Financial Services (CFTC) Lawyer

Job Overview:
A prominent U.S. law firm is actively seeking a highly experienced Senior Associate or Counsel to join its Financial Services regulatory team. The role is focused on advising clients in the commodities, derivatives, and trading sectors on compliance with CFTC regulations, including matters under the Commodity Exchange Act. This position is well-suited for an attorney with deep knowledge of financial regulatory frameworks and a strong background in supporting trading and energy market participants.

Location:

• Chicago, IL

Duties:

• Advise on compliance with the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC rules

• Counsel clients involved in commodities, swaps, and derivatives trading

• Draft and negotiate regulatory and transactional documentation

• Support regulatory investigations and enforcement actions, including those involving FERC (preferred)

• Represent a client base that includes dealers, traders, and energy market participants

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary legal teams on complex, cross-border issues

Requirements:

• 5–10 years of legal experience with a strong focus on financial services regulation

• In-depth knowledge of CFTC regulations and trading market rules

• Experience drafting and negotiating swaps and derivatives documentation

• Familiarity with FERC regulatory enforcement in energy/power trading (preferred)

• Proven ability to advise institutional clients in highly regulated environments

• Strong leadership and collaboration skills in legal team settings

Education:

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

Certifications:

• Active bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction

Skills:

• Expertise in commodities, swaps, and derivatives legal frameworks

• Strong drafting, negotiation, and legal analysis capabilities

• Strategic, business-oriented legal thinking

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to work across jurisdictions and manage complex legal matters

Benefits:

• Bonus Eligibility: Based on individual and firm performance (not guaranteed)

• Health & Wellness:

  • Medical (3 plan options), dental, and vision insurance

  • Life and disability insurance

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

• Retirement & Financial Planning:

  • 401(k) with employer contributions

  • Profit-sharing opportunities (if eligible)

• Paid Time Off:

  • Minimum of 20 PTO days annually

  • 14 weeks of paid parental leave

  • 11 paid firm holidays

• Additional Perks:

  • Carrot Fertility support for inclusive family-forming journeys

  • $2,500 vacation stipend after reaching billable thresholds

  • Free Peloton app membership

  • Lyra Health mental wellness support (8 sessions annually)

  • Spot Pet Insurance

• Professional Development:

  • Business development support and reimbursement

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

  • $50,000 referral bonus for qualified legal talent

• Community Involvement:

  • 8 hours annually of firm time for pro bono or volunteer service