Associate or Supervising Associate Hedge Funds

Simmons & Simmons; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious law firm in Greater London is looking for an Associate or Supervising Associate to join their Hedge Funds team. The role focuses on hedge fund formation and includes negotiating IMA/SMA agreements. The ideal candidate will possess 1 to 5 years post-qualification experience and strong knowledge of relevant regulations. This opportunity offers competitive compensation, excellent training resources, and a flexible working model that supports career development in a vibrant and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Private medical insurance

Pension contribution

Extensive learning opportunities

Hybrid working model

Recognition as a top global employer

Qualifications

• 1 to 5 PQE with strong exposure to hedge funds.
• Familiarity with AIFMD, MiFID and related regulations.
• Experience in offshore hedge fund formation.

Responsibilities

• Support hedge fund formation and management.
• Negotiate IMA/SMA agreements.
• Advise clients on regulatory compliance.

Skills

Strong client focus

Commercially driven

Team collaboration

Business development involvement

Education

Excellent academics

1-5 years post-qualification experience

Job description

We are a market-leading adviser on fund formation supporting clients across the full spectrum of fund types, asset classes and jurisdictions. With decades of experience in the funds industry we are trusted advisors to fund managers, institutional investors and service providers globally. Our expertise spans a wide range of fund types including hedge funds, private funds, regulated funds and bespoke structures, as well as diverse asset classes such as credit, private equity, infrastructure and real estate.

Our fund formation team advises on the full lifecycle of investment funds from initial structuring and regulatory compliance to ongoing management and restructuring. We act for a wide range of clients including institutional and independent managers, platform providers, boutiques and debut teams.

Our Advisory Services

• Fund Structuring and Launch: Establishing private equity, credit, infrastructure, real estate, venture capital and hedge funds across multiple jurisdictions including Cayman, Luxembourg, Ireland, and the UK.
• Regulatory and Tax Advice: Navigating complex regulatory frameworks and tax considerations including AIFMD, MiFID II and cross-border marketing regimes.
• Fund Finance: Advising on subscription, credit facilities, NAV facilities and other financing arrangements to support capital deployment.
• Operational Setup: Drafting and negotiating fund documentation including LPAs, IMAs, side letters and service provider agreements.
• Strategic Structuring: Supporting bespoke structures such as funds‑of‑one, parallel vehicles and joint ventures tailored to investor needs.
• Global Fund Registrations: Delivering end‑to‑end compliance solutions for cross‑border registration and marketing of UCITS and AIFs with tailored support across jurisdictions and proactive guidance on regulatory change.

The Role

We are recruiting for an Associate or Supervising Associate to play an integral part in our leading Hedge Funds team. The ideal candidate will have 1 to 5 PQE with strong exposure to investment management products and services, primarily in the hedge fund space.

The successful candidate will split their time across open‑ended hedge fund work with a focus on hedge fund formation. There may also be some IMA/SMA negotiation work for institutional managers. Some knowledge of related regulation, including AIFMD, MiFID and other sectoral regulation, will be required.

We are looking for a talented and technical lawyer who has the ambition, energy and aptitude to embrace our first‑class client base in the asset management and financial institutions sectors and is looking to further develop their knowledge and experience of this exciting and evolving industry. Significant experience of hedge fund formation particularly in offshore domiciles or in Ireland or Luxembourg will be of particular interest.

Person Specification

• Excellent academics.
• Applicants will ideally have between 1 and 5 years post‑qualification experience gained at another leading City practice or within the in‑house legal team at a top‑tier hedge fund or other asset manager.
• Strong client focus with an ability and willingness to get actively involved in marketing and business development.
• Commercially driven and highly energetic with strong motivation to develop their practice over the long term.
• Able to work effectively as part of a diverse and inclusive team.

Here at Simmons & Simmons

Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters – you will work on inspirational and thought‑provoking projects using your influence to create positive impact for our clients, society and the planet. We also ensure that everyone’s voice is heard from day one irrespective of job title, qualification or background. You’ll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible.

Key Highlights

• Competitive compensation package including bonuses, private medical insurance and pension contribution.
• A global skills academy offering extensive learning opportunities for all employees.
• A hybrid working model requiring a minimum of three days in‑office subject to role and client needs.
• Integration of traditional legal expertise with innovative Simmons & Simmons Solutions.
• Recognition as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
• Vibrant social and sports committees as well as art collections featuring renowned artists.
• The introduction of a Strategic Advisory Council to drive strategic initiatives in line with our mission.

Equal Opportunities

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment offering equal employment opportunities across all spectrums of race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and more. Flexible working arrangements are supported and we strive to make our roles accessible to all. Our employee networks offer additional support detailed in our D&I Information booklet provided during the recruitment process.

We value diversity and encourage applications from those who are passionate and willing to grow with us even if not all requirements are met. Your unique experiences and perspectives are welcomed here.

Employment Type: Full‑Time