Legal Counsel, Schroders Capital Private Equity in London

About us

Schroders is a global investment manager which provides active asset management, wealth management and investment solutions. We aim to provide excellent investment performance to clients through active management. We serve a diverse client base that includes pension schemes, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations, high net worth individuals, family offices, as well as end clients through partnerships with distributors, financial advisers, and online platforms. Established in 1804, we have around 5,500 people across 36 global locations. Schroders' success can be attributed to its diversified business model, spanning different asset classes, client types and geographies.

Schroders Capital

Schroders Capital is the private markets business of Schroders with $114bn of AUM. We work as a global network of specialised, entrepreneurial teams. We combine a global perspective with local market expertise to serve institutional and private wealth clients. Our offering spans the private markets universe and provides access to unique capabilities across private debt and credit alternatives, real estate equity, private equity, and infrastructure equity. The firm has deep expertise in creating bespoke solutions for institutional clients and is committed to providing scalable capabilities across the spectrum of risk, return and sustainability and impact objectives. Supported by the resources, experience, and institutional framework of one of the world’s leading asset managers, Schroders Capital is dedicated to helping investors achieve their goals and is at the forefront of product innovation to meet the evolving needs of investors. We see our role as being a driver of positive change drawing on deep skills to select, acquire, and improve the assets we own.

The team

Based in London, you will be part of the legal team supporting the Schroders Capital Private Equity business. The team, which is located in Zurich, London, Jersey, Luxembourg and Shanghai, is part of the larger Schroders Capital and Schroders Group Legal team supporting the strategic growth of the business, and identifying, managing and reporting legal risks.

Working as part of the Legal Team, you will manage all legal aspects of the private equity fund and product structuring process, investment process as well as adjacent corporate and contractual matters.

What you’ll do

• Project managing the legal workstreams of new funds and mandate launches for the Schroders Capital Private Equity business;
• Participate in discussions with the Product Management team to refine new product ideas and work alongside the internal Tax team to identify appropriate fund and management structures and outline fund terms in a term sheet;
• Draft key fund documentation such as the LPA, PPM, IMA and side letters;
• Lead the internal legal review of fund documentation where prepared by external counsel;
• Lead investor negotiations and where required, work alongside external counsel to manage the investor negotiation process;
• Oversee external counsel who perform the legal due diligence of underlying investments to ensure consistency across the Schroders Capital Private Equity business;
• Respond to consents from underlying investments and other corporate actions in liaison with the Business;
• Participate in the product life cycle management committee and assist with queries which arise throughout the life cycle of a fund;
• Participate in internal project working groups and coordinate with further functional teams within Schroders Capital Private Equity and the wider Schroders group, such as Compliance, Risk Management, Client Group, Fund Operations and Finance;
• Other ancillary tasks such drafting or reviewing transfer agreements, engagement letters, intra-group agreements etc.;
• Act as legal key stakeholder and manage relationships with the Private Equity business globally;
• Liaise with and provide support to other asset class pillars within Schroders Capital.

The knowledge, experience and qualifications you need

• Demonstrable PQE (2 - 4 years) gained in private equity / private assets funds team in a leading City or international law firm or in-house within the private equity industry;
• A technical understanding of a range of private equity funds (including Luxembourg structures) and underlying investments globally;
• Working knowledge of key features AIFMD, SFDR, SDR.

What you’ll be like

• A flexible, adaptable and collaborative team player with a positive and “can do” attitude;
• Creative and prepared to think outside the box; willing to take the initiative and to present solutions rather than problems;
• Thrives under pressure while maintaining a high level of personal and professional integrity;
• Clear desire and ambition for success, comfortable making decisions and prepared to make the personal commitment to ensure success;
• Able to bridge cultural boundaries and generate confidence and loyalty with colleagues and clients;
• Highly collaborative team player.

We recognise potential, whoever you are. Our purpose is to deliver excellent investment performance to clients through active management. We believe diverse perspectives and an inclusive culture help us make better decisions and achieve better outcomes for our clients. That's why inclusion is a strategic priority for us, and we are an equal opportunities employer. You are welcome here, regardless of your age, disability, gender identity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, or any other protected characteristic. We will consider flexible working arrangements for all roles and provide reasonable accommodations to support applicants and employees, including those with neurodiversity, disability, or physical and mental health needs.