Capital Markets lawyer – Assistant Vice President

Location: LONDON, United Kingdom

Job Family: Counsel

About the Role

JP Morgan Chase & Co. is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $3.9 trillion and operations worldwide. The EMEA Capital Markets Legal Group, part of the broader EMEA Legal Department in London, plays a critical role in supporting the firm's Debt Capital Markets business across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. As an Assistant Vice President and Capital Markets Lawyer, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to providing high-caliber legal counsel on innovative debt financing solutions, helping clients navigate complex market conditions while ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards. This role offers the opportunity to work on marquee transactions, including high-profile bond issuances and structured debt products, in one of the world's most vibrant financial hubs. In this position, you will advise on the full lifecycle of EMEA debt capital markets deals, from initial structuring to execution and post-trade matters. Key responsibilities include drafting and negotiating essential documentation such as offering circulars, subscription agreements, and ancillary contracts, while identifying and mitigating legal risks associated with cross-jurisdictional elements. You will partner closely with investment bankers, traders, and compliance professionals to deliver seamless support, ensuring that JP Morgan Chase maintains its reputation for excellence in capital markets origination and distribution. Additionally, you will stay abreast of regulatory changes, such as updates to the EU's Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, and contribute to internal initiatives that enhance the firm's ESG-integrated financing capabilities. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, high-stakes environment and brings a blend of technical legal expertise and commercial acumen to drive business success. At JP Morgan Chase, we value diversity and inclusion, offering robust professional growth opportunities and a supportive culture that empowers you to innovate and lead. This role not only provides exposure to cutting-edge financial products but also positions you for advancement within our global legal team, contributing to the firm's mission of enabling economic growth through responsible finance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support to the EMEA Debt Capital Markets business on structuring and executing transactions
• Draft, review, and negotiate documentation for bond issuances, including prospectuses, underwriting agreements, and ISDA agreements
• Advise on compliance with EMEA regulatory frameworks, including FCA and PRA requirements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including investment banking, compliance, and risk management, to mitigate legal risks
• Conduct due diligence on issuers and counterparties in debt capital markets deals
• Assist in responding to regulatory inquiries and managing litigation risks related to capital markets activities
• Support the development of internal policies and training on debt markets legal issues
• Monitor and analyze emerging legal and regulatory developments impacting EMEA capital markets
• Contribute to firm-wide initiatives on sustainable and ESG-focused financing products

Required Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with at least 5-7 years of post-qualification experience in capital markets or debt financing
• Admitted to practice in England and Wales or another common law jurisdiction
• Strong academic background, including a law degree from a reputable university
• Experience in advising on EMEA debt capital markets transactions, including bond issuances and structured finance
• In-depth knowledge of relevant regulations such as MiFID II, EMIR, and Prospectus Regulation
• Proven track record in a top-tier financial institution or law firm handling complex cross-border deals
• Fluency in English; additional European languages are advantageous

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in-house at a global investment bank like JP Morgan Chase
• Specialization in high-yield or investment-grade debt securities
• Familiarity with sustainable finance and green bond issuances
• Prior exposure to regulatory investigations or enforcement actions in capital markets
• Advanced degree such as LLM in international finance or securities law

Required Skills

• Expertise in debt capital markets legal frameworks
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills for complex financial agreements
• In-depth knowledge of EMEA financial regulations
• Analytical thinking for risk assessment in transactions
• Attention to detail in reviewing legal documents
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Project management skills for handling multiple deals simultaneously
• Proficiency in legal research tools and databases
• Cross-border transaction experience
• Team collaboration in a fast-paced environment
• Adaptability to evolving regulatory landscapes
• Commercial awareness of global financial markets
• Discretion and ethical judgment in handling sensitive information
• Time management for meeting tight transaction deadlines

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonus
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Generous retirement savings plan with company matching contributions
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement and legal training programs
• Employee stock purchase plan and financial wellness resources
• On-site fitness facilities and wellness programs at JP Morgan Chase's London office
• Global mobility support for career advancement within the firm

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.