At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team advising on complex derivatives and structured products.
- Company: Global law firm with a commitment to innovation and inclusion.
- Benefits: Collaborative culture, career growth opportunities, and exposure to high-profile clients.
- Other info: Opportunity to work globally and develop innovative legal solutions.
- Why this job: Make an entrepreneurial impact while working on cutting-edge financial projects.
- Qualifications: 2-7 years PQE in derivatives and structured products with strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
As an ambitious Finance Associate you will be between 2 years' and 7 years' PQE and be energised by sophisticated and high‑value matters, while taking ownership of key client relationships and making an entrepreneurial impact in developing the business with the partners. This is an exceptional opportunity for a mid-level associate to join a distinctive team that advises leading Tier 1 and Tier 2 financial institutions, asset managers, hedge funds, market infrastructure providers and corporates on complex, cross‑border derivatives transactions and broader financial markets projects. The team also works closely with a strong client base active in tokenisation and DLT initiatives, as well as emerging digital asset exchanges, custodians and traders developing innovative digital asset products.
The role offers substantial exposure to sophisticated, high‑profile matters and the chance to work closely with experienced partners on technically challenging, market‑leading transactions and projects in London and across global markets. We can offer therefore a unique platform for an ambitious lawyer seeking greater client contact and access to cutting‑edge, industry‑defining work. The practice continues to enhance its market presence and strengthen its relationships with regulators, government bodies, key policymakers and all major industry trade associations.
The role will be based in our London office but with some travel to our other offices from time to time as you collaborate and service our wide client base. Tomorrow's legal solutions demand new skills. We can provide an excellent platform for success where you can collaborate with colleagues globally and define the impact you make.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Support on OTC and securitised derivatives, structured note/warrant/certificate programmes (on and off-balance sheet with SPVs, consolidated/non-consolidated) with the whole range of asset class underlying, as well as bonds, loans and trade receivables, including OTC credit-linked/CDS-based products.
- Drafting and negotiating a wide range of trading and derivatives transactions based on complex documentation using or adapting ISDAs, GMRAs, GMSLAs, ETD and prime brokerage agreements.
- Regulatory developments including EMIR, MiFID II and BMR.
- Digital projects, commodities and carbon or business-critical market disruption issues and close-outs.
- Deal-contingent FX, interest rate and commodities hedging in the context of M&A transactions or finance-linked hedging for project or commodities financings.
- Support on sharia-compliant derivatives and structured products (eg deposit-linked certificates) with Middle East teams.
- Digital projects with banks, financial market infrastructure and technology corporates for tokenisation and DLT solutions for new custody, settlement and collateral management of securities, including in the funds space for tokenised money market funds as collateral.
- Assisting key Tier 1 and 2 institutions on developing products for digital asset underlyings, offering new digital asset margin loans and securities financing/prime services products and digital asset collateral management documentation.
- Digital asset exchanges, market-makers, hedge funds and digital asset traders on new digital asset securities financing and derivatives products, new digital asset futures contracts with intra-day margining features and new digital assets conversion/transformation needs as well as integrating AI assistance and other AI use cases.
- Collaborate with DCM and financial regulatory teams for establishing digital bond platforms for key banks and custodians and working on natively digital or tokenised securities in both primary and secondary markets for efficient settlement, allocation, distribution or post-trade workflows.
- Assisting commodities teams and core corporate clients on carbon product documentation and new transactions with voluntary emissions reductions purchase agreements and ISDA voluntary carbon credit definitions with novel carbon asset swaps.
- Support on commodities teams expanding to gas, power, energy and EV metals trading areas with EFET and other documentation.
- Assisting key private capital investors, multi-strategy hedge funds, market makers, high frequency quant funds and proprietary traders with trading needs and key private capital transactions.
About you
We pride ourselves on having a collaborative environment and are looking for approachable but confident lawyers with strong potential. While we do not set upper or lower limits of PQE for any of our vacancies, candidates with at least 2 - 7 years’ PQE are likely to have the right level of knowledge and experience needed for this role. You will be highly ambitious and enthusiastic, with a desire to progress your own career. You will possess excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail, alongside a real focus on teamwork.
The ideal candidate will:
- Be a Solicitor, qualified in England & Wales or a Commonwealth jurisdiction.
- Have a strong academic background.
- Be an experienced Derivatives and Structured Products lawyer, whether for the sell-side or buy-side, used to a wide range of OTC and securitised transactions.
- Be able to display excellent technical legal drafting skills.
- Be commercially astute and stay current on key legal and business developments.
- Be confident managing multiple transactions and priorities, working to sometimes conflicting timescales in a fast-paced and challenging environment.
- Be keen to get involved in building strong client relationships and business development.
- Be able to lead, supervise and mentor more junior members of the team.
- Comply with professional standards and all relevant regulatory obligations.
- Comply with the firm's systems, policies and procedures in all matters, including compliance, financial systems and time recording.
- Have excellent skills in communication, client relations, team working and project management.
- Strive to deliver solutions of the highest quality, able to think strategically and creatively.
- Have the ability to interface at all levels and build strong relationships internally and externally.
This Role Profile is not designed to be exhaustive and can be varied as required to develop or fulfil this role.
About us
We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.
At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.
We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.
Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.
Derivatives and Structured Products Associate/Senior Associate employer: DLA Piper
DLA Piper is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration across its global teams. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to continuous professional development opportunities while working in the vibrant city of London, known for its rich legal landscape and multicultural environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact as you navigate complex legal challenges in a supportive and innovative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Derivatives and Structured Products Associate/Senior Associate
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Derivatives and Structured Products Associate/Senior Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in DLA Piper and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
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How to prepare for a job interview at DLA Piper
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
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If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with DLA Piper.
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✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with DLA Piper's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
