VP, Commodities Attorney

Morgan Stanley • New York, NY

1d

About The Position

We're seeking someone to join our team as an Attorney in Commodities Sales & Trading providing legal and regulatory coverage for physical and financial commodities trading activities. The role supports trading businesses across energy, metals, power and environmental products, with a strong focus on transaction structure, regulatory analysis and risk identification. In the Legal & Compliance division, we assist the Firm in achieving its business objectives by facilitating and overseeing the Firm's management of legal, regulatory and franchise risk. This is a Vice President level position within Legal Commodities Sales & Trading.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school; bar admission in good standing.
• 6+ years of relevant experience in commodities, energy, and derivatives.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. commodities regulatory frameworks (FERC, CFTC and state regulation).
• Ability to operate efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced, deal-driven environment.
• Excellent communication, drafting and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated record of sound legal judgment.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with RTO/ISO market rules and organized power markets.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day legal coverage for physical and financial commodities trading.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commodities trading documentation, including master agreements, confirmations, and bespoke agreements.
• Advise on U.S. commodities regulatory matters, including the Commodity Exchange Act, FERC, CFTC and state regulations, exemptions, and interpretive guidance.
• Assess regulatory risk associated with new products, trading strategies, and counterparties.
• Support responses to regulatory inquiries and examinations, in coordination with Compliance and other stakeholders.
• Provide legal support for trading activity conducted under RTO and ISO tariffs and market rules.
• Advise on participation requirements, tariff-based trading structures, and settlement mechanics in organized wholesale electricity markets.
• Analyze interaction between FERC-regulated markets and the Commodity Exchange Act, including applicable exemptions and regulatory relief.
• Act as a key legal advisor to commodities trading businesses while maintaining appropriate independence.
• Coordinate closely with traders, originators, structurers, Compliance, and Risk on legal and regulatory issues.
• Management of external counsel.

Benefits

• Ample opportunity to move about the business for those who show passion and grit in their work.
• Attractive and comprehensive employee benefits and perks in the industry.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees