Company overview

Markit is a leading, global financial information services company with over 1,300 employees. The company provides independent data, valuations and trade processing across all asset classes in order to enhance transparency, reduce risk and improve operational efficiency. Its client base includes the most significant institutional participants in the financial market place.

With over 1,500 institutions using our independent services as clients - including investment banks, hedge funds, asset managers, central banks, regulators, rating agencies and insurance companies - we provide round-the-clock support from our offices in London, New York, Dallas, Toronto, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Henley on Thames, Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney.

Markit is an entrepreneurial company and a fast-growing business.  We continue to expand our presence around the world and offer exciting career opportunities across sales, customer support, product management,  information technology and professional services.

Department

Legal, London Office.

Department overview

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced lawyer to join Markit’s growing legal team. The team is presently composed of five lawyers in London and three lawyers in the United States. It is intended to grow this in line with commercial requirements.

Position summary

You will be based in London and report directly to the Head of Legal, based in London. This is a front-line role that requires a confident, commercially minded lawyer with proven ability to manage complicated projects, excellent drafting skills, high levels of autonomy, and a pro-active approach. This role offers an excellent career development path. 

You will work in a very direct and open environment, as a part of a team that will encourage you to learn, develop and question its practices, in pursuit of the best and the most flexible legal infrastructure possible.

Duties & accountabilities

The primary responsibilities will include support to a rapidly growing global business, either as sole legal advisor and “Project Manager” or with the help of internal and/or external advisors when required:

Provision of legal services and advice to main offices globally;

Advising across a range of commercial legal topics including licensing, IP and general contractual issues;

Negotiating complex and bespoke contracts including distribution and joint ventures;

Analysing, evaluating and providing input to new product proposals with a view to identifying and highlighting possible business and legal risks to management;

Assist in M and A work and post acquisition integration; and

Escalated certain legal issues to Head of Legal and senior management on a timely basis where appropriate.

Business competencies

Education and experience

Qualified lawyer in England and Wales or a commonwealth jurisdiction with good academics and a good knowledge of contract and commercial law.

Experience in financial services industry.

Commercial awareness

Experience in managing projects independently.

Proven ability to work across a range of commercial transactions simultaneously.

Knowledge in intellectual property or competition law in financial markets is an advantage.

Management requirements

Markit offers a very flat departmental structure and the successful candidate should expect to be involved with all aspects of the departments work.

Personal competencies

Personal impact

Ability to prioritise and to work to set deadlines within a challenging environment in addition to being able to rapidly develop confidence of commercial sponsors throughout Markit.

Communication

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbally – experience of Excel a bonus.

Teamwork

Proactive, enthusiastic, self motivated team player.

Strong organisational skills and calm under pressure.