Financial Services (CFTC) Lawyer

Job Overview:
A highly regarded law firm is seeking a Senior Associate or Counsel with deep experience in financial regulatory matters—particularly commodities, derivatives, and CFTC compliance. This role involves advising a sophisticated client base across the financial and energy sectors and handling high-impact transactional and enforcement matters. The ideal candidate will join a dynamic, collaborative legal team focused on financial services regulation and market innovation.

Location:

• Minneapolis, MN

Duties:

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

• Counsel on commodities, swaps, and derivatives trading and related documentation

• Draft and negotiate complex transactional documents

• Guide clients through CFTC and FERC enforcement actions and investigations (where applicable)

• Support dealers, traders, and end users across the financial and energy sectors

• Collaborate with attorneys in multiple practices and jurisdictions on cross-border matters

Requirements:

• 5–10 years of legal experience focused on financial services regulation

• Strong knowledge of the CFTC regulatory framework and trading market structures

• Demonstrated experience with swaps and derivatives documentation

• Familiarity with FERC enforcement and energy market regulation (preferred)

• Ability to manage complex legal matters and regulatory risk

• Strong interpersonal and client 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:

• Deep understanding of commodities, derivatives, and financial regulatory law

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills

• Analytical thinker with business acumen

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in high-performance legal teams

• Effective communicator with clients and regulators

Benefits:

• Discretionary bonus based on performance

• Health & wellness:

  • Three medical plan options

  • Dental and vision coverage

  • Life and disability insurance

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

• Retirement planning:

  • 401(k) with employer contributions

  • Profit-sharing plan (if eligible)

• Paid leave:

  • Minimum of 20 PTO days annually

  • 14 weeks paid parental leave

  • 11 firm-paid holidays

• Additional perks:

  • Carrot Fertility support

  • $2,500 vacation stipend (based on billable thresholds)

  • Free Peloton app membership

  • 8 free Lyra therapy/coaching sessions annually

  • Spot Pet Insurance

• Professional development:

  • Business development reimbursement

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

  • $50,000 referral bonus for successful lateral hires

• Community engagement:

  • 8 hours per year for pro bono or volunteer service