Senior Legal Counsel – European & APAC Funds

When you join Hines, you will embark on a career journey fueled by vision and guided by leaders who set the standards of our industry. Our legacy is rooted in innovation and excellence, earning us a spot on Fast Company’s esteemed annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies, as well as recognition as one of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Companies to Work For in 2024. Discover endless opportunities to grow and make your mark at Hines.

This role will require you to proactively support the firm’s investment management business as part of a dynamic legal team, with a focus on private institutional European & APAC real estate funds. The lawyer who fills this position will be a key contributor to the firm on a wide variety of legal and business matters with respect to fund formation and ongoing operations as well as day-to-day support to the firm’s clients and key business groups such as portfolio management, investor relations and business development. The successful candidate will be required to coordinate and provide guidance to external fund counsel to ensure all material legal risks, issues and disputes relating to Hines and its fund offerings are effectively managed and controlled.

We believe strongly in professional growth, development and mentoring. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading on legal matters relating to private/retail fund establishments including (a) advising on new fund/product structuring and (b) drafting, reviewing & negotiating new fund/product documentation (including term sheets, limited partnership agreements, PPMs, side letters, subscription documents, service agreements and ancillary documentation).
• Assisting on legal matters relating to ongoing private/retail fund operations including (a) advising on marketing & diligence materials, the interpretation of current legal documentation and potential conflicts of interest and (b) dealing with legal/regulatory & investor relations issues as they arise.
• Leading/assisting on the establishment of fund co-investment vehicles.
• Serving as an important nexus between external fund counsel and internal Hines stakeholders & the broader Hines legal and compliance teams.
• The candidate will also work cross-functionally across the firm and will collaborate with the fund management, portfolio management, accounting and finance, investor relations, capital markets and tax teams.
• Leading on strategic projects such as preparing guidance notes & template documents for use within the legal team and the wider business.
• Overseeing and managing outside fund counsel.

Minimum Requirements include:

• Licensed to practice law in the UK and/or another relevant European or APAC jurisdiction.
• Strong academic track record required.
• 5+ years’ post-qualified experience gained within a top law firm, in-house at an investment manager / financial institution or a combination of the two.
• In-house experience would be beneficial but not essential.
• Experience in some of all or the following: advising GPs on the structuring/establishment and ongoing operations of European and/or APAC funds; advising LPs on investments into European and/or APAC funds; and/or advising GPs and/or LPs in respect of fund co-investment vehicles.
• Experience working with private funds would be preferred, whilst experience working with retail funds would be beneficial but not essential.
• Experience working with Luxembourg funds and vehicles would be highly beneficial but not essential.
• Experience working within the real estate industry would be beneficial but not essential.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, well organized, and proven ability to multi-task.
• Able to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be a self-starter, independent worker and quick learner.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to focus on commercial outcomes over output.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Fluent in English and proficiency in a second language will be considered as an asset.
• Availability to travel within Europe and to the United States is preferred.

At Hines, we strive for excellence as a leading global real estate investment manager, driven by our belief that real estate is fundamentally about people. Our diverse portfolio spans $93.2 billion of assets across such property types as living, office, retail, mixed-use, logistics and life science projects – all designed to enhance value, connection and inspiration. Our strategic approach integrates local expertise with global knowledge, taking calculated risks aligned with our convictions to exceed expectations and tailor solutions to our clients' needs. While our projects are renowned for enhancing cities and pioneering sustainable practices, we recognize that the true driving force behind Hines’ success is our 5,000 dedicated employees in 30 countries who draw on our 65-year history to build the world forward. This is why we prioritize investing in our people, offering comprehensive training, competitive compensation, robust benefits and generous vacation packages. By centering our focus on the growth and wellbeing of our team, we cultivate an inclusive environment where everyone, including our clients, can thrive. Hines is proud to be named to Fast Company’s prestigious annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2024.

We are an equal opportunity employer and support workforce diversity.