At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal support for trading desks and advise on complex financial market issues.
- Company: Join Optiver, a leading market-making institution focused on improving financial markets.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 27 vacation days, private health insurance, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic culture of collaboration and excellence with global career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while collaborating with top industry professionals.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 8-15 years in financial markets and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Legal Europe is a trusted partner to the business, playing a critical role in enabling commercial growth while managing legal and regulatory risk for our European trading businesses. We're looking for an experienced financial markets lawyer who can operate as a trusted adviser to the business from day one. You’ll lead complex negotiations, advise senior stakeholders, and take ownership of significant legal matters in a fast-moving environment where your advice has direct commercial impact.
As a Senior Legal Counsel, you will work closely with trading, compliance, risk, finance, operations and technology teams. You will support the businesses and trading desks covered by the Legal Europe team, including our European listed derivatives, commodities, and systematic trading businesses. The role is primarily focused on listed markets and market infrastructure. Proximity to trading is fundamental to the way we work. You will partner directly with traders and business leaders, developing a deep understanding of the products, markets, and commercial objectives of the desks you support. Experience advising on relevant trading products or market structures will be a significant advantage.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading legal support for key business initiatives and acting as the primary legal adviser to assigned trading desks.
- Advising traders and business stakeholders on legal issues arising from market making, exchange trading, listed derivatives, clearing and related market infrastructure.
- Challenging stakeholders where appropriate and helping shape commercial outcomes through clear, pragmatic legal advice.
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating trading and commercial documentation, including futures and options clearing agreements; prime brokerage agreements; execution, brokerage and market access agreements; exchange and market infrastructure documentation; market data, connectivity and trading technology agreements; and other commercial agreements supporting the trading business.
- Providing pragmatic advice on market structure, trading regulation, market conduct and legal risk affecting the European trading business.
- Working closely with our compliance and risk teams to develop practical solutions that appropriately balance business objectives and legal risk.
- Supporting strategic projects, including new market launches, legal entity expansions, and growth initiatives.
- Managing external counsel where specialist jurisdictional or product expertise is required.
- Developing scalable legal processes, templates, playbooks and technology-enabled solutions that improve the effectiveness of the legal function.
- Contributing to the continued development of Legal as a proactive, commercially focused business partner.
Who you are:
- Qualified lawyer in England & Wales.
- 8–15 years' post-qualification experience, with most of that experience focused on financial markets, derivatives, or trading.
- Experience within the markets legal function of an investment bank or other financial markets participant.
- Experience at a leading international law firm with a recognised financial markets, derivatives or trading practice is also desirable.
- Demonstrable experience advising trading businesses on legal and commercial issues.
- Experience advising on trading regulation as part of a broader markets legal practice is required, including close partnership with front-office trading businesses.
- Strong experience negotiating complex financial markets agreements, including execution agreements, brokerage agreements, exchange documentation, clearing documentation, market access arrangements, market data agreements, or other trading-related contracts.
- A strong understanding of financial market infrastructure, including exchanges, central counterparties, clearing brokers, and execution models.
- The judgement and confidence to lead negotiations independently, balance legal and commercial risk, and provide pragmatic advice without close supervision.
- Outstanding drafting, analytical and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly to traders, technologists and senior management.
- Ability to manage multiple high priority matters simultaneously while exercising sound judgement in a fast-moving environment.
- Intellectual curiosity and a genuine interest in understanding the products, strategies and markets that underpin Optiver's trading business.
- A collaborative, low-ego approach and a genuine enjoyment of working as part of a high-performing team.
- You build trusted relationships through sound judgement, responsiveness and high-quality execution, and are known for being approachable, pragmatic, and easy to work with.
Nice to have:
- Experience at a proprietary trading firm or market maker.
- Experience supporting algorithmic or electronic trading businesses.
- Familiarity with MiFID II, UK MiFIR and exchange rulebooks.
- Experience implementing scalable legal processes or legal technology.
- Experience supporting strategic business projects.
At Optiver, our mission is to constantly improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and acting as a stabilizing force no matter the market conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we participate in the safeguarding of healthy and efficient markets for everyone who participates. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a trusted partner of 70+ exchanges across the globe.
You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, where you’ll be surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues, working collectively to tackle the toughest problems in the financial markets. In addition, you’ll receive:
- A performance-based bonus structure, enabling all of our employees to benefit from our global profit pool.
- 27 paid vacation days plus all UK public holidays.
- Daily breakfast and lunch, along with support on commuting expenses.
- Private medical insurance, pension scheme, and ClassPass fitness membership.
- Training and continuous learning opportunities, including access to conferences and tech events.
- International transfer opportunities for global career growth.
How to apply:
Apply directly via the form below. If you have any questions feel free to contact our Recruitment team via our recruitment inquiry form. Please note: We do not require any assistance from third-parties including agencies in the recruitment of this role. We cannot accept applications via email.
Diversity statement: Optiver is committed to diversity and inclusion.
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.
