Legal Counsel

BGC Group; City Of London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in London is seeking a Legal Counsel for a 9-month fixed-term contract. The successful candidate will work closely with stakeholders, focusing on agreements related to derivatives and prime brokerage. Ideal candidates should be qualified lawyers with a minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience, offering significant responsibilities and global exposure. The role provides the opportunity to handle diverse tasks in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• You must be a qualified lawyer from England & Wales or a Commonwealth jurisdiction.
• At least 3 years of post-qualification experience is required.
• Experience in derivatives and/or prime brokerage documentation is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft and negotiate commercial and financial agreements.
• Advise on and manage documentation including ISDA Master Agreements and Prime brokerage agreements.
• Provide commercial and regulatory advice to the business.

Skills

Qualified lawyer (England & Wales or Commonwealth jurisdiction)

Minimum 3+ years PQE

Experience in derivatives and/or prime brokerage documentation

Strong background in financial services

Job description

Legal Counsel – 9-Month Fixed-Term Contract

Location: London

Start Date: Immediate

Hours: Full-time (minimum 9am–6pm)

About the Role

We are seeking a talented and motivated Lawyer to join our Commercial Legal team on a 9-month fixed-term contract. The team provides legal services to the European, Middle Eastern and APAC businesses of BGC, GFI, Aurel and Cantor Fitzgerald, as well as to our global FENICS technology division.

This is a high-profile position offering substantial responsibility, visibility and global exposure. You’ll work closely with business stakeholders and management across a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

The role will primarily focus on supporting

• Agency brokerage businesses, dealing in FX (via give-up agreements) and cleared interest rate swaps.
• The prime brokerage desk, focused on equity swaps and cash lending.

Depending on business needs, you’ll also contribute to other workstreams, providing variety and breadth to your experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Review, draft and negotiate a wide range of commercial and financial agreements.
• Advise on and manage documentation including:
  • ISDA Master Agreements (FX and equity swaps)
  • Prime brokerage and cash lending agreements
  • Global Master Securities Lending Agreements (GMSLA)
  • Global Master Repurchase Agreements (GMRA)
  • Confidentiality agreements, intra-group guarantees, account control agreements, cleared execution derivatives and security documentation.
• Provide commercial and regulatory advice to the business.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure documentation aligns with business objectives and regulatory standards.

Skills & Experience

• Qualified lawyer (England & Wales or Commonwealth jurisdiction).
• Minimum 3+ years PQE, ideally with experience in derivatives and / or prime brokerage documentation.
• Strong background in financial services (in-house or private practice).