Overview
In this senior, client-facing role you will lead the legal lifecycle of client service agreements across Fund Administration and DCM, directing a small team of lawyers. You will shape commercial positions, ensure consistent high-quality output, and partner with Sales, Relationship Management and Operations to enable deal execution. The role sits at the core of Alter Domus's service delivery, balancing risk with pragmatic business needs. You will drive continuous improvement in templates, playbooks and risk management, while developing your team and influencing cross‑functional colleagues.
Pay / Benefits
- ACCA accreditation support and study leave
- flexible arrangements, generous holidays, birthday day off
- continuous mentoring and career progression
- employee assistance program 24/7
- employee share plan
- local benefits depending on location
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the team of lawyers handling CSA work for Fund Administration and DCM
- Set objectives and quality standards, allocate work, ensure high-standard delivery
- Provide guidance on complex negotiations and escalated matters
- Maintain and improve CSA template library and negotiation playbooks
- Own end-to-end management of client service agreements (draft, negotiate, execute, amend, renew)
- Draft and negotiate complex bespoke agreements (fund administration, transfer agency, deposits, SPV administration, sub-administration, side letters)
- Advise Sales and Relationship Management on commercial risk positions
- Oversee contract lifecycle management including renewals, amendments and deviations framework
- Support onboarding from a contracts perspective and ensure accurate documentation
- Partner with Operations and Technology to ensure terms are deliverable and manage delivery risk
- Provide training and guidance to commercial and operational teams
- Ensure regulatory alignment with AIFMD, UCITS, GDPR and depositary rules
- Maintain contract register and oversee risk exposure and renewal dates
- Serve as senior legal contact for Sales, Relationship Management and Operations on contracting matters
- Contribute to client pitches, RFPs and onboarding meetings with legal input
- Support Legal Quality Control to maintain template standards
Key requirements
- Qualified lawyer with 6–10 years' post-qualification experience in commercial contracts
- Proven people management experience with small teams
- Strong drafting and negotiation skills for complex commercial agreements in financial services or professional services
- Solid understanding of fund administration, asset servicing, depositary or capital markets services
- Ability to provide practical, commercially oriented legal advice
- Experience managing high-volume, multi-jurisdictional workload
- Strong stakeholder management with senior leaders and GC/Board
- Good knowledge of multi-jurisdictional contracting, civil vs. common law nuances
- commercial mindset
- leadership and people development
- cross-functional collaboration
- clear and practical communication
- contract lifecycle management tools or legal technology platforms
- template and playbook maintenance
Head of Legal, Client Services Agreements in London employer: alterDomus
Alter Domus is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and personal growth. With a commitment to professional development, including support for accreditations and flexible working arrangements, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while enjoying generous benefits such as additional holidays and a supportive community. Located in a vibrant market, the company fosters strong internal networks and provides opportunities to engage with top-tier clients, making it an ideal place for ambitious professionals in the alternative investment industry.
