Senior Legal Counsel

Optiver • Chicago, IL

135d • $265,000 - $315,000

About The Position

Optiver’s Legal Department is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to work in close partnership with the Assistant General Counsel, senior management, and business teams. This role will serve as a senior member of our legal function, providing strategic advice and leadership to support critical business initiatives in a fast-paced and high-stakes environment. As Senior Legal Counsel, you will be a trusted advisor and subject matter expert, delivering sophisticated, business-minded legal guidance across a broad range of areas, including securities and commodities laws and regulations, corporate governance, vendor and commercial agreements, employment law, real estate, policy development and implementation, and litigation management. You will play a key role in shaping legal strategy, mentoring colleagues, and ensuring the firm’s interests are protected while enabling business growth.

Requirements

• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and admittance in good standing in Illinois or New York.
• 5+ years of relevant experience is required, with at least 3+ at a law firm or private practice.
• A client-first and outcome/solutions focused philosophy for providing legal services.
• Experience representing clients in the financial services industry (including the review and negotiation of trading related agreements) and familiarity with market structure.
• Experience with the Securities Exchange Act (’34 Act) and related SEC, FINRA and exchange rules, and/or the Commodity Exchange Act and related CFTC, NFA and exchange rules.
• Experience working on M&A/venture capital deals and/or secured financing are a plus.
• Strong research and writing skills, and a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a non-legal audience including business stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills and ability to independently drive business initiatives forward.
• Detail orientation and ability to juggle competing priorities.
• The desire to learn new practice areas quickly, and confidently advise the business.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Adobe, LexisNexis (and similar legal research products) required.
• Proficiency with Confluence/JIRA is a plus.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the proprietary trading industry and/or execution services business.
• Experience with M&A/venture capital deals and/or secured financing.

Responsibilities

• Counsel and provide practical solutions to address business and legal risks in areas related to regulatory matters (particularly regarding the operation of SEC and FINRA registered broker dealers), corporate matters, and commercial transactions.
• Partner with business teams to provide strategic legal advice for new business opportunities.
• Develop and support internal controls.
• Negotiate, prepare, and review both trading and commercial agreements and advise business teams on the same.
• Partner with business teams to create internal policies.
• Maintain and update relevant corporate and LLC records, as needed or directed. Provide advice regarding corporate governance issues.
• Stay abreast of evolving regulatory and legal landscape in the US and abroad and counsel the business with respect to relevant changes.
• Interface with outside counsel and other third parties.
• Provide ethical leadership and sound judgment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive compensation package including performance-based bonus structure.
• 401(k) match up to 50%.
• Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage.
• 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays.
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees