In-House Counsel

In-House Lawyer – Fixed Income (Credit Trading focus) – London

LevelUp is recruiting on behalf of our client, a major full-service global investment bank and capital markets firm, for an experienced lawyer to join its Legal team that sits directly on the Fixed Income trading floor in London.

This is a front‑office facing role at the heart of a highly active credit‑trading franchise, with particular emphasis on par and distressed loan trading, claims, litigation assets, restructured and post‑reorg securities, and bonds.

Role and Responsibilities

We are seeking an experienced in‑house lawyer to join our Legal team supporting the Fixed Income division within the public trading business of the investment bank. The successful candidate will provide legal advice and transactional support across a broad range of fixed income products, with a particular focus on trading and settlement of par and distressed loans, bonds, credit claims, litigation claims, restructured and post re‑org assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on legal and regulatory issues relating to fixed income products, including bonds, loans, claims and structured credit.
• Provide specialist support on market making and trading of distressed debt transactions, loan restructurings, and secondary loan trading, including par and distressed trades.
• Draft, review, and negotiate trade documentation, settlement agreements, and related contracts (e.g., LMA/LSTA standard documentation and bespoke documentation as required).
• Liaise with front‑office teams, operations, compliance, and external counsel to ensure timely and accurate execution of transactions.
• Monitor and interpret relevant legal and regulatory developments impacting the fixed income and loan trading markets.
• Assist in managing legal risk and implementing best practices for documentation and settlement processes.
• Support internal governance, policy development, and training initiatives for the Fixed Income business.

Person Specification & Requirements

• Qualified lawyer (UK or Commonwealth jurisdiction) with 4+ years PQE (private practice or in‑house).
• Strong experience in debt restructuring, distressed debt, and loan trading (including par and distressed).
• Familiarity with LMA/LSTA documentation and settlement mechanics.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., UK/EU financial regulations, insolvency laws).
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple transactions and stakeholders in a fast‑paced environment.
• Confidence to sit on the trading floor and provide real‑time, concise, commercial advice to traders and senior management.
• Lateral thinkers who are enthusiastic, self‑motivated, and happy to step outside their immediate comfort zone are particularly welcome.

Relevant experience gained in the UK practice of a leading international law firm or financial institution is highly valued, though candidates do not need to have worked on every product listed. We are particularly keen on bright, adaptable lawyers who combine strong technical ability with genuine enthusiasm for the trading‑floor environment and a proven capacity to master new areas quickly.

Seniority level

• Not Applicable

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Legal and Consulting
• Industries: Financial Services, Law Practice, and Legal Services