Supervising Associate - Derivatives

Simmons & Simmons; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent law firm in the UK is offering an exciting opportunity for a Supervising Associate in their Derivatives & Trading team. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background, 4+ years' PQE, and experience in buy-side derivatives and trading transactions. This role involves providing strategic regulatory advice, managing high-value matters, and working closely with clients in a dynamic, inclusive environment. Exceptional communication and leadership skills are required. A competitive compensation package and hybrid working model are included.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Bonuses

Private medical insurance

Pension contribution

Global skills academy for learning opportunities

Qualifications

• Trained and qualified with a leading law firm.
• Proven experience in derivatives and trading transactions.
• Strong academic background.

Responsibilities

• Provide commercially focused advice on EMIR and MiFID II.
• Collaborate with partners and clients to deliver integrated solutions.
• Engage directly with institutional clients and guide junior lawyers.

Skills

Experience in buy-side derivatives

Excellent communication skills

Leadership skills

Strong commercial awareness

Ability to manage multiple transactions

Education

Qualified Solicitor with 4+ years' PQE

Job description

About the Role

dynamic, fast‑paced environment. Person Specification Candidates will have trained and qualified with a leading firm, with 4+ years' PQE. Proven experience in buy‑side Derivatives and Trading transactions. Strong academic background. Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse and inclusive team. Excellent commercial awareness with the ability to manage sensitive and high‑value matters.

Why Simmons & Simmons

Here at 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 Responsibilities

Beyond documentation, you'll provide clear, commercially focused advice on regulatory developments such as EMIR and MiFID II, helping clients navigate an increasingly complex landscape. Collaboration is key: you'll work closely with partners, other practice areas and clients to deliver integrated solutions, while also contributing to business development and knowledge initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in derivatives and trading, combined with excellent communication and leadership skills. You should be confident managing multiple transactions, engaging directly with institutional clients, and guiding junior lawyers. In return, we offer the chance to work on cutting‑edge projects, from prime brokerage restructuring to multi‑jurisdictional repo and securities lending arrangements, within a supportive and high‑performing team.

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 across all spectrums of race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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.

Key Capabilities

The Derivatives & Trading Team at Simmons & Simmons is a specialist practice within the Asset Management & Investment Funds group, focusing on complex trading and derivatives matters for buy‑side clients across global financial markets. The team offers end‑to‑end support from documentation drafting and negotiation to execution and administration. Key capabilities include: Trading & Relationship Agreements – advising on prime brokerage, ISDA/OTC derivatives, ETD, GMRA (repos), GMSLA (securities lending), and FX prime brokerage. Handling full lifecycle from drafting to negotiation, execution, and secure storage.

What We’re Looking For

We have an exciting new opportunity for a Supervising Associate to join our Derivatives & Trading team, based in either London or Bristol. The ideal candidate will have trained and qualified with a leading firm, possess 4+ years' PQE, proven experience in buy‑side derivatives and trading transactions, and a strong academic background. They should possess excellent commercial awareness, be able to manage high‑value matters, and thrive in a diverse and inclusive team environment.

Application

For more information or to apply, please contact our Recruitment Team or visit our career page.