Financial Services (CFTC) Lawyer

Job Overview:
A leading U.S. law firm is seeking a Senior Associate or Counsel with specialized experience in CFTC and derivatives law to join its Financial Services practice. This position focuses on regulatory compliance, enforcement, and transactional matters involving commodities, swaps, and derivatives. The successful candidate will work with a highly skilled legal team advising clients across the financial and energy sectors on complex regulatory and trading matters. The role offers significant exposure to high-impact domestic and cross-border legal work.

Location:

• San Francisco, CA

Duties:

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

• Provide legal guidance on derivatives, swaps, and commodities trading matters

• Draft and negotiate related regulatory and transactional documentation

• Support clients operating as dealers, traders, and end users in financial and energy markets

• Assist with FERC-related enforcement and compliance issues (preferred)

• Collaborate with a national team of attorneys on high-profile regulatory and enforcement cases

• Contribute to thought leadership and innovation in financial regulatory law

Requirements:

• 5–10 years of experience practicing law with a focus on financial services regulation

• Demonstrated expertise in CFTC regulations and derivatives law

• Experience negotiating and drafting swaps and other trading documentation

• Familiarity with FERC regulations in the energy and power sectors (preferred)

• Strong ability to manage complex client matters and deliver actionable legal advice

• Commitment to professional excellence and collaborative legal practice

Education:

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

Certifications:

• Licensed and in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar

Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of U.S. commodities, swaps, and derivatives regulatory frameworks

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

• Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills

• Ability to navigate high-stakes, cross-disciplinary legal environments

• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with leadership potential

Benefits:

• Performance-based bonus eligibility

• Health and wellness benefits:

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

  • Life and disability insurance

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

• Financial planning and retirement:

  • 401(k) plan with employer contributions

  • Profit-sharing opportunities (if eligible)

• Paid leave:

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

  • 14 weeks paid parental leave

  • 11 firm holidays annually

• Additional perks:

  • Carrot Fertility benefits for inclusive family planning

  • $2,500 vacation stipend for meeting billable thresholds

  • Free Peloton app membership

  • Lyra Health mental wellness support (8 free therapy or coaching sessions)

  • Spot Pet Insurance coverage

• Professional development:

  • Executive coaching for attorneys meeting business development thresholds

  • Reimbursement for business development activities

  • $50,000 referral bonus for successful legal talent hires

• Community engagement:

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