Senior Associate (Derivatives) in London

We are seeking a Senior Associate (4+ PQE) to join our Derivatives practice. The successful candidate will ideally have trained at a well‑reputed City or international law firm and will have a strong legal understanding of derivatives, including the products themselves, the markets in which they operate, and the associated financial law and regulatory framework. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong derivatives lawyer who is looking to work on complex, high‑quality transactions within a collaborative and market‑facing team.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and negotiating a broad range of derivatives documentation, including confirmations and ancillary agreements.
• Running derivative transactions with a high degree of autonomy, including (ideally):
• Loan hedging transactions
• Deal‑contingent transactions
• Structured repo transactions
• Advising on derivatives across different asset classes and transaction types.
• Working closely with clients, counterparties and internal stakeholders to deliver pragmatic, commercial solutions.
• Drafting or analysing industry or other derivative opinions and assisting in the preparation of advice on the legal framework relevant to derivatives or the regulatory framework.
• Contributing to the wider development of the derivatives practice, including expanding into new areas of expertise where required.
• Supporting and collaborating with colleagues across the team, demonstrating a strong team‑oriented approach.

Experience and Knowledge

• Qualified lawyer with 4+ years’ PQE.
• Trained at a well‑regarded City or international law firm.
• Strong technical understanding of derivatives, including products, markets and relevant financial regulation.
• Proven experience drafting and negotiating derivatives documentation and managing transactions end‑to‑end.
• Candidates who currently specialise in a particular derivatives asset class are welcome, provided they are open to working across the wider derivatives practice and developing new areas of expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to liaise directly with clients and counterparties.
• A proactive team player with excellent communication skills and the ability to think laterally and solve complex problems.

Inclusiveness and Diversity

At Fieldfisher, led by the social model of disability, we are working towards removing accessibility barriers and maximising disability and neurodiversity inclusion in our recruitment processes. Should you have any accessibility requirements, please contact a member of Fieldfisher's Recruitment Team who will work with you to implement suitable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All conversations are treated in the strictest of confidence and we would appreciate your feedback to ensure we can provide an accessible and enjoyable recruitment process.

What can we offer you?

Our people are at the core of what we do. Fieldfisher's benefits package is designed to enable all colleagues to thrive in an inclusive and supportive environment. These benefits range from private health insurance, life assurance & income protection, flexi-gym discounts, season ticket loans, bike-to-work loans, electric vehicle scheme and much more.

Fieldfisher HQ is based in the vibrant and thriving City of London, which has something for everyone. Offering excellent commuter links based a 5-minute walk away from Monument and Bank tube stations. Views overlooking the River Thames and Tower Bridge from our 9th floor terrace, open plan workspaces that encourages a sense of camaraderie, hybrid working and hot-desking, discounted coffee in our on-site cafe, bike storage, shower facilities and much more.

We have diverse teams made up of our Partners, Lawyers and Business Services Professionals, collaborating to provide outstanding service to our clients, working across our many different sectors and practice areas. We understand the importance of collaboration outside of work with lots of different clubs and networks for our people to get involved in, including quiz nights, book club, choir, firm-funded yoga, fitness challenges, football teams, and inclusive events with our nominated charity partners.

Culture & personal development

We’re a firm with real entrepreneurial drive and we don’t believe in squashing people’s individuality. We want you to use your unique talents and experiences to help the firm grow. You can only do that by being yourself. And working closely and collaboratively with people throughout the firm. That’s why we foster a culture that encourages you to be yourself. We’ll give you bespoke support to develop your own career. Whether that’s through allowing you to “access all areas” across the firm, funding you through training for professional development qualifications, or making sure you have a structured career plan, we’ll make sure your talents are being nurtured.

How to apply

Enter your email address on the job advert and press the 'apply now' button to submit your CV and to start your application. Please note that we recruit on a rolling basis, meaning that your application will most likely be reviewed before the application deadline. We will continue to accept applications until we have successfully filled the role.