At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal aspects of private equity secondaries transactions and support the investment team.
- Company: Join a global leader in responsible investment with a diverse workforce.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of complex transactions in a dynamic legal role.
- Qualifications: 6-10 years PQE in private equity law; strong understanding of secondaries transactions.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
About Capital Dynamics: Capital Dynamics is an independent global asset management firm focusing on private assets, including private equity (primaries, secondaries and direct investments) and clean energy. Established in 1988, the Firm has extensive knowledge and experience developing solutions tailored to meet the exacting needs of a diverse and global client base of institutional and private wealth investors. Capital Dynamics oversees more than USD 14 billion in assets under management and advisement and employs approximately 150 professionals globally across 14 offices in Europe, North America, and Asia. Capital Dynamics is a recognized industry leader in responsible investment, receiving top marks (Five Stars) from PRI across all categories and investment strategies, as well as in GRESB benchmarking for its clean energy strategy.
LEGAL & COMPLIANCE: Capital Dynamics’ Legal & Compliance team handles all legal, regulatory and compliance matters relating to the firm and its funds. The team - lawyers, compliance officers, trainee solicitors and paralegals - is the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on corporate and product-related legal and compliance issues. Our Secondaries Investment Management team acquires limited partnership interests in established, high-quality, mature leveraged buyout, growth capital and select venture capital funds and managers. The team’s differentiated approach targets smaller, more complex secondary transactions globally - including fund restructurings, tail-end wind-downs and preferred interest structures - supported by the sourcing and due diligence advantages of our established private equity platform.
THE OPPORTUNITY: We’re seeking an experienced funds lawyer with a genuine track record in private equity secondaries transactions to join our Legal & Compliance team in London as Senior Legal Counsel, Secondaries. You will work directly with our Secondaries Investment Management team - acting as their senior legal partner across the full transaction lifecycle: fund formation, structuring, negotiating and documenting the acquisition and sale of primary and secondary fund investments, from individual positions through to full portfolio acquisitions. This is a hands-on, deal-facing legal role at the centre of one of the market’s most active and technically sophisticated secondaries platforms - ideal for a lawyer who wants to be in the room where transactions get done, not just reviewing them after the fact.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead all legal aspects of acquiring individual and portfolio LP interests across primary and secondary markets — from structuring to minimise tax and regulatory exposure, through negotiating sale and purchase agreements, to reviewing transfer and subscription agreements, KYC and tax documentation, side letters, and coordinating closing.
- Lead the negotiation and implementation of credit and NAV facilities.
- Attend Investment Committee meetings in an advisory capacity.
- Manage the Most Favoured Nations (MFN) election process on primary investments.
- Respond to investor and advisory board consents from underlying managers.
- Support litigation matters as they arise in relation to the Secondaries Funds.
- Partner with Compliance to develop the controls, policies, and procedures that keep the firm and its funds aligned with internal and external legal and regulatory requirements.
- Build and maintain relationships with external law firms and third-party service providers.
- Advise on legal questions arising from private equity fund investments, including tax and regulatory matters.
- Act as a core member of the wider Legal team, supporting the Legal Heads and General Counsel on legal matters across the firm.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
Qualifications & Experience
- US or UK qualified lawyer; additional international qualification is a plus.
- 6 - 10 years’ PQE currently working in a Private Funds group at a leading law firm, or an equivalent in-house funds lawyer role at a private equity/investment management firm.
- Extensive experience advising clients on buying or selling in the private equity secondaries space.
- Strong understanding of secondaries transaction types - LP portfolio sales, single- and multi-asset continuation funds, GP-led and LP-led preferred equity, and GP tenders.
- Strong knowledge of private equity fund structuring, operation, and closing, ideally across both UK and US funds; experience with Luxembourg structures is a plus.
- Comfortable working in a collaborative, demanding, fast-moving environment across multiple time zones.
Skills
- Strong organisational ability and a genuinely solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.
- Willingness and capability to turn around requests on tight timelines.
- Good representation and presentation skills.
Languages
- Essential - must be fluent in English and display superior writing skills.
- Additional languages desirable but not essential: German, Italian, Spanish or French.
Our Equal Opportunity Commitment: Capital Dynamics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a global diverse workforce. We are a global company with 24 nationalities represented across our staff in 14 offices, spanning North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. We believe diversity and inclusion (“D&I”) is key to being better at what we do, and our initiatives are designed to attract, develop, and advance talented individuals, regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, disability status or any other dimension of diversity. We welcome and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply to join Capital Dynamics.
Please inform our recruitment team if you have a disability, condition or difference that may require us to make any adjustments as part of your application process or during employment.
Disclaimer: Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are only able to contact candidates who have been shortlisted for further consideration. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of submitting your application, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We appreciate the time you have taken to apply and encourage you to monitor our careers page for future opportunities.
Senior Legal Counsel, Secondaries in London employer: Capital Dynamics
Capital Dynamics is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape the Investments Performance Management function from the ground up in a dynamic and collaborative environment. With a strong commitment to responsible investment and a diverse workforce, employees benefit from a culture that values innovation, professional growth, and inclusivity, all while working at the forefront of private equity and clean energy sectors. The firm’s global presence and emphasis on data-driven decision-making provide a stimulating atmosphere for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel, Secondaries in London
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel, Secondaries in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Capital Dynamics, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Capital Dynamics and the specific role of Senior Legal Counsel, Secondaries. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Capital Dynamics’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Capital Dynamics
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Capital Dynamics.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Capital Dynamics.
