Legal Counsel - (Equity Derivatives, Trading Documentation)

Legal Counsel – Equity Derivatives, Trading Documentation

Role Summary

Mizuho Americas is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to support its equity sales and trading platform, with a focus on equity derivatives and structured equity finance (equity repo, securities lending, delta 1 swaps). The role works closely with front‑office, risk, and operations partners to manage legal and regulatory risk, negotiate complex trading documentation, and support a broad range of equity and equity‑linked products in a fast‑paced market environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal coverage for the equities sales and trading business, including equity derivatives and structured equity finance transactions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate ISDA Master Agreements, Initial and Variation Margin CSAs, master confirmation agreements, and related trade confirmations.
• Advise on regulatory and documentation requirements related to uncleared margin rules and other derivatives regulations.
• Support trading activity across equity swaps, options, and forwards.
• Draft and negotiate securities financing documentation, including MRAs and MSLAs; maintain and enhance standard documentation templates.
• Partner closely with Credit, Market Risk, Collateral Management, Operations, and other internal stakeholders to address legal, operational, and risk matters.
• Provide legal support for additional equity‑linked products, including structured notes, corporate equity derivatives (ASRs and ATM issuer forwards), custom indices, quantitative investment strategies (QIS), and exotic equity options.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Member in good standing of the New York State Bar.
• 5+ years of relevant legal experience within a financial institution or top‑tier law firm.
• Strong understanding of TitleVII of the Dodd‑Frank Act and related derivatives regulations.
• In‑depth knowledge of derivatives markets, including cleared and uncleared products, margin requirements, and business conduct standards.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex matters and tight deadlines in a trading‑floor environment.
• Proactive, resourceful, and able to operate independently while exercising sound judgment.
• Detail‑oriented, collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated professionalism and strong work ethic.

Benefits and Compensation

• Base salary: $200,000.00 – $275,000.00 (range may vary based on factors).
• Discretionary bonus eligibility.
• Generous employee benefits package.

Working Arrangement

Mizuho has a hybrid working program with varying opportunities for remote work depending on the role, departmental needs, and local laws and regulatory obligations. Some departments may require greater in‑office presence.

EEO and Legal Disclosures

We are an EEO/AA Employer – M/F/Disability/Veteran. We participate in the E‑Verify program. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and reserve the right to require pre‑ and post‑hire drug testing as permitted by applicable law.