Derivatives & Structured Finance Associate (1-4 PQE)

A&O Shearman; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Mental health resources

Gym & wellbeing services

Holiday entitlement increasing with/at

Job summary

A&O Shearman is seeking an Associate to join its Derivatives & Structured Finance team in London. The role focuses on mid‑level transactional work across structured funding, liquidity, capital and arbitrage‑driven transactions, involving capital markets and derivatives technology.

The successful candidate will advise on notes and trades, draft and amend docs, and deliver strategic client guidance in a fast-paced, international environment.

Qualifications

• Strong legal and analytical skills required.
• Ability to manage complex transactions and deadlines.
• Experience in international finance or derivatives is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Advise on structured notes, warrants, and derivatives transactions.
• Draft, review and amend transaction documents and term sheets.
• Develop AI solutions and legal tech platforms.
• Provide strategic guidance to clients on complex financings.
• Manage client expectations and deliver projects on time.
• Contribute to business development initiatives and campaigns.
• Conduct legal research to support deal execution.

Skills

Legal analysis

Client communication

Project management

Job description

We are currently recruiting for an Associate to join our Derivatives & Structured Finance team in London.

Department purpose

The Derivatives & Structured Finance team within the Global Financial Markets group is widely recognised as a leader in the markets in which it operates. Legal 500, IFLR1000 and Chambers both rank us as a top tier practice and the group regularly wins awards itself and for the deals in which it is involved.

In a rapidly changing legal and regulatory environment, we are considered thought leaders in the market, at the forefront of structuring increasingly complex and innovative transactions. The group has expanded over the past few years and has a positive outlook for future growth. We are regularly engaged in transactions in the UK, across the rest of Europe, the US, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.

Role purpose

We are looking to recruit a mid‑level transactional lawyer. We are looking for individuals who are keen to expand and complement their existing skills and experience by working on a range of structured funding, liquidity, capital and arbitrage‑driven transactions, involving capital markets and derivatives technology.

Role & responsibilities

• Advise on generally structured notes/warrants programmes (and trades thereunder) and large scale derivatives and /or structured financing transactions, acting for deal participants by advising on, structuring, documenting, negotiating and managing the execution of the transactions
• Drafting, reviewing and amending documentation
• Developing AI solutions and legal tech platforms
• Providing strategic guidance to clients
• Managing client expectations and project delivery appropriately
• Business development - development of personal plan, assistance with and implementation of business development campaign
• Legal research

Key requirements

• Qualified lawyer 1-4 PQE
• Self-starter with the desire and ability to continuously acquire, build upon and share knowledge
• Sound experience of operating at associate level within a complex international organisation
• Strong commercial/business acumen with the ability to deliver creative and pragmatic solutions and advice
• Strong legal and analytical skills
• Proven prioritisation, organisational and project management skills
• Experience of using AI and other legal technology
• Excellent communication, professionalism and interpersonal skills
• Organised and methodical approach to work
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work within a fast paced environment and meet deadlines
• Positive attitude and style with both clients and fee‑earners
• Proactive and confident with a high level of initiative

Although we are seeking applicants who ideally would have some experience in structured notes/warrants programmes and trades, structured derivatives and/or structured product transactions/ISDA documentation more generally, the Derivatives & Structured Finance team is home to many lawyers who have previously worked in a wide-range of disciplines and accordingly we welcome applications from those who may currently be based within General Finance, General Capital Markets, and Structured/Project Finance or Real Estate finance. Therefore, previous derivatives and structured finance experience, although desirable, is not a pre‑requisite - more important is the ability to demonstrate strong legal, analytical, transaction execution and creative problem‑solving skills, as market‑specific skills and experience can be developed in the collegiate team environment as part of the role. The role will involve considerable responsibility and client contact with outstanding support from a well‑developed training and support network.

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back‑up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services.

Our approach to hybrid working seeks to combine and maximise the benefits of effective remote working with the benefits of being in the office. Our current hybrid working arrangements require office based working for a minimum of 60% of your time (i.e. three days per week for a full time role) in accordance with our hybrid working policy.

A&O Shearman is a global industry‑leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 28 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth‑running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first‑rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.