At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on M&A and capital markets transactions in a dynamic financial environment.
- Company: KeyBanc Capital Markets, a leading national financial institution with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work options, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career growth and exposure to sophisticated financial transactions.
- Why this job: Join a team that influences major corporate transactions and supports business growth.
- Qualifications: Juris Doctor degree, 5+ years of transactional legal experience, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
The Senior Counsel serves as a crucial legal advisor to KeyCorp’s Institutional Bank, including KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., primarily in connection with M&A advisory engagements and capital markets transactions. This role operates within Key Legal and partners closely with business, risk, compliance, and control functions to facilitate transactions in a highly regulated financial services environment. The position requires sound legal judgment, strong transactional execution skills, and the ability to balance business objectives with regulatory and risk management considerations.
Key Accountabilities
- Serve as a primary legal adviser for investment banking deal teams and senior business stakeholders.
- Directly counsel senior KBCM business leaders on a broad range of corporate and finance transactions including:
- M&A advisory engagements
- Capital markets transactions involving equity and debt issuances and related securities
- Draft, review, and negotiate transaction documentation, including:
- M&A engagement letters
- Capital markets underwriting agreements
- Advise business partners on transaction structuring.
- Own legal risk positioning for M&A and capital markets businesses, including advising on regulatory, reputational and conflicts-of-interest considerations, in alignment with Key’s enterprise risk appetite and industry standards.
- Deep familiarity with, and proficiency in, 1933 and 1934 Act requirements and FINRA rules.
- Manage and oversee external counsel and internal partners (including Risk, Compliance, and Business Units) to support timely execution of engagement and transaction documentation while maintaining appropriate risk discipline.
- Monitor and assess legal and regulatory developments impacting investment banking and securities activities.
Required Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Active bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
- 5+ years of relevant transactional legal experience, including experience at a national or large regional law firm.
- Demonstrated experience with:
- Corporate and M&A transactions
- Capital markets transactions
- Credit agreements and related loan documentation
- Strong drafting, negotiation, and issue-spotting capabilities.
- Ability to manage multiple matters concurrently with appropriate judgment and prioritization.
- Business Acumen: Apply legal analysis in a commercial context to support business objectives.
- Partner as a legal advisor with cross-functional investment banking deal teams.
- Risk Management Mindset: Identify and elevate legal and regulatory risks appropriately.
- Communication: Communicate complex legal concepts clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Collaboration: Work effectively with business and risk partners, as well as legal colleagues.
- Execution Excellence: Demonstrate attention to detail, responsiveness, and follow-through.
- Adaptability: Operate effectively in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- General familiarity with banking and broker-dealer regulatory frameworks.
- Prior experience in an in-house legal department of a bank-based financial institution.
- Experience deploying AI (Microsoft Copilot) in legal practice.
Why Key
- Exposure to sophisticated corporate and capital markets transactions within a diversified and growing national financial institution.
- Opportunity to collaborate closely with business leadership and internal stakeholders.
- Supportive team environment emphasizing professional development and work-life balance.
- Long-term career growth within Key’s Legal organization.
Core Competencies
All KeyBank employees are expected to demonstrate Key’s Values and abide by Key’s Code of Conduct.
Physical Demands
General Office - Prolonged sitting, ability to communicate face to face in person or on the phone with teammates and clients, frequent use of PC/laptop, occasional lifting/pushing/pulling of backpacks, computer bags up to 10 lbs.
Travel
Occasional travel to include overnight stay.
Work Location Category
Hybrid (3+ days)
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $116,000.00 - $216,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.
Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritises in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.
Job Posting Expiration Date: 10/30/2026
KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing HR_Compliance@keybank.com.
KeyBank is an organization collectively committed to helping you unlock your potential and discover what truly drives you. Working here means sharing our purpose to help our clients, colleagues, and communities thrive. You’ll find genuinely supportive teammates, a flexible, inclusive work environment, challenging projects, accessible leaders, and opportunities to grow in your position and your career. For 200 years, Key has opened doors in our communities. Let us open one for you.
Senior Counsel, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. - M&A Advisory and Capital Markets in City of Westminster employer: KeyCorp
KeyBank is an exceptional employer located in the heart of Cleveland, Ohio, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises inclusivity and employee growth. As a Senior Quantitative Analytics Associate, you will benefit from a supportive team environment, flexible work options, and access to challenging projects that enhance your skills in model validation and machine learning. With a commitment to helping you unlock your potential, KeyBank provides a platform for meaningful career advancement while contributing to the success of clients and communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Counsel, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. - M&A Advisory and Capital Markets in City of Westminster
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like KeyCorp. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Counsel, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. - M&A Advisory and Capital Markets in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to KeyCorp.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on KeyCorp's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at KeyCorp
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with KeyCorp.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at KeyCorp will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former KeyCorp employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
