Legal Consultant - Derivatives (8+ PQE)

Peerpoint is A&O Shearman’s global platform for self-directed consultant lawyers who want to access the best work, clients, resources and bespoke support, whilst undertaking assignments of typically six months or more, either within A&O Shearman practice groups or directly with clients. To find out more, please visit

We are currently looking for lawyers with 8+ years’ top-tier post-qualification experience in derivatives (including structured products) and structured finance.

Examples of recent opportunities

• A senior equity derivatives lawyer supporting a bank’s Strategic Equity business, with a focus on Quantitative Investment Strategies (QIS).
• Derivatives lawyer with experience of secured loan linked hedging or structured finance hedging (e.g. securitisation swaps) to support a bank’s derivatives and securities lending team.
• Structured products lawyer supporting a bank’s structured securities business in Europe on a cross-asset basis (equity, credit, fixed income and FX), including negotiating distribution agreements, supporting the onboarding of distributors, contributing to product governance fora, reviewing and preparing trade documentation and templates, supporting on automation initiatives and providing legal advice on new structured products and cross-border issues.
• Supporting the structured credit and credit derivatives team of an investment bank, with a remit covering credit derivatives, OTC, repacks and CLOs, in a transaction management role.
• Structured products lawyer within a bank advising on, reviewing, negotiating and settling all documentation relating to finance linked hedges and deal contingent hedging transactions, performing due diligence on underlying facility agreements, inter-creditor and security agreements and advising in respect of structured financing arrangements.
• Derivatives lawyer supporting a financial group’s capital markets business, with responsibilities including negotiating documents that govern OTC derivatives (including ISDAs, CSAs, CDEAs, GMRAs, GMSLAs), working on live transactional legal work to negotiate derivatives, collateral and financing documents in relation to bond issuances including structured bonds, and acting as a subject matter expert on relevant laws, regulations and policies, in particular in the EMEA derivatives space.

Our criteria

• have at least eight years’ post-qualification experience in derivatives and structured finance, including a minimum of two years' post-qualification experience at a law firm ranked as top tier for derivatives and structured finance;
• ideally have recent in-house legal experience at a leading financial services institution (directly or as a secondee);
• have a desire to take ownership of their career and be responsible for their own professional development and network, proactively making use of any support and resources available;
• have researched the personal and financial factors that you need to consider when commencing a career as a legal consultant and be comfortable with the ways in which it differs from permanent employment;
• be committed to building a positive and productive relationship with Peerpoint, including having a transparent, open and responsive style of communication;
• have a consultant mindset, including a highly professional, flexible and adaptable outlook and approach;
• have an ability to make effective transitions into new environments and be motivated to deliver an excellent standard of service to each client;
• have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to professionally deal with stakeholders at all levels, building strong relationships internally and externally;
• be resilient, autonomous and highly credible, with exemplary commercial/business acumen and client service ethic;
• have proven project management skills; and
• have a practising certificate (or equivalent) which entitles them to practise as a lawyer in the UK.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the relationship between Peerpoint and our legal consultants, we are not able to sponsor visas. Applicants are therefore required to have a right to reside and work in the UK. As a result of the high volume of applications we receive, it is our policy not to provide individual feedback at the application stage.

What makes consulting with Peerpoint different?

A career with Peerpoint offers unique opportunities for legal consultants, leveraging A&O Shearman’s backing and extensive resources.

Empowering your development

you’ll be fully supported by our experienced team and will have access to A&O Shearman’s training, development and networking events, including opportunities to grow your skillset with A&O Shearman’s Advanced Delivery & Solutions businesses. On assignment, you’ll have access to an A&O Shearman partner and professional support lawyers as well as extensive knowledge resources.

Variety you control

steer your legal career in whichever direction you choose. Whether you’re looking for more control, choice or variety, as a Peerpoint consultant you’ll have the pick of the best challenges from across a range of sectors.

Let your priorities lead

it’s never been more important to find the right balance. That could mean more flexibility over the time you spend between your personal and professional life, whether that's to pursue a passion, spend time with family or take breaks to travel the world.

Futureproof your career

if you need coaching or mentoring, our team can guide you on the range of diverse paths to help you grow your experience. By understanding your needs and supporting you at every step, we’ll help you succeed so you can flourish both today and tomorrow.

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