At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal support for trading desks and advise on complex financial agreements.
- Company: Dynamic investment bank with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Performance-based bonuses, 27 vacation days, private medical insurance, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for international transfers and participation in conferences and tech events.
- Why this job: Shape commercial outcomes in a fast-paced environment while working on strategic market initiatives.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 8-15 years' experience in financial markets and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Overview
As Senior Legal Counsel, you will act as a trusted adviser to European trading desks, guiding complex negotiations and high-stakes legal matters with direct commercial impact.
You’ll partner with traders, compliance, risk, and other functions to support listed derivatives, commodities, and systematic trading, focusing on market infrastructure.
Your pragmatic advice will shape commercial outcomes while ensuring regulatory and risk controls.
This role offers exposure to strategic market launches, entity expansions, and scalable legal processes in a fast-paced environment.
- Pay / Benefits
- Performance-based bonus
- 27 paid vacation days
- Private medical insurance
- Pension scheme
- Conferences and tech events training
- International transfer opportunities
Responsibilities
- Lead legal support for key business initiatives and serve as primary adviser to assigned trading desks
- Advise on legal issues arising from market making, exchange trading, listed derivatives, clearing and market infrastructure
- Draft, review and negotiate trading and commercial documentation (e. g., futures/options clearing, prime brokerage, execution and market access agreements)
- Provide pragmatic advice on market structure, trading regulation, market conduct and legal risk
- Collaborate with compliance and risk to balance objectives with risk
- Support strategic projects including new market launches and growth initiatives
- Manage external counsel for specialist jurisdictions or products
- Develop scalable legal processes, templates, playbooks, and tech-enabled solutions
- Contribute to the development of Legal as a proactive business partner
- Key requirements
- Qualified lawyer in England & Wales
- 8–15 years' post-qualification experience focused on financial markets, derivatives, or trading
- Experience in an investment bank or financial markets firm; experience at a leading international law firm desirable
- Proven advisory experience to trading businesses on legal and commercial issues
- Strong negotiation experience on complex financial markets agreements
- Understanding of financial market infrastructure (exchanges, CCPs, clearing brokers)
- Independent negotiation leadership and risk balance
- Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple high-priority matters in a fast-moving environment
- Intellectual curiosity about products, markets, and strategies of Optiver
- Collaborative, low-ego approach and strong teamwork skills
- Collaborative
- Pragmatic decision-making
- Strong communication
- Market structure knowledge
- Trading regulation and market conduct
- Drafting and negotiating complex agreements
Senior Legal Counsel employer: Optiver
Optiver is an exceptional employer for aspiring software developers, offering a dynamic internship experience in the heart of London’s financial district. With a strong focus on mentorship and collaboration, interns will engage in real-world projects that enhance their technical skills while enjoying extensive office perks, including meals and social activities. The supportive work culture fosters continuous improvement and provides a pathway to full-time opportunities, making it an ideal place for those passionate about technology and finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Optiver, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Optiver, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Optiver and the specific role of Senior Legal Counsel. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Optiver’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optiver
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Optiver.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Optiver.
