Managing Associate - Digital Assets

Simmons & Simmons; West of England; On-site; GBP 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Simmons & Simmons is seeking a Managing Associate (5+ PQE) to join our growing digital assets practice within the market-leading Structured Finance & Derivatives team, based in Bristol or London. The role offers exposure to cryptoassets and tokenisation, with a clear path to leadership and client responsibility.

The successful candidate will lead on transactions, supervise junior lawyers, and work closely with clients across international matters.

Qualifications

• 5+ PQE gained at a leading City or equivalent firm.
• Strong structured finance or derivatives background, transactional or regulatory.
• Genuine interest in crypto, digital assets, tokenisation and emerging technologies.
• Strong drafting and analytical skills, with ability to lead transactions.
• Strong client-facing skills and confidence in client discussions.
• A self-starter who can help build a growing practice.
• Strong interest in marketing and business development.
• Ability to supervise and support the development of junior lawyers.

Responsibilities

• Lead transactions and take day-to-day responsibility for delivery, working with the partner and team.
• Advise on mandates relating to digital assets, building on a strong structured finance/derivatives foundation.
• Advise on regulatory and structuring matters relating to digital assets and tokenisation.
• Draft, review and negotiate documentation for international cryptoasset clients, banks, asset managers, funds and corporates.
• Lead discussions with clients and develop strong client relationships.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Bristol, London and global offices.
• Supervise and mentor associates and trainees.
• Support marketing and business development for the digital assets practice.

Skills

5+ PQE

Structured finance/derivatives

Crypto/digital assets interest

Drafting and analytical skills

Client-facing skills

Leadership/supervising juniors

Marketing/business development

Self-starter

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for a Managing Associate (5+ PQE) to join our growing digital assets practice within our market-leading Structured Finance & Derivatives team, based in either our Bristol or London office.

The practice advises on transactional mandates involving digital assets, as well as the regulatory and structuring issues relating to cryptoassets and tokenisation. It sits within our wider SFD group, one of the leading practices in the market, which advises a broad range of clients on the full spectrum of structured finance, structured products, derivatives and securitisation transactions.

As a core part of the firm’s Emerging Technologies Group, we advise on the structuring and regulatory issues posed by distributed ledger technology. The leading partner also co-heads the firm’s work on tokenisation, offering the successful candidate genuine exposure to some of the most innovative and fast-developing work in the market.

This is a particularly exciting opportunity for a senior lawyer looking to take a leading role in a growing practice. The successful candidate will have significant scope to develop their profile, lead on transactions and work closely with clients, while playing an important role in the continued growth of the practice. The growth of the team also offers significant opportunities for longer-term career progression.

Main duties & responsibilities

• Lead transactions and take day-to-day responsibility for the delivery of matters, working closely with the partner and wider team.
• Advise on transactional mandates relating to digital assets, building on a strong structured finance or derivatives foundation.
• Advise on regulatory and structuring matters relating to digital assets and tokenisation, working closely with our specialist financial regulatory lawyers.
• Draft, review and negotiate transaction and structured finance documentation for an international client base of cryptoasset firms, banks, asset managers, funds and corporates.
• Take an active role with clients, including leading discussions, providing commercial input and developing strong client relationships.
• Work as part of cross-practice, cross-border teams, collaborating with colleagues across our Bristol, London and global offices.
• Supervise and support associates and trainees and take an active role in developing junior members of the team.
• Play an active role in marketing and business development, helping to support the continued growth of the digital assets practice.

Person specification

• 5+ PQE, gained at a leading City or equivalent firm.
• A strong structured finance or derivatives background is essential, either in a transactional or regulatory setting.
• Genuine interest in crypto, digital assets, tokenisation and emerging technologies.
• Strong technical, drafting and analytical skills, with the ability to lead transactions and take responsibility for the day-to-day management of matters.
• Strong client-facing skills and confidence taking an active role in client discussions.
• A self-starter who is comfortable helping to build and shape a growing practice.
• Strong interest in marketing and business development.
• Ability to supervise and support the development of more junior lawyers.

Here at Simmons & Simmons

Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters, you will work on inspirational and thought-provoking projects, using your influence to create positive impact for our clients, society and the planet. We also ensure that everyone’s voice is heard from day one, irrespective of job title, qualification, or background. You’ll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible.

Key Highlights:

• Competitive compensation package, including bonuses, private medical insurance, and pension contribution.
• A global skills academy offering extensive learning opportunities for all employees.
• A hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of three days in-office, subject to role and client needs.
• Integration of traditional legal expertise with innovative Simmons & Simmons Solutions.
• Recognition as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
• Vibrant social and sports committees, as well as art collections featuring renowned artists.
• The introduction of a Strategic Advisory Council to drive strategic initiatives in line with our mission.

Equal opportunities

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment, offering equal employment opportunities to all applicants irrespective of sex, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, and more. Flexible working arrangements are supported, and we strive to make our roles accessible to all. Our employee networks offer additional support, detailed in our D&I Information booklet provided during the recruitment process.

We value diversity and encourage applications from those who are passionate and willing to grow with us, even if not all requirements are met. Your unique experiences and perspectives are welcomed here.