Legal Counsel – Commercial

JR United Kingdom; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in financial services is seeking a junior lawyer to join its commercial team in Edinburgh. The candidate will engage in legal documentation, support M&A activities, and provide commercial advice while collaborating with internal stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Approximately 3+ years PQE required.
• Experience in Financial Services is essential.
• Broad experience preferred, such as compliance and derivatives.

Responsibilities

• Dealing with internal stakeholders and clients.
• Reviewing, drafting, negotiating various types of agreements.
• Providing general commercial advice.

Skills

Communication

Time Management

Client Focus

Education

English or Commonwealth qualified lawyer

Tools

Microsoft Office

Documentation management systems

Job description

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A junior lawyer within the commercial team. The team services the European, Middle East and APAC wholesale brokerage businesses of BGC, GFI, Aurel & Sunrise and the global FENICS technology businesses.

This role involves regular interaction with internal business stakeholders and management. There is a genuine global dimension to the remit as well as substantial autonomy, ownership and responsibility. The environment is fast paced with a demanding customer base therefore the role requires a person who is able to manage pressure and can commit and work to deadlines.

The contractual hours are 9 am to 6 pm but these are regarded as the minimum working hours.

For immediate start.

Key responsibilities:

• Dealing with internal stakeholders/clients and external customers and/or service providers to ensure smooth delivery of legal documentation within an orderly time scale.
• Reviewing, drafting, negotiating a wide range of agreements and providing legal advice on associated business issues. Agreement types include: IB agreements, Terms of Business, brokerage rates agreements, commission sharing and netting agreements, confidentiality agreements, licenses, services agreements, technology contracts, intra-group agreements, bank guarantees, engagement letters, clearing, custody and collateral agreements, marketing agreements, and other agreements as required.
• Providing general commercial advice.
• Assisting periodically with M&A activities, including confidentiality, due diligence, and document reviews, in collaboration with the Corporate team.
• Participating in new corporate projects, such as opening new offices, internal reorganizations, joint ventures, and advising on regulatory changes.

Skills / experience required:

• English or Commonwealth qualified lawyer with approximately 3+ years PQE.
• Experience in Financial Services is essential.
• Additional beneficial experience includes compliance, intellectual property, structured products, or derivatives, though not mandatory.

Systems used:

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and documentation management systems is preferred.

Personal attributes:

The candidate should handle a lively and busy environment maturely, build good rapport with stakeholders and colleagues, and manage competing demands effectively.

Working effectively:

• Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision;
• Confident in addressing a wide range of issues;
• Ownership of tasks and ensuring resolution within agreed timeframes;
• Highly organized, disciplined, and responsive.

Client focus:

• Understanding clients and their commercial needs;
• Collaborating closely with other departments in the front and back office.

Communication skills:

• Able to communicate effectively with the business and other departments;
• Sharing knowledge and experience with the team;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

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