Legal Counsel, Private Equity

CGS International Securities Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

CGS International Securities Pte. Ltd. seeks an experienced legal counsel (Associate Director) with a strong background in private equity funds to support fund formation, structuring, and ongoing operations.

The role involves coordinating with senior leadership, investment teams, and external counsel to ensure effective legal support across the fund lifecycle, including governance and risk management.

Qualifications

• Law degree from a recognized institution and admission to practice in relevant jurisdiction.
• Minimum 12 years of post-qualification experience, preferably in private equity/funds within law firms or asset management.
• Strong track record in private equity fund formation, structuring, and transactions.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate fund establishment agreements and related investment documents.
• Coordinate external counsel on due diligence for investments and fundraisings.
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance across fund lifecycle.

Skills

Private equity fund formation

Fund structuring

Regulatory compliance

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Corporate governance

Risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication to non-lawyers

Analytical thinking

Education

LL.B./J.D. or equivalent

Job description

CGS International Securities Pte. Ltd. (CGS International) is an award-winning and market leading integrated financial services provider, ranked among the top securities houses in Asia.

CGS International taps on our wealth of global and ASEAN insights to offer equities trading, leveraged products, wealth management, investment banking, equities research, Shariah-compliant financing, fixed income, currency and commodities, structured products and prime brokerage services in over 15 countries and regions.

Along with its parent organisation China Galaxy Securities, a leading securities house in China, CGS International is trusted by more than 15 million customers globally.

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled legal counsel with a minimum of 12 years of post-qualification experience and a strong, well-rounded background in private equity funds. This is a mid-level, Associate Director role for a candidate who can operate with a good degree of independence. The ideal candidate has solid expertise in fund formation, structuring, fundraising, regulatory compliance, and ongoing fund operations. This role involves working closely with senior leadership, investment teams, and external counsel to ensure effective legal support across the fund lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

Transactional support

Draft, review, and negotiate a range of agreements, including (i) fund establishment agreements such as NDAs, subscription agreements, limited partnership agreements, side letters, private placement memorandum, management agreements, and fund administration agreements; and (ii) investment documentation for portfolio companies such as NDAs, sale and purchase agreements, shareholder agreements, and management agreements.

Due diligence

Coordinate with external counsel on due diligence for potential investments to help identify and mitigate legal and commercial risks.

Fundraising and investor relations

Review investor qualifications, subscription agreements, and compliance documents to help ensure funds are raised in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Regulatory compliance

Ensure the fund and its activities comply with relevant laws and regulations, including those related to securities, corporate law, and investment management.

Corporate governance

Support corporate governance matters for both the fund and its portfolio companies, helping to establish best practices and manage potential conflicts of interest.

Risk management

Advise management on potential legal risks associated with business decisions, enabling them to make choices within an acceptable risk profile.

Essential skills and qualifications

• Law degree from a recognized institution; admission to practice in relevant jurisdiction.
• Minimum 12 years of post-qualification experience, preferably in a law firm or asset management/private equity environment, with extensive experience in private equity fund structures, investor expectations, and industry norms.
• Strong, well-rounded background in private equity fund formation, structuring, and transactions, gained in a law firm or asset management/private equity environment.
• Strong understanding of corporate law, finance, and private equity transactions.
• Extensive experience in negotiating and drafting fund documentation.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to explain legal issues clearly to a non-legal audience.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to align legal advice with the fund's business objectives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate legal and commercial challenges.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with various teams, including investment, finance, risk, and compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong, demonstrable background in private equity fund work.
• Team player who is personable, collaborative, and adaptable to CGSI's culture and working style.
• High integrity, ownership, and a proactive, hands-on attitude.