Capital Markets Lawyer - Vice President

Location: LONDON, United Kingdom

Job Family: Counsel

About the Role

JPMorgan 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 pivotal role in supporting the firm's Debt Capital Markets business across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. As a Capital Markets Lawyer - Vice President, you will join a dynamic team of legal experts dedicated to enabling innovative financing solutions for institutional clients, including multinational corporations, governments, and financial institutions. This role offers the opportunity to work on high-profile transactions in a collaborative, high-energy environment at the heart of London's financial district. In this position, you will provide sophisticated legal counsel on a wide range of debt capital markets activities, from structuring complex bond issuances to navigating regulatory landscapes post-Brexit. Key responsibilities include drafting and negotiating offering documents, advising on compliance with the EU Prospectus Regulation and UK FCA requirements, and mitigating risks in cross-border deals. You will partner closely with JPMorgan's front-office teams, including sales, trading, and structuring professionals, to drive deal execution while ensuring adherence to the firm's rigorous ethical and compliance standards. Your expertise will be instrumental in supporting sustainable finance initiatives, such as green and social bonds, aligning with JPMorgan's commitment to responsible banking. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced setting, balancing multiple priorities with precision and commercial insight. At JPMorgan Chase, we value diverse perspectives and offer robust professional development opportunities to advance your career within our global institution. This Vice President-level role is perfect for a seasoned lawyer seeking to leverage their capital markets experience in a prestigious firm renowned for innovation and client-centric solutions in the financial services industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on EMEA debt capital markets transactions, including bond issuances, MTNs, and EMTNs for corporate and sovereign clients
• Draft, negotiate, and review documentation for debt offerings, ensuring compliance with UK, EU, and local EMEA regulations
• Advise on regulatory matters, including prospectus approvals, disclosure requirements, and market abuse rules under MAR
• Collaborate with JPMorgan Chase's trading, structuring, and sales teams to support deal execution and risk mitigation
• Manage legal aspects of cross-border transactions, coordinating with global JPMorgan legal teams and external counsel
• Conduct due diligence on issuers and offerings, identifying legal risks in structured debt products
• Stay abreast of evolving regulations like the UK Listing Rules post-Brexit and advise on their impact on JPMorgan's EMEA operations
• Support internal training and knowledge sharing on capital markets legal issues within the EMEA Legal Department
• Handle disputes or investigations related to debt capital markets activities, liaising with regulators as needed
• Contribute to firm-wide initiatives on ESG integration in capital markets financing

Required Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with at least 7-10 years of post-qualification experience in capital markets law, preferably in a top-tier law firm or financial institution
• Admitted to practice in England and Wales or another common law jurisdiction with relevant EMEA experience
• Deep knowledge of debt capital markets regulations, including EU Prospectus Regulation, MiFID II, and UK FCA rules
• Proven track record advising on high-value debt issuances, structured finance, and cross-border transactions in EMEA
• Strong understanding of JPMorgan Chase's global capital markets operations and compliance frameworks
• Excellent academic credentials, such as a law degree from a recognized university and completion of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or equivalent
• Eligibility to work in the UK without sponsorship

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in-house at a bulge-bracket investment bank like JPMorgan Chase
• Specialization in sustainable finance or green bonds within EMEA debt markets
• Fluency in additional languages such as German, French, or Arabic for cross-border deal support
• Prior involvement in regulatory consultations or industry working groups on capital markets
• Advanced degree in finance, international law, or a related field

Required Skills

• Expertise in debt capital markets legal frameworks and documentation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities for complex transactions
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills for high-stakes agreements
• Proficiency in regulatory compliance and risk assessment
• Superior communication and stakeholder management skills
• Attention to detail in reviewing legal documents and disclosures
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, deal-driven environments
• Project management skills for coordinating multi-jurisdictional deals
• Knowledge of financial instruments like bonds, notes, and derivatives
• Interpersonal skills for building relationships with clients and internal teams
• Adaptability to regulatory changes in EMEA markets
• Technical proficiency in legal tech tools and Microsoft Office Suite
• Commercial acumen in understanding market dynamics and client needs
• Ethical judgment in handling confidential information
• Team collaboration in a global, matrixed organization like JPMorgan Chase

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based bonus aligned with JPMorgan Chase's total rewards philosophy
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including private medical insurance for employees and dependents
• Generous pension scheme with employer matching contributions
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid office and remote options in London
• Professional development support, such as funding for continued legal education and internal mobility programs
• Employee share purchase plan and access to JPMorgan's global career opportunities
• Paid parental leave, family benefits, and mental health resources
• Subsidized gym memberships, cycle-to-work schemes, and commuter assistance

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.