What does a financial lawyer do ?
The financial lawyer ensures the legality of business operations. They assist and advise colleagues in direct contact with clients (Front Office) in drafting the legal documentation related to transactions.
They play an important advisory role for the institutions they assist and ensure their legal security during legal and financial operations. They participate in defending the interests of companies before courts and the tax authorities. A financial lawyer is called upon to intervene with players in the markets and financial institutions or in banking law.
The Master's in Law at Université Paris Dauphine-PSL offers a financial lawyer specialization to enable its future graduates to acquire knowledge in law and management.
Words from our alumni
"I like the idea of being a lawyer in a different environment."
What does the job of a financial lawyer involve on a daily basis?
My job involves advising the front office in the development of their financial products. I work on all types of structured products. This includes both specific transaction contracts and legal and/or operational advice.
What aspect of this profession interests you the most?
Working with colleagues from all backgrounds. I interact much more with structuring, sales, credit teams than with other legal colleagues. I like the idea of being a lawyer in a different environment.
Why did you choose Université Paris Dauphine-PSL for your training?
I was already a graduate with a Master 2 and an LL.M. I wanted a complete and professionalizing training. The Master 259 Financial Lawyer was a way to complement my education while starting a professional experience. This proved to be rewarding, as I was able to move to Asia thanks to the company where I completed my internship.
CHARLOTTE RIVIERE
FINANCIAL LAWYER - BNP SINGAPORE
His background:
Master 259 Financial Lawyer
Areas of work of a financial lawyer
Depending on the sector and the type of company in which they work, the lawyer specialized in financial markets will be assigned various missions.
Daily missions
- Defend the financial institution during judicial proceedings.
- Conduct constant legal monitoring and ensure compliance with local laws.
- Study new products and draft or validate contracts.
- Analyze and inform the institution of the risks incurred.
- Manage disputes in fiscal, banking, or social areas.
- Draft procedural documents.
- Establish legal acts and carry out procedures with private or public organizations.
- Prepare case files for pleading (collection of documents, review of case law, drafting of conclusions).
Salaries and career path
The median salary for students who have completed the Master's in Law at Dauphine-PSL is €40,000 gross per year. It can increase based on the experience and responsibilities of the financial lawyer. After 5 years of experience, this salary can reach up to €50,000 gross per year.
The job of a financial lawyer or banking lawyer offers the possibility to move towards greater responsibilities and missions by specializing in a field of law, for example. They can then move towards the role of legal director. After a minimum of 8 years of experience and a review of their knowledge in ethics and professional regulation, the lawyer can become an attorney without passing the Bar Exam (CAPA).
Required skills
Becoming a financial lawyer requires many skills and attributes:
- Good adaptability.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Analytical mind.
- Writing qualities.
- Sense of initiative and autonomy.
- Persuasive power.
- Significant knowledge of legal regulations and business law.
- Mastery of the English language is essential for international law.
- Mastery of international financial laws and standards.
How to become a financial lawyer?
With a BAC+5 education, the financial lawyer must follow a Master's in Law with a specialization to acquire proficiency in finance. The financial and banking sectors being very varied, students should pursue a multidisciplinary education through specialized teachings.
Students favor ending their studies with an apprenticeship contract to acquire the necessary knowledge in law and management while mastering the legal operations specific to financial institutions.
Training to become a financial lawyer at Paris Dauphine-PSL University
Dauphine – PSL offers, within its Master's in Law, a specialization path for Financial Lawyers. This focuses on advanced skills in the legal field, as well as management. This master's program enables students to master the fundamentals of Law (banking and financial, insurance, Anglo-American), as well as accounting, financial analysis, and mergers and acquisitions consulting. The Financial Lawyer specialization is offered in an apprenticeship format with three days in the company and two days at the university.