Sr. Counsel - Private Equity

Overview

This role provides a range of legal expertise within an investments legal team supporting business groups focused on Private Equity, Real Estate Equity, Private Debt, Private High Yield Credit, venture capital, acquisitions, securitization, derivatives, and related transactions. The position involves researching, advising on, and preparing documentation related to regulatory and compliance matters, as well as conducting legal research and analysis in areas such as corporate, insurance, tax, securities, broker-dealer, investment company, and investment advisory law. The role requires delivering well-reasoned, concise counsel on legal risks associated with current or anticipated business activities, balancing business goals with legal risk, and developing company policy on various legal and regulatory issues.

This position is located in Minneapolis, MN and requires regular on-site presence.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support and practical advice related primarily to General Account investments, including private equity investments (equity and mezzanine co-investments and fund investments), private debt, private high yield credit, and similar asset classes.
• Manage transaction aspects such as reviewing and negotiating documentation (subscription agreements, side letters, fund agreements, note purchase agreements, etc.), closings, amendments, waivers, restructurings, workouts, and corporate actions.
• Engage and oversee outside counsel; act as liaison between outside counsel and business teams.
• Work independently on significant, time-sensitive matters and communicate with all levels of the organization.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with in-house colleagues, outside experts, and investment professionals by providing timely, thoughtful recommendations that consider both legal and business needs.
• Ensure company personnel are aware of and comply with applicable laws and regulations; provide education and training as needed.
• Anticipate and mitigate new or developing legal risks; provide proactive advice, guidance, and strategy on legal matters.
• Maintain external industry relationships and continue developing expertise in the practice area.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate and membership in the bar; licensed to practice in any U.S. jurisdiction (must waive in to or pass the Minnesota Bar if hired).
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant, high-quality legal experience.
• Experience in a law firm environment working on private investments, particularly representing sponsors in fund formation or clients in private equity-related matters; experience from an investor’s perspective with equity co-investments and private equity fund investments is a plus.
• Substantive knowledge and experience in one or more of the following: private equity, mergers & acquisitions, corporate transactional, capital markets, venture capital, investment funds, derivatives, securities laws related to investments, bankruptcy and restructuring, private placements.
• Demonstrated deep subject matter expertise in relevant areas of regulation and law.
• Willingness to learn new subject matters and collaborate with legal and business teams in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Financial regulatory experience preferred (insurance and/or securities).

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop creative business solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with attorneys and internal business partners across multiple business lines.
• Strong influencing and engagement skills; ability to earn confidence of senior attorneys and management.
• Ability to learn, master, and teach new issues to business leaders and colleagues.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $216,341.00 - $292,696.00 per year, varying by geographic region and determined by factors including location, experience, skills, business needs, and market demand.
• Benefits may include various bonuses (annual or long-term incentives), medical, dental, and vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending account, 401(k), pension, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, disability insurance, supplemental protection insurance, 20 days of paid time off annually, sick and safe time, 10 paid company holidays, volunteer time off, paid parental leave, employee assistance program, well-being benefits, and other employee benefits.
• Eligibility for benefits is subject to plan and policy documents, which may change at the employer's discretion.

Location

• Minneapolis, MN (requires regular on-site presence)

Equal Employment Opportunity

The employer provides equal employment opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities upon request.