General Counsel

JW Michaels & Co.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Carried interest program

Competitive compensation

Job summary

JW Michaels & Co. seeks a Senior Legal Counsel or GC/CCO to join as a senior partner-in-house and shape the legal and compliance function.

You will support fund formation, investor relations, investment execution, and operations, working directly with the managing partner and senior leadership. The role is a rare opportunity to build a comprehensive compliance program, oversee offshore governance, and partner with the Capital Formation team on due diligence and regulatory filings across

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing
• 10–15+ years of experience in private equity, ideally including fund formation, GP-led transactions, or secondaries
• Demonstrated ability to serve as sole or lead legal/compliance officer at a private equity manager
• Experience managing external counsel and third-party compliance consultants
• Strong commercial instincts with the ability to give clear guidance under pressure

Responsibilities

• Lead legal strategy for new fund formation, including structuring, documentation, and investor closings
• Oversee governance, amendments, LPAC resolutions, side letter administration, MFN provisions, and LP reporting obligations
• Review marketing and investor communications for regulatory compliance
• Own and enhance the firm's compliance program as CCO and lead quarterly/annual reviews
• Identify and lead process improvements and scalable infrastructure across governance and operations

Skills

Commercial instincts

Leadership in legal/compliance

Regulatory compliance

Vendor management

Strategic partnership

Education

JD from an accredited law school

Job description

Our client is a SEC-registered private equity firm specializing in GP-led secondary investments in North American middle market companies. Founded in 2016, the firm has built a differentiated platform and proven track record and is entering a new phase of growth. The firm currently reports $2.4 billion in regulatory AUM and is in market with Fund IV, which has a $1.25 billion target and has had multiple closings. The firm also runs multiple SMAs and co-investment programs.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a newly created role and the first dedicated in-house legal counsel position for our client. It is a senior leadership opportunity for a commercially minded, entrepreneurial attorney who wants to be a genuine business partner. The individual will have the opportunity to build and shape the legal and compliance function while working directly with the managing partner and senior leadership.

The Senior Legal Counsel OR GC/CCO will serve as the primary legal and regulatory authority, supporting fund formation, investor relations, investment execution, and operational infrastructure. The role will participate in senior firm committees and have significant influence across the business.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Fund Formation & Investor Relations

• Lead legal strategy for new fund formation, including structuring, documentation, and investor closings.
• Oversee fund governance, including amendments, LPAC resolutions, side letter administration, MFN provisions, and LP reporting obligations.
• Review marketing and investor communications for regulatory compliance.
• Partner with the Capital Formation team on LP due diligence and DDQ processes.

Investment & Deal Execution

• Oversee governance of offshore investment vehicles, including Cayman and Luxembourg structures.
• Manage regulatory filings across jurisdictions including Cayman, UK, Belgium, Netherlands, and Canada.

Compliance Program

• Own and continuously enhance the firm's compliance program, serving as the registered CCO.
• Direct quarterly and annual compliance reviews with third-party consultants.
• Maintain compliance infrastructure, including tracking tools, fee structures, restricted trading lists, policies, and procedures.

Governance & Operations

• Ensure sound governance practices across firm committees.
• Manage external legal, compliance, IT, cybersecurity, and other key vendors.
• Identify and lead process improvement initiatives and build infrastructure that scales with the firm's growth.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

• JD from an accredited law school; active bar membership in good standing.
• 10–15+ years of experience in private equity, ideally including fund formation, GP-led transactions, or secondaries.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as the sole or lead legal/compliance officer at a private equity manager.
• Strong commercial instincts and the ability to give clear guidance under pressure.
• Experience managing external counsel and third-party compliance consultants.
• Exceptional judgment, integrity, and discretion.
• Collaborative, direct, and energized by a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

COMPENSATION

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package commensurate with the seniority and scope of the role. Total cash compensation is expected to be well into the high six-figure range for the right candidate, reflecting base salary and performance-based bonus. The position also includes participation in the firm's carried interest program.