Overview
A law firm specializing in investment funds is seeking a Funds Attorney to join their practice. This role involves advising sponsors, fund managers, and investment platforms on the formation, structuring, and ongoing operation of private and public investment funds across various asset classes. The position offers significant client interaction, complex legal work, and opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative legal team.
Responsibilities
- Lead the formation and structuring of investment funds, including venture capital (VC) funds, private equity (PE) funds, real estate funds, hedge funds, special purpose vehicles (SPVs), co-investment vehicles, parallel funds, management companies, general partners (GPs), and related entities.
- Draft, review, and negotiate core fund documents such as limited partnership agreements (LPAs), private placement memoranda (PPMs), subscription documents, side letters, most-favored-nation (MFN) matrices, and management/advisory/services agreements.
- Advise on fund economics and governance, including carry structures, waterfalls, GP commitments, and decision-making rights, in collaboration with tax, finance, and investment teams.
- Manage securities and regulatory filings, including Form D and Blue Sky/state filings, and support other SEC-related obligations for fund offerings.
- Design, implement, and maintain compliance frameworks and policies related to marketing, allocations, co-investments, conflicts, and other fund activities.
- Provide day-to-day legal support for fund operations such as capital calls, distributions, limited partner (LP) consents, transfers, secondaries, and amendments.
- Support investor relations by reviewing investor communications, addressing LP inquiries about terms and rights, and tracking and implementing side letter obligations.
- Coordinate with administrators, tax advisors, and internal finance/operations teams to ensure accuracy and alignment of documents, records, and structures across the platform.
- Oversee ongoing entity maintenance for funds and related entities, including formations, good-standing filings, corporate approvals, resolutions, and restructuring actions.
- Assist in building and refining playbooks, templates, and processes to improve efficiency in launching and managing future funds and vehicles.
- Provide training and support to other attorneys interested in developing skills related to the funds practice.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Licensed or in-house eligible to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; New York bar admission or eligibility is a plus.
- 5 to 10+ years of relevant experience in fund formation and investment management, preferably at a top-tier law firm serving VC/PE clients or as in-house counsel at a venture/private equity firm, asset manager, or similar platform.
- Deep familiarity with VC/PE fund structures, including LP/GP constructs, management companies, and related entities.
- Expertise in LPAs, PPMs, side letters, and subscription documentation, including negotiation with sophisticated institutional LPs.
- Knowledge of SEC and securities compliance related to private fund offerings, such as Regulation D, Blue Sky laws, and marketing rules.
- Experience supporting or coordinating co-investment vehicles and SPVs.
- Experience with ongoing fund operations including capital calls, distributions, amendments, and transfers.
- Experience developing or managing compliance programs for investment advisers and/or fund managers.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple vehicles, stakeholders, and deadlines effectively.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills that are clear, concise, and business-oriented.
- Ability to work comfortably in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with sophisticated structures and quick-moving teams.
Location
This role requires eligibility to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. New York bar admission or eligibility is preferred.