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- Tasks: Join a top law firm to advise on complex capital markets transactions.
- Company: Be part of a highly regarded UK law firm with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Work on high-value, cross-border deals with elite global clients in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: 4+ PQE in structured finance or OTC derivatives; strong documentation skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to engage with innovative fintech solutions and ESG-linked projects.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We’re working closely with a top-ranked UK law firm seeking to expand its Structured Finance & Derivatives team with the hire of an experienced Associate (4+ PQE) in London. This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded team known for advising on complex, high-value capital markets transactions across a broad range of asset classes and jurisdictions.
You’ll be part of a practice that consistently handles market-leading, cross-border transactions for an elite roster of global investment banks, asset managers, hedge funds, fintech platforms, private equity houses, and corporates. The team is praised for both the depth of its structured finance expertise and its ability to deliver commercially focused advice in a fast-moving regulatory environment.
Work Experience:- Advising on public and private securitisations, including RMBS, CMBS, CLOs, and trade receivables structures
- Structuring and negotiating bespoke repackaging's, structured note programmes, and synthetic securitisations
- Acting on ISDA-based OTC derivatives, including credit, equity, rates, FX, and total return swaps
- Advising on complex hedging arrangements, including in the context of leveraged finance, real estate finance, and infrastructure deals
- Supporting clients on EMIR, MiFID II, and UK regulatory compliance, including margin and reporting rules
- Working on innovative mandates involving tokenisation of securities, ESG-linked derivatives, and fintech-backed credit platforms
- Leading or supporting cross-border transactions involving teams across Europe, the Middle East, and the US
- Global and UK investment banks
- Asset managers and institutional investors
- Boutique credit and structured finance funds
- Emerging fintech platforms offering alternative credit models
- Real estate and infrastructure developers engaging in structured financings
- 4+ PQE, qualified in England & Wales or other common law jurisdiction
- Significant experience in structured finance and/or OTC derivatives work
- Strong grasp of transaction documentation and market conventions
- Proactive and commercially astute, with the confidence to handle high-value, cross-border matters
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with clients and internal teams across practices and jurisdictions
Contact Detail:
Buchanan Law Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Derivatives Lawyer (London Area)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the structured finance and derivatives space. Attend industry events, webinars, or seminars where you can meet potential colleagues or clients. Building relationships can often lead to job opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends and regulations in the derivatives market. Familiarise yourself with EMIR, MiFID II, and other relevant compliance issues. This knowledge will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of the law firm you're interested in. They can provide insights into the firm's culture, expectations, and the types of projects you might work on, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising how to discuss complex transactions you've worked on. Be ready to explain your role, the challenges faced, and how you contributed to successful outcomes. This will showcase your experience and problem-solving skills effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Derivatives Lawyer (London Area)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in structured finance and derivatives. Focus on your 4+ PQE and any specific transactions or projects that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the firm. Mention your experience with complex capital markets transactions and your ability to navigate regulatory environments like EMIR and MiFID II.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong grasp of transaction documentation and market conventions. Include examples of how you've successfully collaborated with clients and internal teams on cross-border matters.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents. Ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors, as attention to detail is crucial in the legal field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Buchanan Law
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience in structured finance and OTC derivatives during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific transactions you've worked on, particularly those involving complex securitisations or cross-border deals.
✨Understand Regulatory Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations such as EMIR and MiFID II. Demonstrating a solid understanding of these frameworks will show that you can navigate the fast-moving regulatory environment effectively.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss how your legal advice has delivered commercial value to clients. Use examples from your past work to illustrate your proactive approach and ability to provide commercially focused solutions.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. Think about how you would handle complex hedging arrangements or innovative mandates, and be ready to articulate your thought process.
