EMEA Lending Legal – Structured Lending (Markets) – 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 $3.7 trillion and operations worldwide. The Lending Legal Group within the EMEA CIB Legal Department plays a critical role in supporting the bank's lending businesses across commercial and investment banking. As a Vice-President in EMEA Lending Legal – Structured Lending (Markets), you will be at the forefront of advising on innovative financing solutions in the dynamic EMEA markets. This role, based in our London office, involves partnering with trading desks, structurers, and relationship managers to deliver legal support for structured lending products tied to markets activities, such as derivatives, repos, and securitized financings. You will ensure that all transactions align with regulatory requirements and mitigate legal risks in a complex, cross-border environment. In this position, you will handle the end-to-end legal lifecycle of structured lending deals, from initial structuring to execution and ongoing management. Key focus areas include negotiating bespoke terms in lending agreements, advising on collateral and security interests, and navigating the intricacies of EMEA regulations like those from the FCA, PRA, and ESMA. You will collaborate closely with internal teams across risk, compliance, and business lines, while also engaging external counsel when needed for specialized jurisdictions. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying potential issues in fast-evolving markets, such as those influenced by Brexit or sustainable finance trends, ensuring JPMorgan Chase maintains its position as a trusted partner in global finance. JPMorgan Chase values diversity and inclusion, offering a supportive culture where your expertise can drive impactful results. This Vice-President level role is ideal for a seasoned lawyer passionate about the intersection of law and financial innovation, with opportunities for career growth within one of the world's most admired financial institutions. Join us to contribute to high-profile transactions that shape the EMEA lending landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support to the EMEA Structured Lending team on markets-related financing products, including derivatives-linked loans
• Draft, review, and negotiate structured lending documentation, such as ISDA agreements, credit support annexes, and bespoke financing terms
• Advise on regulatory compliance for lending activities under UK, EU, and international standards
• Collaborate with business teams, compliance, and risk management to mitigate legal risks in complex transactions
• Manage legal aspects of deal structuring, including collateral arrangements and intercreditor agreements
• Conduct due diligence on counterparties and transaction structures in the EMEA markets
• Support litigation and dispute resolution related to lending portfolios
• Contribute to policy development and training for the Lending Legal Group on emerging markets trends
• Liaise with external counsel for specialized advice on cross-jurisdictional matters

Required Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with at least 7-10 years of post-qualification experience in financial services law, preferably in a major bank or law firm
• Admitted to practice in England and Wales or another common law jurisdiction
• Extensive experience in structured lending, derivatives, and markets-related financing transactions
• Strong understanding of EMEA regulatory frameworks, including UK PRA/FCA rules and EU financial regulations
• Proven track record in drafting, negotiating, and advising on complex lending agreements
• Bachelor's degree in Law or equivalent, with additional qualifications in finance or banking law preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a global investment bank like JP Morgan Chase
• Knowledge of syndicated loans, securitizations, and repo transactions
• Fluency in additional EMEA languages such as French or German
• Prior involvement in cross-border structured finance deals

Required Skills

• Expertise in financial contracts and derivatives law
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills for complex agreements
• In-depth knowledge of banking regulations (e.g., EMIR, MiFID II)
• Analytical thinking for risk assessment in structured finance
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Attention to detail in reviewing legal documents
• Project management for handling multiple high-stakes deals
• Proficiency in legal research tools and databases
• Adaptability to fast-paced markets environment
• Team collaboration in a multinational setting
• Understanding of credit risk and collateral mechanisms
• Problem-solving for novel transaction structures
• Time management under tight deadlines
• Ethical judgment in compliance matters

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonus
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, and mental health support
• Generous 401(k) matching or equivalent pension scheme for UK employees
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities through JP Morgan's internal training programs
• Employee stock purchase plan and financial planning services
• Flexible working arrangements and hybrid work options in London
• Access to global mobility programs and career advancement within JP Morgan Chase

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.