Boston – Fund Formation Associate (Junior/Mid-Level)

Gunderson Dettmer; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 225,000 - 365,000; Full time

Job summary

Gunderson Dettmer in Boston seeks a junior or mid-level associate to join our Fund Formation group, with a focus on growth equity and venture capital fund formation and operations. Prior fund formation experience is not required; we welcome candidates from broader transactional backgrounds who demonstrate the ability to learn quickly.

Candidates with experience representing venture capital or private equity funds have an advantage.

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in venture capital and growth equity industry is essential.
• Intellectual curiosity and collaborative mindset are highly valued.
• Strong academic achievement from a nationally recognized law school.
• Massachusetts bar admission or eligibility is preferred; MA admission is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Advise funds at all stages of operations, draft governing agreements, and manage investor negotiations.
• Counsel fund managers on securities laws, investment structuring, and regulatory matters.
• Advise on general fund operations, conflicts of interest, compliance, and related loans and agreements.

Skills

Intellectual curiosity

Collaborative mindset

Venture capital interest

Education

J.D. (United States)

Job description

We are searching for a junior or mid-level associate to join our Fund Formation group in our Boston office. A successful candidate for this position will have a strong desire to work on growth equity and venture capital fund formation and operations, and ideally will have relevant experience in private investment funds or a similar group at a respected law firm (though we will consider candidates with less experience but whom we think have the capabilities to succeed in the practice). Prior fund formation experience is not required - we are equally interested in candidates with broader corporate or transactional backgrounds who are looking to pivot into fund formation work, provided they have a genuine interest in the venture capital and growth equity industry. Candidates who have experience representing venture capital, private equity, or growth equity funds, as well as experience with ongoing investment firm operations matters and compliance with the Investment Company Act, the Investment Advisers Act, the Securities Act, and other regulatory requirements, will have an advantage, though we welcome applications from candidates with strong academic backgrounds who have demonstrated an eagerness to tackle new subject matter, learn complex material, and take on difficult challenges. Our Fund practice focuses on the structuring, formation, organization, and operation of venture capital, growth equity, and other private equity funds, as well as their general partner, management company, and related entities. This is a unique opportunity to become a key, client-facing member of an elite team that represents a predominant share of the leading growth equity and venture capital firms, both in the U.S. and internationally.

Job Responsibilities:

• Advising funds in all stages of their operations, including preparing offering materials; drafting partnership, limited liability company and other governing agreements; negotiating with investors; and drafting side letters.
• Counseling fund managers on securities laws, structuring the acquisition and disposition of investments, and other tax and regulatory matters.
• Advising clients on general fund operations, including conflicts of interest; compliance matters; employment, consulting, and commercial relationships; the admission of new members to general partner and management company entities; separation agreements; and fund, general partner, and management company loans.

Job Requirements:

• JD 2021 - 2026
• A genuine interest in the venture capital and growth equity industry is essential; specific fund formation experience is not required
• Intellectual curiosity, a collaborative mindset, and enthusiasm for developing expertise in venture capital fund formation work
• High level of academic achievement from a nationally recognized law school
• Strong preference for candidates who are already licensed to practice law in the State of Massachusetts, as applicable, and in good standing, or have taken the Massachusetts Bar Examination and are awaiting results.

Salary Range:

• $225,000 - $365,000