Main information
Term type:
Permanent
Department:
Asset/Project Finance
Location:
Milan
The firm
Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is a sector-focused international law firm with extensive expertise and industry insight across its core sectors of energy, infrastructure and transport. Through its network of 19 offices, the firm advises clients on complex, high-value transactions and disputes – matters requiring precise legal execution and a nuanced understanding of global market dynamics.
The firm’s success is driven by its people. It fosters a collaborative, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can grow, share ideas and make an impact. Guided by its values –We are experts, We are united and We care – the firm delivers exceptional service through strong relationships and teamwork. The firm is committed to clear career paths, championing diversity and investing in its people so they can thrive.
The department
The Italian Banking & Finance department is part of the firm’s international Finance practice and focuses on advising on a broad range of banking and financing transactions.
The team is actively involved in complex national and cross-border transactions, working closely with colleagues across jurisdictions.
The department operates in a dynamic and international environment and provides legal support across all phases of a transaction, including legal research, drafting and negotiation of financial documentation and analysis of regulatory frameworks.
Within this context, the Project Finance practice forms a key component of the team’s work, involving participation in the analysis and structuring of complex financing transactions, often within international and cross-border settings.
Role overview
This role is based on a collaboration agreement between Watson Farley & Williams Italy and the candidate.
The role is designed for trainees or junior lawyers joining the Italian Banking & Finance team and offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a broad range of financing transactions.
The successful candidate will support lawyers on both national and cross-border matters, assisting with legal research and contributing to the preparation, review and negotiation of financial documentation.
The position provides structured exposure to key areas of the practice, including project finance. In particular, the candidate will be involved in the analysis and structuring of complex project finance transactions, mainly in the energy and infrastructure sectors, including the review and preparation of related contractual documentation (such as O&M agreements and other finance-related contracts).
Working closely with a team of experienced professionals, the candidate will also contribute to the preparation of legal memoranda, due diligence activities and client deliverables, gaining practical insight into the execution of sophisticated financing transactions in an international and cross-border context.
The role is intended to support the development of core legal and professional skills, including legal analysis, document drafting, teamwork and communication, within a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Key internal contacts
Key activities/responsibilities
- Conducting legal research on banking and finance law matters
- Assisting in the drafting, review and negotiation of financial documentation
- Supporting the team on national and cross-border transactions
- Participating in the analysis and structuring of financing transactions
- Assisting in the preparation of legal memoranda, contracts and due diligence documentation
Skills and experience – essential
- Law degree (Master’s) with a strong academic record
- Excellent command of English, both written and spoken (minimum certified C1 level)
- Strong interest in banking and finance law
- Solid legal research and analytical skills
Skills and experience – desired
- Previous experience, even short, in the Banking & Finance sector
- Experience gained in international or leading domestic law firms, consulting firms or financial institutions is considered an advantage
Personal skills/attributes
- Strong motivation and interest in the practice area
- Ability to work effectively within a team
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities
