At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch legal advice on financial markets and draft key agreements.
- Company: Join CMC Markets, a leading player in the financial services sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with diverse perspectives valued.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of financial law and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Law degree, solicitor qualification, and 6+ years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
CMC Markets is seeking an experienced, commercially minded and versatile Legal Counsel to join its EMEA Legal team in London. The successful candidate will provide high-quality legal advice and support across CMC Markets' financial markets activities, with a particular focus on OTC derivatives, securities financing, trading arrangements, and related financial services documentation.
The role requires a lawyer with strong technical expertise in financial markets law and practice, excellent drafting skills and the ability to provide pragmatic, commercially focused advice in a fast-paced, regulated financial services environment. The successful candidate will be comfortable acting independently as a subject-matter expert while also contributing to a collaborative legal team. The role offers exposure to a broad range of legal and commercial matters, including new products, evolving market structures and digital assets.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide legal advice and support in relation to CMC Markets' trading, brokerage and other financial markets business lines; particularly, prime brokerage, OTC derivatives, securities, and securities financing transactions.
- Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of financial markets agreements, including ISDA Master Agreements, Credit Support Annexes, Global Master Securities Lending Agreements (GMSLAs), give-up agreements, and related documentation.
- Advise on trading, clearing, collateral, custody, settlement and other post-trade arrangements.
- Support the negotiation of prime brokerage, execution, clearing, custody and other financial intermediary agreements.
- Advise on legal and commercial risks arising from financial markets transactions, trading structures and counterparty relationships.
- Work closely with Trading, Risk, Treasury, Operations, Compliance and other business functions to support commercial objectives.
General Legal Advisory
- Provide clear, practical and commercially focused legal advice to business stakeholders and senior management.
- Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial and financial services contracts.
- Support the development and implementation of new products, services and business initiatives.
- Advise on legal and contractual matters arising from regulatory developments and changes in market practice.
- Identify, assess and help manage legal risks, balancing legal requirements with commercial considerations.
- Contribute to legal projects and provide support across other areas of law as business priorities require.
- Manage external legal advisers where appropriate.
Teamwork and Stakeholder Management
- Act as a trusted legal adviser and subject-matter expert within the business.
- Develop strong working relationships with colleagues across different business functions and jurisdictions.
- Communicate complex legal issues clearly and concisely to both legal and non-legal stakeholders.
- Work collaboratively with other members of the Legal team, sharing expertise and supporting collective objectives.
- Manage competing demands, prioritise effectively and deliver high-quality work within business deadlines.
Qualifications and ExperienceEssential Requirements
- A law degree or equivalent education and relevant professional experience.
- Professional qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales, or an equivalent qualification in another common law jurisdiction.
- At least six years of relevant legal experience, preferably gained at a leading law firm, a financial institution, or a well-regarded in-house legal department.
- Strong working knowledge of the legal and contractual frameworks governing OTC derivatives, securities transactions, and related market-facing and post-trade activities.
- Practical experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating ISDA and GMSLA documentation, with a sound understanding of the underlying transactions and market practices.
- Excellent legal drafting skills, including the ability to produce clear, precise and commercially appropriate contractual documentation.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify and assess complex legal and commercial risks.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical legal matters to non-specialist audiences.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and meet demanding deadlines.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and take ownership of legal matters.
- A flexible and adaptable approach, with a willingness to work outside areas of core expertise and support different legal disciplines as business requirements evolve.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to contribute effectively as part of a wider legal and business team.
Desirable Experience
- Experience advising on prime brokerage arrangements, including execution, clearing, custody, margin and collateral arrangements.
- Experience working within an investment bank, brokerage, trading firm or other regulated financial services business.
- Knowledge of digital assets, including cryptoassets, tokenised securities, digital asset custody, trading and related regulatory frameworks.
- Familiarity with UK and EU financial services regulation, particularly as it applies to investment firms, derivatives and securities markets.
- Experience supporting cross-border financial services activities and working with international counterparties.
CMC Markets is powered by our people. We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, where our people feel confident to be themselves, feel valued and can do their best work. We don’t just value differences and unique perspectives, we seek them out and we invite them in, because we know it will lead to better outcomes for everyone.
Location: London
Type: Full time
Legal Counsel employer: CMC Markets
CMC Markets is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Senior Project Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative projects in a regulated fintech landscape, supported by a culture that values professional growth and diversity. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on delivering impactful results, CMC Markets stands out as a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including CMC Markets, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at CMC Markets, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in CMC Markets and the specific role of Legal Counsel. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for CMC Markets’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at CMC Markets
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at CMC Markets.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at CMC Markets.
