Interim Derivatives Lawyer (12 month contract)

MLA is supporting a leading global financial services organisation that is looking to hire an interim Derivatives Lawyer on an initial 12-month contract.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior legal professional to support high-profile trading and markets businesses, working on complex cross-border transactions and providing commercially focused legal advice within a fast-paced international environment.

Key Requirements

Experience & Knowledge

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• 6-10 years' PQE (or equivalent experience) gained within private practice and/or an in-house legal team.
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• Experience supporting financial services businesses.
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• Working knowledge of FX and derivatives products.
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• Strong academic background.
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The Role

You will provide legal support to global trading and risk teams, partnering closely with stakeholders across front office, risk, and legal functions.

Responsibilities will include:

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• Advising sales and trading teams on day-to-day legal matters.
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• Supporting a broad range of complex transactions, including derivatives, acquisition finance, and project finance matters.
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• Providing legal guidance on new products, currencies, and entry into new jurisdictions.
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• Conducting legal due diligence and risk assessments.
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• Supporting default management and close-out scenarios.
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• Delivering practical, commercially focused legal advice aligned with business objectives.
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• Collaborating with legal colleagues and stakeholders across multiple international locations.
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Skills & Attributes

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• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
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• Commercially minded with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
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• Able to balance legal, commercial, and product considerations when making decisions.
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• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
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• Excellent attention to detail.
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• Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working in a dynamic environment.
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• Effective team player who can operate independently when required.
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• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word and Outlook.
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Additional Information

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• Location: Belfast (Hybrid Working)
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• Contract Length: 12 Months
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• Start Date: August 2026
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• Occasional travel may be required to the London office.
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