Financial Services (CFTC) Lawyer

Job Overview:
A leading U.S.-based law firm is seeking a highly experienced Senior Associate or Counsel for its Financial Services Regulatory practice. The successful candidate will advise clients on matters involving the Commodity Exchange Act, CFTC regulations, and derivatives trading. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact regulatory work in the financial and energy sectors, within a collaborative and forward-thinking legal environment.

Location:

• Washington, DC

Duties:

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

• Handle legal matters involving commodities, swaps, and derivatives trading

• Draft and negotiate documentation related to derivatives and related financial instruments

• Counsel clients including dealers, traders, and end users in the financial and energy markets

• Collaborate with colleagues on regulatory investigations and enforcement matters

• Support cross-border transactions and complex legal structures

Requirements:

• 5–10 years of relevant legal experience in financial services regulation

• In-depth knowledge of the CFTC regulatory framework and trading market rules

• Demonstrated experience with swaps and derivatives documentation

• Familiarity with FERC regulation in energy and power markets (preferred)

• Proven ability to advise institutional clients in both the financial and energy sectors

• Strong capability in managing complex legal issues within a team environment

Education:

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

Certifications:

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

Skills:

• Subject matter expertise in commodities and derivatives law

• Advanced legal drafting and negotiation skills

• Strategic legal reasoning and client communication skills

• Collaborative approach to team-based practice

• Experience with cross-functional and international legal matters (preferred)

Benefits:

• Bonus eligibility based on individual and firm performance

• Comprehensive insurance coverage:

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

  • Life and disability insurance

• Health and savings benefits:

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

  • 401(k) retirement savings plan and profit-sharing (if eligible)

• Paid time off:

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

  • 14 weeks paid parental leave

  • 11 firm holidays

• Wellness and inclusion initiatives:

  • Carrot Fertility benefits for family-forming support

  • $2,500 vacation stipend upon meeting billable hour thresholds

  • Free Peloton app access

  • Lyra mental health services (8 free sessions)

  • Spot Pet Insurance

• Professional development:

  • Executive coaching for attorneys with 250+ BD hours

  • Business development support reimbursement

  • $50,000 referral bonus for eligible legal hires

• Community engagement:

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