Legal Counsel - Investments & Strategic Transactions

Legal Counsel – Investments & Strategic Transactions

A growing investment organization is seeking an experienced attorney to provide legal support across investment transactions, regulatory matters, and corporate initiatives. This individual will work closely with investment professionals, senior leadership, and external advisors, serving as a trusted legal partner on a wide range of strategic, transactional, and compliance-related matters.

The role offers significant exposure to private market investing activities and provides the opportunity to support complex transactions, governance matters, and organizational growth initiatives within a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.

Location

This position is based in San Francisco, California. Candidates currently residing in the San Francisco Bay Area are strongly preferred. While exceptional candidates outside the region may be considered, the firm has a preference for individuals with an established presence in the local market.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal guidance and support on investment-related transactions, including review, negotiation, and execution of transaction documentation.
• Partner closely with investment professionals throughout the investment lifecycle, from initial diligence through transaction closing and portfolio support activities.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, confidentiality agreements, service provider contracts, and other business-related documents.
• Advise internal stakeholders on legal, regulatory, governance, and risk management matters impacting investment activities and business operations.
• Support regulatory compliance efforts and assist with matters related to registered and private investment vehicles.
• Review investor-facing materials and assist with investor documentation and related communications when needed.
• Collaborate with business, operations, compliance, and finance teams on a variety of strategic initiatives and day-to-day legal matters.
• Coordinate and manage outside counsel to ensure efficient and effective legal support.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting investment management, private capital markets, and financial services organizations.
• Assist in developing and maintaining internal policies, procedures, and best practices to support organizational growth and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Six to eight years of legal experience gained within a law firm, venture capital firm, investment manager, private investment platform, financial institution, or comparable organization.
• Significant experience supporting investment transactions, including legal due diligence, transaction structuring, review and negotiation of financing documents, term sheets, investor rights agreements, and related commercial agreements.
• Direct experience supporting venture capital investments and emerging growth companies.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active membership in at least one U.S. state bar.
• Working knowledge of regulatory and compliance considerations applicable to investment activities and financial services organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in both independent and collaborative settings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with senior executives and cross-functional business teams.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, and personal accountability.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Experience

• Prior experience working directly within a venture capital, growth equity, or private investment organization.
• Experience leading or supporting venture financing transactions from initial diligence through closing.
• Familiarity with laws and regulations governing investment advisers, private investment funds, and related financial services activities.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating fund documentation, subscription materials, partnership agreements, side letters, and related investment documents.
• Experience with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), whether through direct employment, regulatory interaction, examinations, filings, or ongoing compliance matters.
• Prior experience with a federal or state financial regulatory agency is a plus.
• Experience supporting legal matters within complex or multinational corporate structures.
• Demonstrated interest in private markets investing, emerging companies, investment management, and regulatory compliance.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate combines strong transactional capabilities with practical business judgment and a collaborative approach. This individual will thrive in an entrepreneurial environment, enjoy working closely with investment professionals and senior leadership, and have a genuine interest in supporting private market investing activities from both a legal and strategic perspective.

The role offers an opportunity to work on a broad range of sophisticated investment, regulatory, and business matters while contributing to the continued growth and success of a highly collaborative investment platform.