Legal Counsel – Commercial

JR United Kingdom; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic financial services firm is seeking a junior lawyer to join their commercial team in Stevenage. This role offers substantial autonomy and responsibility, focusing on drafting and reviewing a range of agreements, while interacting with global stakeholders. Candidates should possess a solid 3+ years PQE, with a strong understanding of the financial sector. The fast-paced environment demands excellent communication and organizational skills, ensuring effective legal support for business initiatives.

Qualifications

• Approximately 3+ years PQE required.
• Experience in Financial Services is essential.
• Familiarity with compliance, intellectual property, structured products beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate various legal agreements and provide advice.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to deliver documentation.
• Assist with M&A activities and corporate projects.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Negotiation

Legal drafting

Client focus

Communication

Education

English or Commonwealth qualified lawyer

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

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 can manage pressure and work to deadlines.

The contractual hours are from 9 am to 6 pm, regarded as minimum working hours.

Key responsibilities:

A list of the main duties and expected outcomes of the role:

• 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, supporting the Corporate team.
• Participating in new corporate projects, such as new offices, 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 experience in compliance, intellectual property, structured products, or derivatives is beneficial but not mandatory.

Systems used:

Standard Microsoft Office suite and documentation management systems knowledge are advantageous.

Personal attributes:

The department is lively and busy; candidates should handle competing demands maturely, build rapport with stakeholders and colleagues, and work effectively under pressure.

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 they are completed within set timeframes.
• Highly organized, disciplined, and responsive.

Client focus:

• Understanding clients' needs and aligning legal advice accordingly.
• Ability to collaborate closely with other departments in both front and back office roles.

Communications:

• Effective in liaising with and guiding the business and other departments concisely and clearly.
• Sharing knowledge and experience with the team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Agency Notice: BGC Partners & affiliates do not accept unsolicited resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our job alias, employees, or other company locations. We are not responsible for fees related to unsolicited resumes. Contact the Recruitment team for further information.