Senior Legal Counsel - Secondaries Transactions (PE)

Senior Legal Counsel - Secondaries Transactions (Private Equity)London, United KingdomJoin a Leading Global Private Markets Investment ManagerOur client is a highly regarded independent global investment management firm specialising in private markets. With a long-established international presence and a multi-billion-dollar asset base, the firm invests across a range of private asset strategies and serves a diverse global investor base comprising institutional and private wealth clients. The firm has built a strong reputation for innovation, responsible investing and delivering tailored investment solutions through a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture. As the business continues to expand its secondaries platform, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to join the London-based Legal team. The OpportunityThis is a rare opportunity for a senior private funds lawyer to join a sophisticated and growing secondaries investment platform. You will work closely with investment professionals, senior management and external counsel on a broad range of complex and high-value transactions, including LP portfolio acquisitions, continuation funds, GP-led and LP-led preferred equity transactions, fund restructurings and other innovative secondaries solutions. In addition to transactional support, you will play a key role in advising on fund formation, fund structuring and strategic initiatives across the firm's global secondaries business. Key ResponsibilitiesFund Formation & Structuring • Lead and coordinate legal aspects relating to the establishment, operation and governance of UK, US, Cayman and Luxembourg private equity fund structures. • Partner closely with investment, product and investor relations teams on fund structuring and strategic product initiatives. • Support the launch of new secondaries funds and bespoke separate managed account structures. • Manage external counsel and oversee the preparation and negotiation of fund documentation, including limited partnership agreements, PPM, subscription agreements and related materials. Transaction Execution • Act as lead legal adviser on acquisitions and disposals of primary and secondary fund interests, including both single-asset and portfolio transactions. • Advise on transaction structuring, tax and regulatory considerations. • Negotiate and execute purchase and sale agreements, transfer documentation, side letters and related transaction documents. • Coordinate transaction closings and stakeholder management across multiple jurisdictions. • Lead legal work-streams relating to NAV facilities and subscription credit facilities. Portfolio & Fund Operations • Attend Investment Committee meetings and provide strategic legal input on proposed transactions. • Oversee MFN election processes and investor consent matters. • Support advisory board interactions and underlying fund manager communications. • Assist with contentious matters and dispute resolution as required. Legal & Regulatory • Partner with Compliance to enhance governance frameworks, policies and controls. • Provide practical legal advice on fund operations, regulatory developments and private equity investment matters. • Build and maintain strong relationships with external law firms and service providers. • Support broader legal team initiatives and collaborate closely with senior legal leadership. Candidate ProfileWe are seeking a commercially minded lawyer who enjoys operating at the intersection of complex transactions, fund structuring and business strategy. Experience & Qualifications • Qualified lawyer in the UK or US. • Minimum 6 year's post-qualification experience gained within a leading private funds practice and/or a sophisticated in-house investment management environment. • Extensive experience advising on private equity fund structures and fund formation matters. • Strong track record supporting secondaries transactions, including acquisitions and disposals of LP interests. • Experience across UK and US fund structures; exposure to Luxembourg vehicles would be advantageous. • Strong understanding of fund operations, fund closings and investor-related matters. Highly Desirable • Experience with LP portfolio transactions. • Exposure to continuation funds and GP-led secondaries. • Experience advising on GP-led preferred equity and LP-led preferred equity transactions. • Familiarity with NAV financing and subscription line facilities. Personal Attributes • Commercially astute with strong business judgement. • Confident stakeholder manager capable of influencing senior investment professionals. • Highly organised with excellent project management skills. • Collaborative, adaptable and comfortable working across multiple jurisdictions and time zones. • Able to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and intellectually demanding environment. Why Apply?This role offers the opportunity to: • Work on some of the most sophisticated and innovative transactions in the secondaries market. • Join a highly respected global private markets platform with an established international presence. • Gain direct exposure to senior investment professionals and business leaders across multiple jurisdictions. • Operate as a trusted adviser and strategic partner to the investment team. • Play a key role in the continued growth and evolution of a leading secondaries franchise. For experienced private funds lawyers seeking a broader commercial role with significant transaction exposure and strategic influence, this represents an exceptional opportunity.