At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support for derivatives and trading activities across global locations.
- Company: Join Schroders, a leading global investment manager with over 200 years of experience.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and build relationships across the financial services landscape.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic legal environment while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with strong communication skills and derivatives knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
An enthusiastic, proactive and strong candidate who is interested in gaining experience in a broad, challenging and rewarding full-service role. The successful candidate will have excellent technical skills, a can-do mentality and commercial approach, be inquisitive and able to develop creative legal solutions, have the confidence to assess business and legal risk to prioritise workload demands, and strong interpersonal and communication skills required to build constructive working relationships with various internal stakeholders and external advisers.
About us
Schroders is a global investment manager which provides active asset management, wealth management and investment solutions. We aim to provide excellent investment performance to clients through active management. We serve a diverse client base that includes pension schemes, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations, high net worth individuals, family offices, as well as end clients through partnerships with distributors, financial advisers, and online platforms. Established in 1804, we have around 5,500 people across 36 global locations. Schroders' success can be attributed to its diversified business model, spanning different asset classes, client types and geographies.
The team
Schroder Investment legal team is made up of numerous lawyers and paralegals. We support the investment business in reviewing, drafting and advising on various drafting agreements. The focus of the role would be various forms of derivatives work.
Overview of role
Provide full legal support to Schroders’ derivatives and all trading activities. Supporting Schroders, in London and Luxembourg, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, in the increasing use of derivative instruments, advising on the legal implications and dealing with all legal documentation requirements; keeping work tracker updated at all times. Drafting, reviewing, negotiating and completing Schroders’ OTC derivatives documentation (ISDA, VM & IM CSA, Accession and Amendment Agreements). Drafting, reviewing, negotiating and completing other market counterparty documentation (GMRA, FX trading agreements, MCAs, clearing agreements, prime brokerage agreements, business terms of market counterparties, confidentiality agreements). Analysing and advising on new derivatives products in which Schroders is considering to invest on behalf of its clients. Using efficiently outside counsel and other in-house legal resources. Obtaining focused advice where appropriate. Liaising clearly and openly with line manager and with all departments/areas using derivatives.
Essential skills
- University degree or equivalent; and qualified lawyer
- Strong team player
- Good communication skills
- Demonstrated experience as a qualified lawyer in private practice and/or in-house in a financial services firm (ideally investment management), in each case with an in-depth knowledge of derivatives work.
- Exposure to wide range of ISDA documentation, GMRA, FX trading agreements and structured finance.
- Experience of both UK and Luxembourg fund range types: both UCITS and AIFs in each case.
- Good drafting and written communication skills.
- Able to develop and demonstrate strong working relationships with other members of the firm, including (but not limited to) fund managers, client directors, compliance, operations, credit / risk and product control; and with counterparty lawyers, credit, operational and front office staff.
- Ability to work under pressure
Required skills
- Ability to understand and manage legal risk in a rigorous but practical way
- Strong negotiating skills
- Delivering results within expected timeframe
- Demonstrates a passion for excellence and exceeding client expectation
- Adaptability, flexibility
- Develops effective relationships with internal clients and gains their trust and respect
Technical requirements
- ISDA and other master agreement and structured documentation knowledge as described above
- Strong derivatives experience gained ideally both in-house and in a law firm
- Good awareness of the current regulatory landscape as applicable to derivatives products: Dodd-Frank, EMIR, FCA, CSSF, ESMA publications etc.
- Technical experience in contract law in a financial services environment
- Understanding of investment management products and issues
- MS Office Products: Excel, Word
We Recognise Potential, Whoever You Are
Our purpose is to deliver excellent investment performance to clients through active management. We believe diverse perspectives and an inclusive culture help us make better decisions and achieve better outcomes for our clients. That's why inclusion is a strategic priority for us, and we are an equal opportunities employer. You are welcome here, regardless of your age, disability, gender identity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, or any other protected characteristic. We will consider flexible working arrangements for all roles and provide reasonable accommodations to support applicants and employees, including those with neurodiversity, disability, or physical and mental health needs.
For more information, please visit our FAQs. We're a global investment manager. We help institutions, intermediaries and individuals around the world invest money to meet their goals, fulfil their ambitions, and prepare for the future. We have around 6,000 people on six continents. And we've been around for over 200 years, but keep adapting as society and technology changes. What doesn't change is our commitment to helping our clients, and society, prosper.
Legal Counsel (Derivatives) - 9 month Contract Role in London employer: Schroders
Schroders Wealth Management is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation and collaboration thrive. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, a culture that prioritises risk management excellence, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on client outcomes while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. With a focus on fostering a supportive atmosphere, Schroders empowers its team members to grow and excel in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel (Derivatives) - 9 month Contract Role in London
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like Schroders.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Schroders does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like Schroders.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel (Derivatives) - 9 month Contract Role in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Schroders and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Schroders
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Legal Counsel (Derivatives) - 9 month Contract Role role at Schroders. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Schroders.
