Junior Derivatives Lawyer

Vasto Legal Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international law firm in London seeks a Junior Associate focused on derivatives and structured products. The role offers the opportunity to build technical expertise within a large finance platform and engage with investment banks and financial institutions on diverse transaction matters. Candidates should possess a working knowledge of ISDA documentation, strong drafting skills, and a collaborative attitude. The offered salary ranges from £140,000 to £180,000 based on experience, with a focus on cross-border transactions.

Qualifications

• 1-4 years PQE preferably in derivatives or structured products.
• Knowledge of ISDA documentation and related trading agreements.
• Experience in cross-border transactions and regulatory developments.

Responsibilities

• Assist with transaction execution and documentation.
• Support negotiations in multi-jurisdictional contexts.
• Collaborate with senior associates and partners.

Skills

Strong drafting skills

Attention to detail

Collaborative approach

Interest in regulatory developments

Job description

Derivatives Junior Associate (0.5-4 PQE)

We are working with a well-established international law firm to recruit a junior associate into its Derivatives & Structured Products team in London. This is a solid opportunity for a junior derivatives lawyer to build technical experience within a large, cross-border finance platform and gain exposure to a broad range of market-facing work.

The Role

The London team advises investment banks, financial institutions, asset managers and corporates on derivatives and structured products matters across multiple asset classes. The work includes:

• ISDA Master Agreements and related collateral and netting documentation
• Prime brokerage, securities lending and repo arrangements
• Structured notes and repackaging programmes
• Credit- and equity-linked derivatives
• Regulatory aspects of derivatives trading, including EMIR and SFTR
• Supporting on hybrid and ESG-linked structures

As a junior associate, you will work closely with senior associates and partners on transaction execution and documentation, assist with negotiations, and help manage multi-jurisdictional inputs from other offices.

The ideal candidate will be a junior associate with experience in derivatives, structured products or broader financial markets work, with a working knowledge of ISDA documentation and related trading agreements. You should have strong drafting skills, good attention to detail, and an interest in cross-border transactions and regulatory developments affecting derivatives. A collaborative approach and willingness to learn within a team-based environment are essential.

Salary & Package £140-£180k depending on experience

We would welcome a confidential discussion about this role. Please apply or contact Ebony Dunn ([e-mail]) for further details.