Private Funds Senior Associate

Larson Maddox; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Larson Maddox is assisting a leading global platform in recruiting a senior fund formation attorney with deep private funds experience. The role involves handling complex fund formation matters, structuring transactions, and fostering client relationships across sponsors and institutional investors.

Ideal candidates will have 6+ years at a top law firm, exceptional drafting skills, and a collaborative approach.

Qualifications

• 6+ years' experience in fund formation and investment management from a top-tier law firm.
• Strong experience across private fund structuring and investor negotiations.
• Excellent drafting skills and ability to communicate complex issues clearly.
• A proactive, collaborative mindset with an interest in contributing to broader practice initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Advising sponsors and investors on formation and operation of private investment funds.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating core fund documentation including LPAs and side letters.
• Advising on fund structuring, governance and operational matters.
• Direct interaction with clients and management of day-to-day matters.
• Contributing to broader investment management lifecycle initiatives.

Skills

Fund formation

Contract negotiation

Drafting skills

Communication

Job description

About the Opportunity

An excellent opportunity for a senior fund formation attorney to join a leading global platform with a highly regarded private funds practice. This role offers exposure to sophisticated, high‑profile matters, working with top‑tier sponsors and institutional investors across a broad range of fund strategies. This role can be performed out of the firms Denver, San Francisco, Palo Alto or New York office.

About My Client

My client is a globally recognised law firm with a strong reputation for excellence across private funds, venture capital and broader corporate practices. The firm is known for combining high‑quality, complex work with a genuinely collaborative and supportive culture, placing a strong emphasis on teamwork, professional development and long‑term career growth.

The private funds practice advises on a full spectrum of matters, including fund formation, structuring, operations and liquidity solutions, acting for leading sponsors as well as institutional investors such as pension funds, endowments, foundations and funds‑of‑funds.

The platform is particularly strong in delivering mentorship and career progression, with structured programmes focused on training, sponsorship and long‑term development.

The Role

This role will suit a senior fund formation lawyer (6 year+) with strong experience in private funds. You will work on complex fund formation matters and play a key role in managing sophisticated transactions, while also contributing to broader practice initiatives and client relationships.

The position offers a blend of high‑level technical work, meaningful client interaction and clear progression opportunities within a well‑resourced, growing team.

Responsibilities

Advising sponsors and investors on the formation and operation of private investment funds, including:

• Private equity, venture capital, credit, real estate and impact funds
• Fund structuring, governance and operational matters
• Related joint ventures and alternative investment structures

Drafting, reviewing and negotiating core fund documentation, including:

• Limited partnership and operating agreements
• Private placement memoranda
• Subscription agreements and investor side letters
• Management and advisory agreements

Advising on broader investment management and lifecycle matters, including:

• Ongoing regulatory and compliance considerations
• Fund restructurings and liquidity solutions
• Direct interaction with clients and management of day‑to‑day matters

Qualifications

• 6+ years' experience in fund formation and investment management from a top‑tier law firm
• Strong experience across private fund structuring and investor negotiations
• Excellent drafting skills and ability to communicate complex issues clearly
• A proactive, collaborative mindset with an interest in contributing to broader practice initiative

Why this role stands out

• Top‑tier private funds platform with high‑profile, sophisticated work
• Strong mix of sponsor‑side and investor‑side mandates
• Structured training, mentorship and career development programmes
• Collaborative, inclusive culture with genuine investment in talent
• Clear opportunities for progression and long‑term career growth