Capital Dynamics is an independent global asset management firm focused on private assets, including private equity (primaries, secondaries and direct investments) and clean energy. Established in 1988, we oversee more than USD 15 billion in assets under management and advisement, across offices in Europe, North America and Asia. We are a recognised industry leader in responsible investment, holding Five Star PRI ratings across all categories and strategies, and achieving strong GRESB benchmarking results for our 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.
Senior Legal Counsel, Secondaries - (Private Equity) employer: Capital Dynamics
Join a prestigious US law firm renowned for its elite investment funds practice, where you will have the opportunity to work alongside top-tier professionals in a collaborative and dynamic environment. The firm offers competitive remuneration, a strong focus on professional development, and the chance to mentor junior lawyers, all while being based in the vibrant city of London, known for its rich legal heritage and diverse culture. This role not only promises meaningful work with prominent clients but also fosters a culture of excellence and growth.
