Associate - Funds, Corporate & Commercial

Shirley Choi & Co.; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

Shirley Choi & Co. in Hong Kong seeks an Associate to join our boutique practice focusing on investment funds, corporate and commercial work.

You will work hands-on across funds, regulatory matters, and commercial litigation, with exposure to senior guidance from the Principal and external counsels. The ideal candidate has 1–3 years of relevant experience, strong attention to detail, solid English communication, and the willingness to learn across areas of practice; additional appeal for appeal

Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years' relevant experience in a law firm, ideally with exposure to investment funds, corporate/commercial
• Strong sense of responsibility, professional integrity and commitment to delivering high-quality work
• Able to work independently while also collaborating effectively with lawyers, counsel and other professionals
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• A genuine willingness to learn and develop across different areas of practice
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A proactive, practical and solutions-oriented approach to work
• Willing to work additional hours when reasonably required by client matters or deadlines
• Experience in handling appeal in commercial litigation is a plus, but not essential

Responsibilities

• Assist with establishment and ongoing operation of Hong Kong, Cayman Islands and BVI investment funds and corporate structures.
• Prepare and review fund and corporate documentation, including private placement memoranda, subscription and redemption documents, investment management agreements, board resolutions and other transaction documents.
• Assist with AML, KYC, beneficial ownership, AEOI and CRS compliance matters and related regulatory filings.
• Support the ongoing regulatory and corporate compliance of investment funds, including changes of directors, shareholders, auditors, investment managers and registered offices.
• Assist with acquisitions, corporate transactions and share transfers, including conducting legal due diligence on target companies.
• Conduct legal research and assist with advice on corporate, funds and regulatory matters.
• Assist with the preparation of legal and regulatory advice for fund managers and other regulated financial services clients.
• Conduct research on relevant SFC regulatory requirements and guidelines.
• Assist with regulatory and compliance matters as required.
• Prepare briefs to counsels, court documents and correspondence, review and comment submissions, assist with appeal bundles and hearing preparation, conduct legal and factual research in connection with the appeal.

Skills

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Job description

Associate - Funds, Corporate & Commercial

As a boutique practice, we are focused on finding the right person rather than simply filling a position. For a suitably experienced and capable candidate, we are prepared to offer Magic Circle-level remuneration.

What you will be doing

This is a varied role offering hands-on exposure across investment funds, corporate and commercial matters, regulatory work and commercial litigation, with the opportunity to work closely with the Principal and external counsels.

Investment Funds, Corporate & Commercial

Assist with the establishment and ongoing operation of Hong Kong, Cayman Islands and BVI investment funds and corporate structures.

Prepare and review fund and corporate documentation, including private placement memoranda, subscription and redemption documents, investment management agreements, board resolutions and other transaction documents.

Assist with AML, KYC, beneficial ownership, AEOI and CRS compliance matters and related regulatory filings.

Support the ongoing regulatory and corporate compliance of investment funds, including changes of directors, shareholders, auditors, investment managers and registered offices.

Assist with acquisitions, corporate transactions and share transfers, including conducting legal due diligence on target companies.

Conduct legal research and assist with advice on corporate, funds and regulatory matters.

SFC & Regulatory

Assist with the preparation of legal and regulatory advice for fund managers and other regulated financial services clients.

Conduct research on relevant SFC regulatory requirements and guidelines.

Assist with regulatory and compliance matters as required.

Litigation (when required)

While the role is primarily focused on the firm's investment funds, corporate and regulatory practice, the successful candidate will also have the opportunity to assist with one existing commercial appeal, working alongside a team of leading counsel in Hong Kong. Responsibilities will include:

Prepare briefs to counsels, court documents and correspondence,

Review and comment submissions,

Assist with appeal bundles and hearing preparation,

Conducting legal and factual research in connection with the appeal.

The role is not intended to involve a general litigation caseload.

Client, Compliance & Practice Support

Obtain and review KYC documentation from clients and develop a sound understanding of the firm's AML procedures and compliance requirements.

Communicate with clients and professional service providers and assist with the circulation and execution of legal and transaction documents.

Assist with the preparation of fee proposals, engagement materials, billing and business development materials.

Support the efficient operation of the practice and undertake other legal and administrative matters as required.

What we are looking for

1 to 3 years' relevant experience in a law firm, ideally with exposure to investment funds, corporate/commercial

A strong sense of responsibility, professional integrity and commitment to delivering high-quality work

Able to work independently while also collaborating effectively with lawyers, counsel and other professionals

Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively to deadlines

A genuine willingness to learn and develop across different areas of practice

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

A proactive, practical and solutions-oriented approach to work.

Willing to work additional hours when reasonably required by client matters or deadlines

Experience in handling appeal in commercial litigation is a plus, but not essential

Honesty, Integrity & Willingness to Learn

Honesty and integrity are fundamental to the way we work. We do not expect you to know everything, and we are happy to teach, guide and support you in areas where you have limited experience.

What we do expect is openness. You should be comfortable telling us when you do not know something, asking questions and seeking guidance when you are unsure. Equally, if a mistake, concern or issue arises, we expect it to be raised promptly and candidly so that it can be addressed.

We believe that gaps in knowledge and experience can be addressed through guidance, hard work and a willingness to learn. What matters to us is honesty and transparency, including being upfront when a task is not understood or has not been completed, rather than attempting to conceal an issue or create the impression that everything is under control when it is not.

If you are looking for a role where you can take on meaningful responsibility, broaden your legal experience and work closely with the Principal and leading external counsels, we would be pleased to hear from you.