Managing Associate - Hedge Funds in Bristol

We are a market-leading adviser on fund formation, supporting clients across the full spectrum of fund types, asset classes, and jurisdictions. With decades of experience in the funds industry, we are trusted advisors to fund managers, institutional investors, and service providers globally. Our expertise spans a wide range of fund types, including hedge funds, private funds, regulated funds, and bespoke structures, as well as diverse asset classes such as credit, private equity, infrastructure, and real estate.

Our fund formation team advises on the full lifecycle of investment funds, from initial structuring and regulatory compliance to ongoing management and restructuring. We act for a wide range of clients, including institutional and independent managers, platform providers, boutiques, and debut teams. We advise on:

• Fund Structuring and Launch: Establishing private equity, credit, infrastructure, real estate, venture capital, and hedge funds across multiple jurisdictions, including Cayman, Luxembourg, Ireland, and the UK.
• Regulatory and Tax Advice: Navigating complex regulatory frameworks and tax considerations, including AIFMD, MiFID II, and cross-border marketing regimes.
• Fund Finance: Advising on subscription credit facilities, NAV facilities, and other financing arrangements to support capital deployment.
• Operational Setup: Drafting and negotiating fund documentation, including LPAs, IMAs, side letters, and service provider agreements.
• Strategic Structuring: Supporting bespoke structures such as funds-of-one, parallel vehicles, and joint ventures tailored to investor needs.
• Global Fund Registrations: Delivering end-to-end compliance solutions for cross-border registration and marketing of UCITS and AIFs, with tailored support across jurisdictions and proactive guidance on regulatory change.

We are recruiting for a Managing Associate to play an integral part in our leading Hedge Funds team. The ideal candidate will be 5 to 10 PQE with strong exposure to investment management products and services, primarily in the hedge fund space. The successful candidate will split their time across open-ended hedge funds work with a focus on hedge fund formation. There may also be some IMA/SMA negotiation work for institutional managers. Some knowledge of related regulation, including AIFMD and MiFID and other sectoral regulation, will be required. We are looking for a talented and technical lawyer who has the ambition, energy and aptitude to embrace our first-class client base in the asset management and financial institutions sectors and is looking to further develop their knowledge and experience of this exciting and evolving industry. Significant experience of hedge fund formation, particularly in offshore domiciles or in Ireland or Luxembourg will be of particular interest. This is a unique opportunity to join a tier 1 practice ranked firm and great future career opportunities at the firm for the right individual who tackles this role with success.

Person specification

• Excellent academics.
• Applicants will ideally have between 5 and 10 years’ post qualification experience gained at another leading City practice or within the in-house legal team at a top tier hedge fund or other asset manager.
• Strong client focus with an ability and willingness to get actively involved in marketing and business development.
• Commercially driven and highly energetic, with strong motivation to develop their practice over the long term.
• Able to work effectively as part of a diverse and inclusive team.

MA Development Programme

At Simmons & Simmons, we have a firmwide MA Development Programme for all Managing Associates on partnership track, to support your transition towards partnership with our Firm. The programme is both structured and flexible, focusing on three core leadership capabilities essential for future Partners:

• Client Relationship Development and Management: Growing trusted advisor relationships with clients and building your business plan for partner promotion.
• People Management: Leading teams and developing talent.
• Commercial & Business Acumen: Demonstrating strategic thinking and commercial awareness.

Participants progress through four key stages:

• Transitioning into the MA role: Understanding the expectations at MA level with respect to clients, people and commercial and starting to meet some of those expectations.
• Alignment with Programme Clients & Group Projects: Deepening commercial and strategic skills through client alignment and collaborative group projects addressing real business challenges.
• Business Plan Development: Fine-tuning individual business plans with sponsor support, focusing on financial metrics and readiness for partner promotion.
• Delivering on Business Plan & Implementing Feedback: Acting on feedback from senior stakeholders and assessment centre, enhancing internal profile and demonstrating readiness for partnership.

The programme includes monthly skills sessions on business planning, partnership competencies, and technology, plus opportunities to work from other Simmons offices or key client locations to broaden experience and build networks.

Here at Simmons & Simmons

Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters, you will work on inspirational and thought-provoking projects, using your influence to create positive impact for our clients, society and the planet. We also ensure that everyone’s voice is heard from day one, irrespective of job title, qualification, or background. You’ll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible.

Key Highlights:

• Competitive compensation package, including bonuses, private medical insurance, and pension contribution.
• A global skills academy offering extensive learning opportunities for all employees.
• A hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of three days in-office, subject to role and client needs.
• Integration of traditional legal expertise with innovative Simmons & Simmons Solutions.
• Recognition as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
• Vibrant social and sports committees, as well as art collections featuring renowned artists.
• The introduction of a Strategic Advisory Council to drive strategic initiatives in line with our mission.

Equal opportunities

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment, offering equal employment opportunities across all spectrums of race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. Flexible working arrangements are supported, and we strive to make our roles accessible to all. Our employee networks offer additional support, detailed in our D&I Information booklet provided during the recruitment process. We value diversity and encourage applications from those who are passionate and willing to grow with us, even if not all requirements are met. Your unique experiences and perspectives are welcomed here.

For more information or to apply, please contact our Recruitment Team or visit our career page. Every day, our expert teams across Europe, the Middle East and Asia come together to solve some of the world’s most complex challenges. We’re an international melting pot of perspectives and experiences, united in helping to shape a better future for our clients, our people and our communities.