Associate (Derivatives)

Watson Farley & Williams; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits and wellbeing

Job summary

Watson Farley & Williams in London is seeking a UK-qualified solicitor (0–3 PQE) to join our expanding Financial Markets & Products team. The role focuses on advising financial institutions, sponsors and corporate clients on OTC derivatives, ISDA documentation and related credit support.

You will work across secured finance, acquisition and project financings, drafting clear agreements and intercreditor arrangements, and you will manage transactions autonomously within a collaborative,

Qualifications

• UK qualified solicitor with 0-3 years PQE.
• Experience with OTC derivatives, ISDA documentation, and related credit support/security arrangements.
• Experience with LMA-based facility agreements and intercreditor agreements in acquisition financing, project financing or other secured financings.
• Strong drafting skills and ability to work autonomously.
• Hands-on, flexible attitude to providing high-quality client service.

Responsibilities

• Advising financial institutions, sponsors and corporate clients on the full spectrum of OTC derivatives needs including interest rate, FX and inflation hedging and bespoke commodity-based transactions such as ISDA PPAs.

Skills

OTC derivatives

ISDA documentation

LMA facility agreements

Intercreditor agreements

Credit support / security arrangements

Autonomous work

Client service

Education

UK-qualified solicitor

Job description

Our current derivatives team is based in London and works closely with our specialist finance colleagues in each of the core sectors and across the entire global WFW network. The team regularly works on transactions led out of London and other offices across Europe, as well as in Asia and the US.

The derivatives team advises clients across the full spectrum of OTC derivative products with a strong emphasis on secured finance-linked hedges in relation to asset financings, project financings and acquisition financings, including pre-hedging arrangements, deal contingent hedges, syndications and restructurings. This involves not only drafting and negotiation of the ISDA, security and other credit support documentation but also the associated hedging strategies, policies and intercreditor arrangements in the context of a broad range of markets, jurisdictions and capital structures.

We approach the market as a fully integrated group supported by our market leading colleagues in our financial service regulation team who are experienced in the UK, European, and Asian financial markets, and regularly advise banks, multilateral trading facilities, broker-dealers, asset managers, and investment advisors on regulatory challenges.

What we are looking for:

This is an exciting opportunity to join an expanding Financial Markets & Products (FMP) team that provides debt capital markets, structured finance, derivatives, restructuring and financial services regulatory expertise for clients across all of the Firm’s core sectors. As experienced capital markets, structured finance and bank finance lawyers, our team have a breadth and depth of experience across the financial markets which enable them to provide a one-stop shop service for a range of potential integrated, cross-discipline financial products.

What you'll be doing:

The successful candidate will primarily be focussed on advising financial institutions, sponsors and corporate clients in relation to the full spectrum of their OTC derivatives needs including interest rate, FX and inflation hedging as well as more bespoke commodity based transactions such as ISDA PPAs.

To be suitable for this position, you will most likely:

• be a UK qualified solicitor with between 0 - 3 years PQE relevant experience gained at a respected law firm;


• have an excellent academic track record;


• have a broad knowledge and experience in OTC derivatives products, ISDA documentation and associated credit support / security arrangements, particularly in the context of finance-linked hedging transactions;


• have experience in LMA based facility agreements and intercreditor agreements in the context of either acquisition financing, project financing or other secured financings.


• have proven technical skills and the ability to draft structurally consistent and clear legal documents;


• be comfortable with managing transactions and can operate autonomously;


• have a hands‑on flexible attitude to providing a high-quality client service;


• fit into the Firm’s culture of being dynamic, enterprising, creative and hard working.

Please note:

We conduct thorough pre-employment screening checks as part of our recruitment process.

What we can offer you:

We offer a competitive benefits and wellbeing package for all employees.

Who we are:

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is a sector-focussed international law firm with extensive expertise and industry insight across its core sectors of energy, infrastructure and transport. Through its network of 19 offices, the firm advises clients on complex, high-value transactions and disputes – matters requiring precise legal execution and a nuanced understanding of global market dynamics.

The firm’s success is driven by its people. It fosters a collaborative, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can grow, share ideas and make an impact. Guided by its values –We are experts, We are united and We care – the firm delivers exceptional service through strong relationships and teamwork. The firm is committed to clear career paths, championing diversity and investing in its people so they can thrive.

Diversity and inclusion are integral to the firm’s strategy and underpin its efforts to attract and retain top talent. All employment decisions are made objectively, based on merit and ability and the firm is committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment. As a Disability Confident employer, WFW welcomes adjustments for candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions and participates in the Disability Confident interview scheme.