Senior Legal Counsel (M&A and Expansion) - m/f/d

Senior Legal Counsel (M&A and Expansion) – m/f/d

Join bunch, a Berlin‑based investment tech startup, to lead our M&A and expansion efforts across Germany and new markets. Reporting to General Counsel Jessica McBride, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our company’s growth strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all legal aspects of mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, and expansion initiatives within Germany and into new markets.
  • Collaborate with external legal advisors across multiple jurisdictions, efficiently manage external counsel engagements and budgeting.
  • Coordinate and manage due‑diligence processes, ensuring comprehensive legal analysis, identifying risks and opportunities, and providing actionable recommendations.
  • Review and manage complex corporate and transactional agreements, including share purchase agreements, joint venture agreements, shareholder agreements, and integration planning documents.
  • Provide strategic legal advice to management and stakeholders on corporate structuring, acquisition financing, regulatory compliance, antitrust matters, and relevant legal frameworks in target markets.
  • Take ownership of legal project management, ensuring effective communication, timely execution, and proactive risk management.
• Drive the integration of target companies into the broader bunch group, including absorption of customer contracts, alignment of AML and risk/compliance policies and functions, and establishment of inter‑company agreements.
• Develop, drive, and implement a robust legal strategy for M&A, market entry, and successful integration of targets, working closely with senior management, Strategy, and cross‑functional teams.
• Support the legal team in other areas involving contractual and transactional support.
• As your role grows, take on additional responsibility in coordinating legal, regulatory, risk, and matters across the bunch group.
• Contribute to building and scaling the in‑house legal department, mentoring team members, and sharing legal expertise across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Completed studies in law (German Second State Exam, J.D., LL.B./LL.M., or equivalent qualification).
• Minimum three years of professional experience, ideally in corporate/M&A law, preferably gained in a reputable law firm or sophisticated in‑house environment, with significant experience leading complex transactions.
• Proven expertise in cross‑border M&A and related corporate finance and regulatory matters.
• Interest in taking on broader legal, operational and strategic workstreams within a start‑up.
• Strong contractual drafting and project management skills.
• Excellent written and spoken skills in English, and solid German skills (native speakers not required).
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, organised, and comfortable with responsibility.
• Excited about working in a fluid, innovative, fast‑paced, and creative environment and being part of the bunch culture.
• Prior experience or exposure to financial services or funds regulation is a plus but not a prerequisite.
• Diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged.

Benefits

• Close collaboration with General Counsel, Strategy Team, and Finance Team without traditional hierarchies.
• Complement legal skills with experience in operations, risk, and compliance, expanding your profile.
• Grow by working with diverse talents, unrivalled energy, and team spirit within a culture of drive and ownership.
• Enjoy a fast‑paced environment with strong emphasis on learning and personal development.
• Participate in a network of people passionate about investment and work closely with leading players in the private market.
• Get a first‑hand look at how a company is built and run by joining a Series A company.
• Flexible hours and hybrid office setup.
• 28 days of vacation per year plus public holidays.
• Competitive compensation package.
• High‑quality tech and workspace amenities.

Interview Process

• Initial meeting with the People Team to introduce bunch and discuss fit.
• Deep‑dive interview with the General Counsel to explore the role, your journey, learnings, goals, and personal purpose.
• Case interview with the General Counsel to demonstrate thinking, work process, and communication, and discuss open questions.
• Team interview with senior stakeholders, followed by a final meeting with one of the founders to discuss strategic alignment.
• Reference calls to assess relationship‑building ability.

About Bunch

bunch is an investment‑tech startup founded in Berlin in 2021, building the backbone of private markets with exceptional expertise, operational excellence, and frictionless technology. The platform enables funds and private investors to seamlessly and securely set up and manage their investment entities.

We recently closed our €15.5 million Series A to accelerate bunch’s mission to digitise a trillion‑dollar industry. With a proven track record and trust from leading fund managers and institutional LPs, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and do not tolerate discrimination toward any applicant or employee.