credit agreements, intercreditor agreements, engagement letters, commitment letters, fee letters, term sheets, and syndication documentation, including assignments, nonrecourse loan agreements, and participation agreements
• Working closely with the front office and other internal stakeholders to assist with the structuring and coordination of such transactions
• Supervising and managing external counsel
• Identifying and analyzing U.S. and cross-border legal, regulatory, and market issues affecting supported business lines, including the legal risk associated with new products and activities
• Maintaining and updating form documents
• Providing periodic advice to other SMBC offices on matters of New York law and U.S. market practice
• Participating in continuing legal education seminars and participating in relevant industry groups (e.g., LSTA, ELFA) in order to maintain current knowledge of developing law and market practice.
• Collaborate and coordinate with attorneys in SMBC LDAD and other internal partners to ensure adherence to institutional standards and policies.  Escalate material issues and developments to senior attorneys and members of management.

Qualifications and Skills

• Admission to the New York bar (or clear qualification of eligibility for waiving in from another jurisdiction with which New York has reciprocity) and a member of good standing of such bar.
• 3-7 years minimum experience at a law firm or in-house legal department advising financial institutions on trade finance, equipment leasing/finance and bilateral and syndicated commercial lending transactions. Excellent legal and analytical skills.  Broad experience in trade finance and equipment leasing and finance, and bilateral and syndicated commercial lending transactions, with experience in insolvency and bankruptcy, cross-border financing, and workouts preferred. In-house experience or familiarity with banking environment a must.
• Proven skills in legal risk management.  Ability to see past the question and understand the bigger picture. Ability to balance competing demands and protect institutional interests.  Ability to articulate complex concepts and ideas and apply them at a practical level to real-world situations. 
• Excellent communication skills, technical drafting skills, and issue-spotting skills.  Ability to work under pressure, operate comfortably in a fast-paced, demanding environment, and manage a significant workload with minimal supervision.  Ability to think creatively and propose solutions. Collegial team player is a must.