Legal Counsel (Derivatives / Trading)

TL;DR

Legal Counsel (Derivatives / Trading): Negotiating and delivering trading documentation and providing strategic legal advice for the Life Legal team with an accent on derivatives and regulatory compliance. Focus on drafting ISDAs, GMRAs, and managing regulatory changes such as MiFID II and EMIR.

Location: London (Flexible working arrangements considered)

Company

A long-standing asset management and insurance company combining expertise to offer a wide range of savings and investment solutions.

What you will do

• Negotiate and deliver trading documentation including ISDAs, GMRAs, Stock Lending Agreements, and Master Netting Agreements.
• Design and implement trading strategies and provide pragmatic legal solutions to support investment goals.
• Advise on and assist with the implementation of regulatory changes, specifically SII, MiFID II, EMIR, and SFTR.
• Collaborate closely with investment teams, operations experts, compliance, and risk colleagues.
• Manage operational onboarding and support the company's strategic projects.

Requirements

• Qualified lawyer with a strong academic background.
• 5+ years PQE working in derivatives/trading within a law firm or in-house team.
• Experience in buy-side advisory, including collateral management and managing counterparty expectations.
• Deep understanding of the regulatory framework applicable to insurers and asset managers.
• English: C1+ (contract negotiation level) required.

Nice to have

• Qualification in a common law jurisdiction.
• Experience in cross-border derivatives transactions.
• Knowledge of fund structures and documentation in the UK, Luxembourg, and Ireland.
• Experience managing external counsel in a multi-jurisdictional context.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive pension scheme with employer contributions up to 18%.
• Comprehensive health and protection cover, including Private Healthcare and Life Assurance.
• 38 days of annual leave (including bank holidays), with an option to purchase additional days.
• Flexible working arrangements and a "Time Off When You Need It" policy.
• Inclusive "Inspiring Families" policy with comprehensive paid parental leave.