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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic legal support and advice across multiple business lines in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a leading financial services firm with a global presence and dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for mentorship.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by advising on high-profile commercial transactions and negotiations.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 5+ years' experience in derivatives and financial services.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Senior Legal Counsel to join our Commercial Legal team on a permanent, full‑time basis. The team provides legal support to the European, Middle Eastern and APAC businesses of BGC, GFI, Aurel and Cantor Fitzgerald, as well as the global FENICS technology businesses. This is a senior, high‑profile position offering genuine global exposure, substantial responsibility, and regular interaction with senior management and business leaders. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting and advising the firm’s agency brokerage businesses (primarily FX and cleared interest rate swaps) and prime brokerage desk (focusing on equity swaps and cash lending), as well as a range of other commercial workstreams across the group. The role requires a confident and adaptable lawyer who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, is able to manage competing priorities, and can deliver pragmatic, business‑focused advice under pressure.
Key Responsibilities
- Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial and financial documentation, including:
- ISDA Master Agreements and related documentation for equity and FX swaps.
- Prime brokerage agreements for cash lending and collateralised products.
- Global Master Securities Lending Agreements (GMSLA) and Global Master Repurchase Agreements (GMRA).
- Cleared execution derivatives agreements, give-up agreements for FX, and account control or security documentation.
- Confidentiality agreements, intra‑group guarantees and other commercial contracts.
Skills & Experience
- Qualified lawyer (England & Wales or Commonwealth jurisdiction).
- Minimum 5+ years’ PQE, with significant experience in derivatives, prime brokerage and/or structured financial products.
- Strong background in financial services, ideally gained in‑house within a major institution or from a leading private practice.
- Excellent understanding of ISDA documentation, collateral arrangements, and related regulatory frameworks (e.g., EMIR, MiFID II).
- Proven ability to manage complex negotiations and multiple stakeholders across regions.
Personal Attributes
- A confident, pragmatic self‑starter who can work independently and exercise sound judgement.
- Highly organised, responsive and capable of managing competing demands effectively.
- Strong interpersonal skills, able to build trust and credibility with business and control function stakeholders.
- Commercially astute with a solutions‑focused approach.
- Demonstrates leadership qualities and the ability to guide or mentor junior colleagues.
Client Focus & Communication
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, practical guidance.
- Builds strong relationships across business, compliance, risk, and operations teams.
- Demonstrates an understanding of client objectives and delivers tailored, commercially relevant advice.
- Collaborative and supportive within the wider legal function, sharing expertise and best practice.
Senior Legal Counsel – Commercial employer: BGC Group
Contact Detail:
BGC Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel – Commercial
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend legal events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at companies you’re interested in. You never know who might help you land that Senior Legal Counsel role!
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals in your target firms. Use these opportunities to learn about their experiences and the company culture. Plus, it’s a great way to get your name out there and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to discuss your experience with ISDA documentation and complex negotiations. Bring examples of how you’ve successfully navigated similar challenges in the past. This will demonstrate your value and fit for the Senior Legal Counsel position.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel – Commercial
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your relevant PQE and any specific experience with derivatives or prime brokerage to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Senior Legal Counsel role. Share examples of how you've navigated complex negotiations or provided strategic legal advice in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application is clear and concise. Avoid jargon and focus on translating your legal expertise into practical insights that demonstrate your client-focused approach.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at BGC Group
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ISDA documentation, derivatives, and prime brokerage agreements. Be ready to discuss specific cases where you've successfully navigated complex negotiations or provided strategic legal advice.
✨Show Your Commercial Acumen
Demonstrate your understanding of the financial services landscape and how legal frameworks like EMIR and MiFID II impact business decisions. Prepare examples of how you've aligned legal strategies with commercial objectives in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills under pressure. Think about past experiences where you had to manage competing priorities and how you delivered pragmatic solutions.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since this role involves regular interaction with senior management, practice building rapport during the interview. Show your strong interpersonal skills by engaging with the interviewers and demonstrating your ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly.
