Derivatives Associate / Senior Associate

A strong opportunity has arisen for an experienced derivatives lawyer to join a well-established City practice at Senior Associate level. The team has a broad derivatives capability and offers the chance to work on sophisticated transactional and advisory matters, with genuine scope to develop a wider practice over time.

The role would suit a lawyer of around 4+ years’ PQE who has trained and developed within a well-regarded City or international firm and is looking for a platform where technical quality is matched by a collaborative and relatively entrepreneurial culture.

The work

The practice advises across a broad range of derivatives products, markets and transaction types. The successful lawyer will take a meaningful role in running matters with a good degree of autonomy, while continuing to work closely with clients, counterparties and colleagues across the wider firm.

The work will include drafting and negotiating derivatives documentation, including confirmations and ancillary agreements, alongside transactions involving loan hedging, deal-contingent structures and structured repo. There is also a significant advisory element, covering derivatives across different asset classes as well as the associated legal and regulatory framework.

This is not intended to be a narrowly defined role. While an existing specialism within a particular derivatives asset class would be welcomed, the team is equally interested in lawyers who want to broaden their experience and contribute to the continued development of the practice.

The team and culture

The environment is collaborative and team-oriented, with an emphasis on giving lawyers the autonomy to develop their own client relationships and areas of expertise. At Senior Associate level, there is an expectation that you will be comfortable taking ownership of transactions, dealing directly with clients and contributing more broadly to the direction of the practice.

The wider culture is supportive without being overly prescriptive. Individuality is encouraged, and career development is approached on a bespoke basis, with structured career planning, access to professional development and opportunities to build experience across the wider firm. The firm also operates a hybrid working model from its London office.

The ideal background

You are likely to be a qualified lawyer with at least four years’ post-qualification experience and a strong grounding in derivatives from a respected City or international practice. A sound understanding of derivatives products, markets and relevant financial regulation will be important, as will experience negotiating documentation and managing transactions through to completion.

Just as importantly, the team is looking for someone commercially minded and comfortable operating collaboratively: a lawyer who can think laterally, communicate confidently with clients and colleagues, and is interested in developing their practice over the longer term.

For a derivatives lawyer considering the next stage of their career, this offers a credible combination of high-quality work, autonomy and room to develop within an established London platform.

• Location: London

  Region: London (Greater)

  Country: UK

  Salary: Circa 130,000

  Specialisation: Derivatives

  Sector: Law firm

  Role Position: Senior Associate

  Contract Type: Permanent

  Hours: Full Time

  Experience Level: Mid Senior Level (3-7+ years)

  PQE: 4-6 years, 7+ years

  Reference Number: JRW-PL-18284