Description:

Mizuho Americas is seeking an experienced Equities Derivatives Legal Counsel to support its equity sales and trading platform, with a focus on equity derivatives and structured equity finance. This 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 markets 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, GMRAs, MSLAs, and GMSLAs; 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 (e.g., 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 Title VII 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.

The expected base salary ranges from $200,000.00 - $250,000.00. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications and licenses obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. In addition to salary and a generous employee benefits package, successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.

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Other Requirements:
Mizuho has in place a hybrid working program, with varying opportunities for remote work depending on the nature of the role, needs of your department, as well as local laws and regulatory obligations. Roles in some of our departments have greater in-office requirements that will be communicated to you as part of the recruitment process.