Vice President, Legal

For over forty years, HarbourVest has been home to a committed team of professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to deliver impactful solutions to our clients and investing partners. As our global firm grows, we continue to add individuals who seek a collaborative, open-door culture that values diversity and innovative thinking.

In our collegial environment that’s marked by low turnover and high energy, you’ll be inspired to grow and thrive. Here, you will be encouraged to build on your strengths and acquire new skills and experiences.

We are committed to fostering an environment of inclusion that promotes mutual respect among all employees. Understanding and valuing these differences optimizes the potential of both the individual and the firm.

HarbourVest is an equal opportunity employer.

This position will be a hybrid work arrangement, which translates to 3 days minimum per week in the office.

This role will be responsible for providing legal advice and consultation focusing on fundraising activities within the Wealth channel, including fund formation, distribution, regulatory implementation, and corporate governance throughout EMEA.

The ideal candidate is someone who has/is:

1. Vast experience in assisting the creation, distribution, and oversight of alternative investment funds catered towards the EMEA Wealth channel, with a dedication to semi-liquid private equity funds.
2. Experience supporting formation of SMA vehicles.
3. Hands-on knowledge of the AIFMD, MIFID II, and FCA rules and regulations relating to marketing and distribution.
4. Some knowledge of US laws, including the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933, Regulation D, and ERISA – preferred.
5. Ability to work collaboratively and creatively, together with Investor Relations, in helping to tackle the clients’ problems across EMEA – being an integral component of our solutions-based selling concept.
6. Outstanding written and verbal communication and presentation skills (articulate and influential), including the ability to communicate sophisticated technical and legal issues in everyday terms.
7. Strategic problem solver with a cross-functional perspective, who can effectively achieve goals. Pro-active, upbeat, and self-assured professional with high personal integrity and the ability to build effective relationships with collaborators.
8. Enthusiasm for the firm\’s mission and for its diverse and inclusive culture.
9. A valued colleague, who works collaboratively and supportively with others.

What you will do:

1. Actively support product development, distribution, and governance of Wealth-focused products in EMEA and serve as a trusted resource and adviser to EMEA based investor relations across all aspects of the company’s business. Exercise sound judgment in elevating matters to the Head of UK Legal and Compliance and other senior executives, as appropriate.
2. Draft and negotiate distribution, consulting, and a variety of management company contracts.
3. Proactively collaborate with Legal and Compliance colleagues daily.
4. Strengthen and support corporate governance for EMEA based operating affiliates and funds and analyse the impact of changing EMEA laws, rules, and regulations on the company and its funds.
5. And other responsibilities as required.

What you bring:

1. At least 7 years of legal experience gained through a major law firm, or a combination of major law firm and in-house experience.
2. Significant experience in and in-depth knowledge of private fund formation, disclosure documentation, offering process, governance, and UK/EU financial regulations.
3. Strong leadership skills by providing ongoing mentorship and development of team members at all levels.
4. Understanding of business strategy to provide legal services, including risk assessment and creative problem solving, and broad legal and business advice to facilitate those objectives consistent with compliance with applicable laws.
5. Proficiency in a foreign language spoken in the EU (a plus).

Education Preferred:

1. Bachelor of Arts (B.A) / Bachelor of Science (B.S) or equivalent experience
2. Bar Member

Experience:

7 to 10+ Years of proven experience required

About Us

HarbourVest is an independent, global private markets firm with over 40 years of experience and more than $127 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2024. Our interwoven platform provides clients access to global primary funds, secondary transactions, direct co-investments, real assets and infrastructure, and private credit. Our strengths extend across strategies, enabled by our team of more than 1,200 employees, including more than 230 investment professionals across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Across our private markets platform, our team has committed more than $59 billion to newly-formed funds, completed over $55 billion in secondary purchases, and invested over $40 billion in direct operating companies. We partner strategically and plan our offerings innovatively to provide our clients with access, insight, and global opportunities.

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