Derivative & Structured Finance Associate

Associate Opportunity: Structured Finance & Derivatives (1–6 PQE)

Location: London

Firm: Prestigious U.S. Law Firm – Market-Leading Structured Finance & Derivatives Practice

Are you an ambitious derivatives lawyer seeking to join a world-class U.S. law firm and advance your career in one of the most dynamic areas of finance law? Our client is looking to grow its esteemed Structured Finance & Derivatives team in London and is inviting applications from associates with 1 to 6 years’ post-qualification experience, with a strong emphasis on derivatives.

About the Role

This role offers a unique opportunity to work on some of the most sophisticated, multi-jurisdictional structured finance and derivatives transactions in the market. You will play a pivotal role advising major financial institutions, asset managers, hedge funds, corporates, and sponsors on a broad spectrum of derivatives products and documentation. Your day-to-day work will include negotiating and drafting derivatives documentation, such as ISDA Master Agreements, Credit Support Annexes (CSA), collateral arrangements, and bespoke derivatives contracts tailored to complex structured finance deals.

You will also advise on regulatory developments impacting derivatives markets, including EMIR, Dodd-Frank, and related clearing and margin requirements, ensuring clients remain fully compliant with evolving international regulatory frameworks. The role will also involve cross-practice collaboration on structured notes, securitisations, and other structured finance transactions where derivatives play a key role in risk management and deal structuring.

Who We’re Looking For

We seek candidates who bring:

• Between 1 and 6 years’ post-qualification experience, with significant exposure to derivatives documentation and structured finance transactions
• Strong technical expertise in negotiating ISDA Master Agreements, Credit Support Annexes, and collateral documentation
• Practical experience advising on the regulatory landscape affecting derivatives, including clearing obligations and margin rules under EMIR, Dodd-Frank, and similar regimes
• A commercial mindset with excellent drafting and negotiation skills, able to balance legal precision with pragmatic client solutions
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, global environment and collaborate effectively with colleagues across multiple jurisdictions