Counsel

GEM; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive market-based compensation

Comprehensive medical, dental, and viz

Flexible Spending Account/Health

Short- and long-term disability

Life insurance / AD&D

401(k) retirement plan with employer0

Charitable donation match program

Paid time off

Education assistance, including cert./

Team and company events

Job summary

GEM in Charlotte, NC is seeking an experienced Senior Counsel to join its Legal and Compliance team. The role focuses on leading complex private fund transactions and partnering on fundraising across GEM’s products, reporting to the head of Legal.

The ideal candidate has substantial experience with private fund formation and representing institutional investors, with the ability to manage multiple transactions independently.

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school; active bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; willingness to obtain North Carolina bar admission.
• 7–10 years of legal experience focused on private funds or investment management.
• Substantial experience with private fund formation and offerings; experience representing institutional investors.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex investment transactions from term negotiation through closing and post-investment matters, including fund investments and co-investments.
• Partner with head of Legal on fundraising across GEM’s products, including structuring, fund formation, and documentation.
• Support compliance matters related to investments and fundraising, including regulatory screening and due diligence.
• Advise on investor matters, complex contracts, and trading agreements; take on other legal projects as needed.

Skills

Drafting & negotiation

Analytical skills

Independent work

Multitasking

Regulatory knowledge

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Position Overview

GEM is seeking an experienced Senior Counsel to join its Legal and Compliance team, reporting to GEM’s head of Legal. The Senior Counsel will have two primary areas of focus: leading complex investment transactions and partnering with the head of Legal on fundraising across GEM’s products. GEM’s collaborative Legal team also includes a Counsel and a Senior Paralegal and is supported by established outside counsel relationships.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in private fund formation and offerings and in representing institutional investors in private fund investments, as well as the ability to manage multiple transactions with a high degree of independence while knowing when to escape.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Counsel will work closely with GEM’s investment, investment services, and operations teams, as well as colleagues across Legal and Compliance. Key responsibilities include:

• Investment Transactions : Lead complex investment transactions from term negotiation through closing and post-investment matters, including fund investments, co-investments, independent sponsor transactions, secondaries, and GP-led liquidity events, managing outside counsel as appropriate. Coordinate with the operational due diligence, tax, and investment teams; serve as the Legal team’s go-to resource on sophisticated deal issues; support the development of junior team members; and escape significant matters to the head of Legal.
• Fundraising : Partner with the head of Legal on fundraising across GEM’s products, including structuring, fund formation, offering documents, investor side letters, credit facilities, and placement agent agreements.
• Compliance : As the team’s needs evolve, support compliance matters related to investments and fundraising, which may include compliance-related due diligence, regulatory screening of investments (OFAC, CFIUS, and outbound investment), CFTC/NFA exemption analysis, and assessment of the impact of regulatory developments.
• Broader Legal Support : Advise on investor matters (including LP transfers, consents, and inquiries), complex commercial contracts, and trading agreements, and take on other legal projects as needed.

Qualifications and Requirements

Successful candidates will demonstrate traits consistent with GEM’s collegial and team-oriented culture, including enthusiasm, honesty, humility, integrity, and curiosity. Candidates should also have the following qualifications:

• Education and Bar Admission : J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school; active bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; willingness to obtain North Carolina bar admission.

• Experience:

  • 7–10 years of legal experience focused on private funds or investment management at a leading law firm and/or in-house.
  • Substantial experience with private fund formation and offerings.
  • Substantial experience representing institutional investors in fund investments, co-investments, and secondaries.
  • Experience with investment adviser compliance matters is a plus.

• Skills:

  • Strong drafting, analytical, and negotiation skills.
  • Sound judgment and the ability to work independently on complex matters.
  • Ability to manage multiple transactions in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines.
  • Working knowledge of the Investment Advisers Act, ERISA, and CFTC/NFA requirements as they relate to private funds.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Working Conditions

• Position type: Full-time
• Work schedule: Minimum 40 hours per week
• Work location: Hybrid (4 days in-office, 1 day remote), subject to manager discretion and business needs
• Work environment: Office
• Essential physical requirements: Ability to sit and work on a computer for extended periods
• Travel requirements: Minimal; primarily to and from firm- or team-related events

Benefits

• Competitive market-based compensation
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision health insurance
• Flexible Spending Account/Health Savings Account
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance / AD&D
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Lifestyle Spending Account (wellness reimbursement program)
• Charitable donation match program
• Paid time off
• Education assistance, including certification, membership reimbursements, and more.
• Team and company events