Financial Services (CFTC) Lawyer

Job Overview:
A top-tier U.S. law firm is seeking an experienced Senior Associate or Counsel to join its Financial Services practice, specializing in commodities, derivatives, and CFTC regulatory matters. This is a key opportunity for a highly skilled attorney to work on complex regulatory and transactional issues involving financial markets and energy trading. The position offers collaboration with a highly respected legal team and access to major domestic and cross-border engagements.

Location:

• Austin, TX

Duties:

• Advise clients on compliance with the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulatory requirements

• Provide legal guidance on derivatives, swaps, and commodities transactions

• Draft, review, and negotiate documentation for financial trading and hedging activities

• Represent clients in the financial and energy sectors, including traders, dealers, and end users

• Address regulatory and enforcement matters, including potential FERC involvement (preferred)

• Work with internal legal teams across multiple practices and jurisdictions

Requirements:

• 5–10 years of legal experience focused on financial regulatory law

• Deep familiarity with the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC framework

• Expertise in swaps and derivatives documentation

• Prior experience with FERC regulation and enforcement in energy trading (preferred)

• Demonstrated ability to advise financial and energy sector clients

• Strong collaborative and case management skills

Education:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited U.S. law school

Certifications:

• Admission to the bar in at least one U.S. jurisdiction

Skills:

• Specialized knowledge in financial regulations and derivatives law

• Strong drafting and transactional negotiation capabilities

• Analytical and strategic legal reasoning

• Ability to work within high-performing teams and manage client relationships

• Experience with international or cross-border transactions (a plus)

Benefits:

• Eligibility for performance-based bonuses

• Health and wellness offerings:

  • Three medical plan options, dental, vision

  • Life and disability insurance

  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• Financial and retirement planning:

  • 401(k) with firm contributions and potential profit-sharing

• Paid time off:

  • Minimum of 20 days PTO (based on role and tenure)

  • 14 weeks paid parental leave

  • 11 paid holidays annually

• Additional incentives and perks:

  • Carrot Fertility family-forming support

  • $2,500 vacation stipend (billable threshold eligibility)

  • Free Peloton app access

  • Lyra Health support (8 free sessions annually)

  • Spot Pet Insurance coverage

• Career growth:

  • Business development reimbursement

  • Executive coaching for qualifying attorneys (250+ BD hours)

  • $50,000 referral bonus for successful attorney hires

• Community engagement:

  • 8 hours of firm-paid time annually for pro bono or volunteer work