At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support for trading and markets, advising on complex transactions.
- Company: Leading global financial services organisation with a dynamic environment.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work with high-profile clients and projects.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced team and make an impact in international finance.
- Qualifications: 6-10 years' PQE with experience in financial services and derivatives.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
MLA is supporting a leading global financial services organisation that is looking to hire an interim Derivatives Lawyer on an initial
12-month contract.
This is an exciting opportunity for a senior legal professional to support high-profile trading and markets businesses, working on complex cross-border transactions and providing commercially focused legal advice within a fast-paced international environment.
Key Requirements
Experience & Knowledge
- 6-10 years' PQE (or equivalent experience) gained within private practice and/or an in-house legal team.
- Experience supporting financial services businesses.
- Working knowledge of FX and derivatives products.
- Strong academic background.
The Role
You will provide legal support to global trading and risk teams, partnering closely with stakeholders across front office, risk, and legal functions.
Responsibilities will include
- Advising sales and trading teams on day-to-day legal matters.
- Supporting a broad range of complex transactions, including derivatives, acquisition finance, and project finance matters.
- Providing legal guidance on new products, currencies, and entry into new jurisdictions.
- Conducting legal due diligence and risk assessments.
- Supporting default management and close-out scenarios.
- Delivering practical, commercially focused legal advice aligned with business objectives.
- Collaborating with legal colleagues and stakeholders across multiple international locations.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Commercially minded with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
- Able to balance legal, commercial, and product considerations when making decisions.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working in a dynamic environment.
- Effective team player who can operate independently when required.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word and Outlook.
- Additional Information
- Location: Belfast (Hybrid Working)
- Contract Length: 12 Months
- Start Date: August 2026
- Occasional travel may be required to the London office.
Interim Derivatives Lawyer (12 month contract) in Lisburn employer: Major, Lindsey & Africa
Major, Lindsey & Africa is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture in Belfast, where employees are empowered to engage with complex transactions and navigate evolving regulatory landscapes. With a strong emphasis on professional development, the company offers ample opportunities for growth and collaboration within its global teams, making it an ideal place for experienced legal professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
Contact Details:
Major, Lindsey & Africa Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Derivatives Lawyer (12 month contract) in Lisburn
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We think you need these skills to ace Interim Derivatives Lawyer (12 month contract) in Lisburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Major, Lindsey & Africa. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Major, Lindsey & Africa confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Major, Lindsey & Africa
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Major, Lindsey & Africa.
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Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
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For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Major, Lindsey & Africa that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
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