Fund Formation Associate Attorney

Fund Formation Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a Fund Formation Associate Attorney to join a prestigious Am Law firm in one of the following offices: Irvine (Orange County), Los Angeles, Menlo Park (Silicon Valley), New York City, San Francisco, or Santa Monica.

This is an outstanding partnership-track opportunity for an attorney with 4-6 years of fund formation experience to join a nationally recognized Fund Formation practice. The role offers significant client responsibility, direct mentorship from experienced partners, and exposure to sophisticated sponsor-side and investor-side representations across the private investment funds industry.

Responsibilities

• Represent private fund sponsors and institutional investors in the formation and operation of private investment funds.

• Draft and negotiate limited partnership agreements, private placement memoranda, subscription agreements, side letters, and advisory committee governance documents.

• Advise clients on regulatory and compliance matters affecting private investment funds.

• Counsel clients on venture capital, growth equity, impact, crossover, and other private fund structures.

• Assist with co-investment vehicles, secondary transactions, and related investment structures.

• Work closely with fund sponsors, institutional investors, and emerging managers throughout the fund lifecycle.

• Collaborate with attorneys across corporate and investment management practices on sophisticated transactions.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships while providing practical, business-focused legal advice.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.

• Active membership in good standing with the applicable state bar or eligibility for prompt admission.

• 4-6 years of private fund formation and investment management experience at a major law firm.

• Experience representing fund sponsors; experience representing institutional investors (limited partners) is strongly preferred.

• Familiarity with venture capital, growth equity, impact, and emerging manager fund structures.

• Experience advising on SEC and state regulatory requirements applicable to private fund advisers.

• Experience with co-investment vehicles and secondary fund transactions is preferred.

• Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain client relationships.

• Ability to independently manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong academic credentials and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $310,000-$390,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

  • Mental health and wellness programs

  • Child, family, elder, and pet care benefits

  • Short- and long-term disability coverage

  • Industry-leading parental leave

  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Flexible Time Off (FTO) and paid holidays

  • Annual discretionary performance bonus eligibility