Principal, Digital Infrastructure Counsel (Leasing & Hyperscale relationships)

Ares Management Corporation; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 300,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental and V

401(k) program with company match

Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA)

Job summary

Ada Infrastructure, part of Ares Management Corporation, seeks a Principal for its Digital Infrastructure Legal team. You will negotiate leases and revenue contracts, guide product and marketing initiatives, and mitigate legal risks across a global data center platform.

With 10+ years in the field and JD, you will lead strategic advice, manage litigation, and collaborate with senior stakeholders to scale the business while ensuring regulatory compliance and sound governance.

Qualifications

• JD required with a strong academic background.
• 10+ years of experience navigating complex legal and business issues in a fast-paced environment; data center experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal guidance to revenue, product, and marketing teams on contracts, leases, partnerships, and IP issues.
• Review, draft, and negotiate commercial agreements including sales, licensing, SLAs, partnerships, and leases.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement legal strategies that minimize risk and support business goals.
• Conduct legal research on applicable laws and industry standards to stay ahead of regulatory changes.
• Advise on product development and marketing initiatives to ensure compliance and strategic alignment.
• Manage and oversee litigation related to sales, product, marketing, and real estate activities.
• Develop policies and training to promote compliance and risk management across the organization.
• Engage and manage external counsel to ensure efficient execution and consistent legal approach.
• Support governance and compliance programs for integrity and reputation.

Skills

Contract negotiations

Drafting agreements

Litigation management

Regulatory compliance

Data privacy

Cross-functional

Legal research

Product marketing

External counsel

Education

JD degree

Job description

Ada Infrastructure is a global data center business committed to being a positive force for technology, people, and the planet. As part of the digital infrastructure platform of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE:ARES), a leading global alternative investment manager, Ada Infrastructure is positioned to be a leader in the industry in reliable, safe, secure, and sustainable digital infrastructure. With eight in-flight campuses across Japan, the UK, and Brazil, we have over 850 MW of power currently available and more than 1,500 MW in our global pipeline. To learn more about Ada Infrastructure, visit www.adainfrastructure.com or to learn more about Ares Management visit www.aresmgmt.com.

Job Description Ares is seeking a Principal to join the Digital Infrastructure Legal team. The Principal will serve as a senior member of the Legal team, providing strategic legal advice in connection with Ares’ Digital Infrastructure business, with a focus on our revenue, product, and marketing teams. This position will play a crucial role in negotiating leases and other revenue generating agreements, ensuring compliance with regulations, managing contractual agreements, and mitigating legal risks associated with our business operations.

Primary function & responsibilities

• Providing expert legal advice and guidance to the revenue, product, and marketing teams on a wide range of matters, including contract negotiations, lease agreements, joint ventures, intellectual property rights, advertising and marketing regulations, and data privacy laws.
• Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating various commercial agreements, including sales contracts, licensing agreements, service level agreements, partnership agreements, and lease agreements.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and implement legal strategies that support business objectives while minimizing legal risks.
• Conducting legal research and analysis on relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards to keep abreast of changes and developments that may impact the company's operations.
• Advising on product development and marketing initiatives.
• Managing and overseeing litigation matters related to sales, product, marketing, and real estate activities, including disputes with customers, vendors, landlords, and regulatory authorities.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of corporate policies and procedures related to sales, product, and marketing activities to promote legal compliance and risk management.
• Developing and providing training and education to internal stakeholders on legal issues relevant to sales, product development, and marketing activities.
• Engaging and managing external legal counsel and consultants, driving efficient execution, cost management and consistency of legal approach across transactions.
• Supporting corporate governance initiatives and compliance programs to maintain the company's integrity and reputation in the marketplace.
• Advising on legal and structural considerations specific to asset managers and alternative investment platforms, including issues relating to fund structures, management companies, carried interest arrangements, co‑investments and strategic partnerships;
• Partnering with senior stakeholders on new initiatives, such as expansion into new geographies.
• Driving best practices, including developing scalable processes, playbooks and precedent documentation to support an active Digital Infrastructure pipeline.

Qualifications

Education: JD required with a strong academic background

Experience Required

The ideal candidate will possess 10+ years of strong technical and analytical capabilities, a sharp intellect and sound judgment, with demonstrated experience navigating complex legal and business issues in a fast‑paced environment. They will bring a high degree of personal integrity, accountability and professionalism, and a client‑focused mindset with a commitment to developing practical, creative solutions. Data Center industry experience. Strong understanding of sales, product, and marketing processes. Proven track record of successfully negotiating and drafting complex commercial agreements. Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills Ability to move fast and take smart risk. Demonstrated success as a growth‑minded, authentic, service‑oriented leader capable of motivating and guiding teams in an entrepreneurial environment. Successful candidates are highly organized and detail-oriented, with superior project management skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and a strong track record of execution and follow-through. The role requires an enthusiastic and engaged team player who communicates effectively, adapts well to changing circumstances and is resilient, flexible and open to feedback. A strong sense of ownership, a results‑driven approach and a commitment to achieving excellence are essential

General Requirements

Executive presence with the ability to engage, challenge, and influence senior leaders. Strong commercial mindset paired with operational discipline. Exceptional written, verbal, and facilitation skills. Highly analytical and data‑informed, with the ability to translate insights into action. Entrepreneurial and comfortable building from the ground up. High standards for quality, rigor, and impact. Comfortable working across time zones and cultures.

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance‑based bonus. Note, the range takes into account a broad spectrum of qualifications, including, but not limited to, years of relevant work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role.

$300,000 - $350,000 / annum

• Ares U.S. Core Benefits include Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental and Vision plans
• 401(k) program with company match
• Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA)
• Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution
• Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit
• Ares offers a number of additional benefits including access to a world‑class medical advisory team
• a mental health app that includes coaching, therapy and psychiatry
• a mindfulness and wellbeing app
• financial wellness benefit that includes access to a financial advisor
• new parent leave
• reproductive and adoption assistance
• emergency backup care
• matching gift programeducation sponsorship program
• and much more

Ada Infrastructure is a global data center business committed to being a positive force for technology, people, and the planet. As part of the digital infrastructure platform of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE:ARES), a leading global alternative investment manager, Ada Infrastructure is positioned to be a leader in the industry in reliable, safe, secure, and sustainable digital infrastructure. With eight in-flight campuses across Japan, the UK, and Brazil, we have over 850 MW of power currently available and more than 1,500 MW in our global pipeline. To learn more about Ada Infrastructure, visit www.adainfrastructure.com or to learn more about Ares Management visit www.aresmgmt.com.