Legal Counsel - Trade & Sales 8PQE+

Reference: JN-092026-7100511Posted: 2026-09-09Location: London, England, GBContract type: TemporaryCompany: Michael PageJob function: LegalSubsector: Banking & Finance - In HouseSector: Financial ServicesWhere: LondonContract type: TemporaryConsultant name: Nellie Russell-HughesConsultant phone: +44 207 269 2444Advise on complex, high-value trading transactionsBe a trusted advisor to front-office stakeholdersAbout Our Client Our client is a leading international financial institution with a strong presence across EMEA and global markets. Operating at the forefront of capital markets and investment banking, they provide sophisticated solutions across rates, credit, derivatives and financing products. Due to ongoing growth and increased demand within the legal function, they are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to support their Sales & Trading business. Job Description Key responsibilities will include:Advising Sales & Trading desks on a broad range of legal, regulatory and transactional matters.Drafting, reviewing and negotiating trading, clearing, electronic trading platform, FX and capital markets documentation.Providing pragmatic and commercially-focused legal advice relating to rates, credit, derivatives and financing products.Advising on key regulatory frameworks including MiFID II, MAR and EMIR.Supporting new product launches, strategic business initiatives and cross-border trading activity.Identifying, assessing and mitigating legal, regulatory and reputational risks.Partnering closely with Compliance, Risk, Operations and Front Office stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.Monitoring legal and regulatory developments impacting the Global Markets business.Contributing to legal process improvements, governance initiatives and the use of AI-enabled legal technologies.The Successful Applicant The successful candidate will be a qualified lawyer with significant experience supporting Sales & Trading or Global Markets businesses within a leading law firm or financial institution.You will also possess:A minimum of 8 years' PQE.Strong experience within capital markets, derivatives or structured products.Experience drafting and negotiating trading and financial markets documentation.Demonstrable knowledge of MiFID II, MAR, EMIR and the wider regulatory landscape applicable to investment banking businesses.Proven experience delivering commercially focused legal advice in a fast-paced environment.Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and partner effectively with front-office teams.Experience operating across multiple jurisdictions and managing complex legal issues.A proactive and solutions-focused approach.Experience working with AI-powered legal tools such as Copilot, CoCounsel or similar technologies would be advantageous.What's on Offer Daily rate DOEInitial 12m contract with strong possibility of extensionExposure to senior stakeholders and complex, high-profile transactions.Dynamic and collaborative international environment.Hybrid working arrangement based in London.Immediate start available.