Our client is seeking a private funds associate to advise on the creation, structuring, and operation of investment vehicles across a range of strategies. Based in San Francisco, this 2–4 year role combines fund formation, regulatory counseling, and ongoing transactional work, with close partner and client collaboration.
The Work
- Advise sponsors and institutional investors on the formation, structuring, and operation of private equity, hedge, credit, venture capital, and other alternative investment funds.
- Draft and negotiate limited partnership agreements, subscription agreements, private placement memoranda, investor side letters, and advisory committee agreements.
- Counsel clients on fund governance, economic terms, fee structures, carried interest, and co-investment arrangements.
- Analyze securities-law requirements, including registration and exemptions, and advise on Investment Advisers Act and Investment Company Act compliance.
- Support regulatory work involving anti-money laundering requirements, Form D and Form PF filings, and fund marketing materials and advertising rules.
- Conduct due diligence on investment documents, organizational materials, and third-party service provider agreements.
- Assist with fund restructurings, secondary transactions, continuation fund vehicles, and fund wind-downs.
- Prepare and negotiate management company and general partner formation documents, and coordinate with colleagues across practice groups on client matters.
What You Bring
- Two to four years of substantive private investment fund experience, including experience at a national or global law firm.
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
- Admission to the California bar or eligibility for prompt admission.
- Strong working knowledge of securities laws and regulations, including the Securities Act, Exchange Act, Investment Advisers Act, and Investment Company Act.
- Experience drafting and negotiating private fund formation documents.
- Familiarity with fund economics, including management fees, carried interest, waterfall calculations, and investor reporting obligations.
- Ability to identify legal and commercial issues, develop practical solutions, and communicate complex concepts clearly to clients and colleagues.
- Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage concurrent, time-sensitive matters and work independently and collaboratively.
- Willingness to mentor junior associates and use AI tools responsibly, with sound judgment regarding accuracy and confidentiality.
Why Consider It
This role brings together fund formation, regulatory counseling, and ongoing transactional work across several alternative investment strategies, with matters extending from initial structuring through restructurings, secondaries, and wind-downs.
Associates work closely with partners, clients, and cross-practice colleagues, and have opportunities to manage multiple matters and mentor junior team members.
Compensation & Benefits
Estimated base compensation is $235,000–$310,000 based on the 2026 Cravath base scale; this figure is an estimate, not firm-stated compensation.
Confidentiality
This is a confidential opportunity. Contact Advocates Legal Recruiting to discuss the role and receive additional details about the client and team. All inquiries will be handled confidentially.