Legal Counsel

Crédit Agricole SA; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Crédit Agricole SA is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide comprehensive legal support to its Debt Capital Markets and Syndicate teams in London. The role includes advising on legal issues, drafting documentation, and working closely with international teams.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree, a legal qualification in England & Wales, and substantial experience in Debt Capital Markets transactions. Join a dynamic workplace that emphasizes sustainability, diversity, and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Very good experience in the Debt Capital Markets Legal area.
• Post-qualification major law firm experience or in-house experience with a reputable investment bank.
• Strong experience in bond and debt transactions management.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex structured products.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to Debt Capital Markets and Leverage Finance groups.
• Draft, structure, and negotiate offering documentation.
• Liaise with and supervise external counsel in various jurisdictions.
• Prepare legal governance and procedures for the DCM business.

Skills

Debt Capital Markets Legal expertise

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work autonomously

Education

Bachelor Degree / BSc Degree or equivalent

Legal qualification in England & Wales

Job description

Legal Counsel will provide full legal, advisory and transaction management support to DCM business teams and Syndicate desks.

The key responsibilities are as follows:

• Responsible for providing legal advice, advisory and transactional support to Debt Capital Markets and Leverage Finance & Telecoms Group business teams (mainly for Investment Grade, High Yield, Emerging Markets, Debt Syndicate, liability management and MTN Private Placement teams, including bonds with ESG/sustainability linked elements), worldwide.
• Responsible for drafting, structuring and negotiating offering documentation and advising on distribution and marketing issues and other ad hoc matters relating to all kinds of Debt Capital Markets transactions.
• Instruct, liaise with and supervise external counsel in various jurisdictions.
• Analyse and advise on legal issues relating to new debt product development.
• Prepare legal governance, legal procedures, KPIs for the DCM business.
• Work very closely with Head of DCM LGL Paris and his Paris team.

Supplementary Information

Join our team at Crédit Agricole CIB, the corporate and investment banking arm of 10th largest banking group. We offer more than just a job.

You will be part of a dynamic and collaborative work environment where CSR is embraced in our day-to-day business operation, innovation is encouraged, and diversity is celebrated.

Crédit Agricole CIB, the first French bank to have committed to the Equator Principles, is a pioneer and global leader in sustainable finance. Our commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility means that your work will have a positive impact on our communities and the environment.

With a people-centric culture where everyone is valued, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, Crédit Agricole CIB is not just a place to work – it is where you make an impact.

Our hiring process is open to all and should you have any particular needs or you may require adjustments, please let us know.

Geographical area

Europe, United Kingdom

City

London

Bachelor Degree / BSc Degree or equivalent

Legal qualification in England & Wales

Experience

• Very good experience in the Debt Capital Markets Legal area.
• Post-qualification major law firm experience or in‑house experience gained with a reputable investment bank or an international financial institution;
• Strong experience with issues, processes, management and execution of bond and debt transactions in various countries and jurisdictions and overall knowledge of capital markets transactions.
• Experience with complex and structured products drafting and negotiation.

ESG and sustainability products issuance

Required skills

DCM debt transactions and DCM structured debt instruments issues and related topics.

• Ability to work autonomously in a challenging environment.
• Capacity to work efficiently and accurately and remain calm and motivated in a pressurised and deadline driven business environment.
• Ability to integrate into a close-knit team.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Highest degree of integrity and professionalism.

Skills & Knowledge Requirements:

• Interpersonal and communication (written and oral) and networking skills essential.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent negotiation and drafting skills.
• IT literacy.

Languages

French language skills a plus

Entity

About Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (Crédit Agricole CIB)

Crédit Agricole CIB is the corporate and investment bank of the Crédit Agricole group, the 10th largest banking group in the world.

We support major companies and financial institutions in their development and the financing of their projects.

As pioneers in responsible finance, social and environmental commitments are at the heart of our activities.

Joining our teams means working in a multicultural environment, both dynamic and stimulating, where you will contribute to developing a sustainable economy.

We support employees throughout their journey: you will develop your skills and access various mobility opportunities among the diversity of our businesses in more than 30 international locations.

Our culture is built on collaboration, innovation and openness, where everyone is valued and empowered.

By working every day in the interest of society, Crédit Agricole CIB aligns with the Group values committed to diversity and inclusion and placing people at the heart of all its transformations.

All our jobs are open to people with disabilities. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Ready to take part in our mission?