Legal Counsel

Schroders; Greater London; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A global investment firm is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel in London to support their Private Equity business. This role encompasses managing all legal aspects of fund structuring and investment processes, leading negotiations, and collaborating with various internal teams. The ideal candidate will have 7-8 years of PQE in private equity or private assets, along with a strong understanding of legal frameworks applicable to private equity funds. This position offers a dynamic environment for a flexible and collaborative team player.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable PQE (7-8 years) in private equity or private assets.
• Deep technical expertise in a range of private equity funds.
• Working knowledge of AIFMD, SFDR, SDR.

Responsibilities

• Manage legal workstreams for fund and mandate launches.
• Participate in discussions with product management teams.
• Lead investor negotiations and oversee legal due diligence.
• Coordinate with compliance and other functions within the group.

Skills

Private equity expertise

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Education

PQE (7-8 years)

Job description

Legal Counsel, Schroders Capital Private Equity

Overview

Based in London, you will be part of the legal team supporting the Schroders Capital Private Equity business. The team, which is located in Zurich, London, Jersey, Luxembourg and Shanghai, is part of the larger Schroders Capital and Schroders Group Legal team supporting the strategic growth of the business, and identifying, managing and reporting legal risks.

The team

Working as part of the Legal Team, you will manage all legal aspects of the private equity fund and product structuring process, investment process as well as adjacent corporate and contractual matters.

What you’ll do

• Project managing the legal workstreams of new funds and mandate launches for the Schroders Capital Private Equity business;
• Participate in discussions with the Private Equity Product Management team to refine new product ideas and working alongside internal Tax team to identify appropriate fund and management structure and outline fund terms;
• Participate in Private Equity product life cycle management
• Lead investor negotiations and work alongside external counsel to manage the investor negotiation process;
• Lead the internal legal review of fund documentation prepared by external lawyers;
• Oversee external lead counsel who perform the legal due diligence of underlying investments to ensure consistency across the Schroders Capital Private Equity business
• Liaise with external lead counsel, internal Tax and Legal Execution team to support investment transactional activity, such as establishment of investment holding companies and other SPVs
• Respond to MFN elections, consents and other corporate actions in liaison with the Business.
• Participate in internal project working groups and coordinate with further functional teams within Schroders Capital Private Equity and the wider Schroders group, such as Compliance, Risk Management, Client Group, Fund Operations and Finance;
• Other ancillary tasks such drafting or reviewing term sheets, engagement letters, intra-group agreements etc.;
• Act as legal key stakeholder and manage relationships with the Private Equity business globally; and
• Liaise with and provide support to other asset class pillars within Schroders Capital.

The knowledge, experience and qualifications you need

• Demonstrable PQE (7-8 years) gained in private equity / private assets funds team in a leading City or international law firm or in-house within the private equity industry;
• Deep technical expertise with a range of private equity funds (including Luxembourg structures) and underlying investments globally;
• Working knowledge of key features AIFMD, SFDR, SDR.

What you’ll be like

• A flexible, adaptable and collaborative team player with a positive and “can do” attitude;
• Creative and prepared to think outside the box; willing to take the initiative and to present solutions rather than problems;
• Thrives under pressure while maintaining a high level of personal and professional integrity;
• Clear desire and ambition for success, comfortable making decisions and prepared to make the personal commitment to ensure success;
• Able to bridge cultural boundaries and generate confidence and loyalty with colleagues and clients;
• Highly collaborative team player.

We recognise potential, whoever you are

Our purpose is to provide excellent investment performance to clients through active management. Diversity of thought, facilitated by an inclusive culture, will allow us to make better decisions and better achieve our purpose. This is why inclusion and diversity are a strategic priority for us and why we are an equal opportunities employer. You are welcome here, regardless of your age, disability, gender identity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, or any other protected characteristic.