Senior Funds Lawyer

Overview

A global legal services organization specializing in AI-enhanced solutions for financial institutions is seeking a Senior Funds Lawyer to join its Fund Formation practice. This role involves leading complex fund formation and investment fund structuring matters, collaborating with a high-performing team supporting private equity clients worldwide.

Responsibilities

Strategy and Leadership

• Define and execute the vision and strategy for the fund formation practice, aligning with product roadmaps and financial goals.
• Serve as the senior advisor and escalation point for client stakeholders on compliance, risk mitigation, and operational matters.
• Design frameworks, playbooks, and organizational structures to scale the practice efficiently, leveraging proprietary legal technology and global hubs.
• Recruit, mentor, and manage associates and operational staff, fostering a data-driven culture focused on continuous improvement and client service.

Fund Formation Oversight & Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee all fund setup activities, including preparation and review of Limited Partnership Agreements (LPAs), Private Placement Memoranda (PPMs), subscription agreements, transfer agreements, and side letters.
• Ensure proper investor qualification in compliance with US securities laws, including Accredited Investor and Qualified Purchaser status under Regulation D.
• Issue final compliance certificates to fund counsel, certifying investor eligibility and legal adherence.
• Act as liaison among client legal teams, sponsors, investors, and internal execution teams to resolve complex legal and operational issues.

Operational Excellence & Reporting

• Manage the end-to-end structure chart audit certification process, including review, data gathering, drafting, and final certification for corporate, fund, and portfolio entities.
• Maintain audit-ready compliance documentation and entity charts that meet fiduciary standards.
• Collaborate with client legal teams, accountants, and fiduciary service providers to validate accuracy of legal entity structures.

Legal Technology & Process Engineering

• Lead implementation of legal workflow automation and standardized processes across fund formation and structure chart deliverables.
• Re-engineer workflows to reduce friction and risk, aligning with other tech-enabled practice groups.
• Establish document management protocols including naming conventions, version control, and data capture to ensure data integrity for audits and regulatory compliance (AML/KYC).
• Develop and maintain dashboards, trackers, and analytical reports providing KPIs and insights on project pipeline, velocity, and compliance status.

Requirements

• J.D. or equivalent legal qualification from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in private fund formation, investment management, or financial services legal documentation, preferably at a major law firm or large financial institution.
• Strong expertise in fund structures (including feeder funds), LPAs, transfer agreements, and US investor qualification requirements (e.g., Securities Act, Regulation D).
• Experience in legal operations, legal technology, or process improvement with a focus on scalable process design.
• Proficiency with legal document management systems, workflow automation tools, and advanced data analytics (Excel).
• Proven leadership skills with experience managing teams, complex projects, and driving technology adoption.

Personal Attributes

• Results-oriented with a focus on delivery timelines and quality standards.
• Strategic thinker balancing legal accuracy with commercial practicality.
• Accountable decision-maker and proactive problem solver.
• Strong communication skills with executive presence to engage C-suite and senior client stakeholders.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hybrid and remote working options, including the possibility to work from other countries upon request.
• Paid sick leave: 7 days per year.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering mental health and wellbeing support.
• Professional development: 7 days of paid study leave annually.
• Discretionary, performance-based annual bonus.
• Generous paid time off including annual leave and public holidays.

Location

This is a globally distributed role with team members across the U.S., EMEA, and APAC regions, offering flexibility in work location and remote options.