Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel - Private Equity and Venture Capital About the Role As an in‑house Legal Counsel, you will serve as a strategic partner to investment teams, portfolio companies, and senior leadership. You will manage the full lifecycle of private equity and venture capital transactions — from deal sourcing and structuring to execution, portfolio management, and exits — while ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks across the Asia‑Pacific region and beyond. This is a high‑impact, commercially driven position offering direct exposure to Fund Principals, LPs, and C‑suite executives in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment that rewards initiative, precision, and business acumen. Ideal for a high‑calibre lawyer transitioning from a leading international law firm into their first (or next) in‑house role, you will translate elite technical training into pragmatic, deal‑enabling advice within a collaborative, results‑focused culture. What You’ll Do Provide end‑to‑end legal support on fund‑level matters (LP commitments, side letters, fund formation amendments) and investment transactions (early‑stage VC, growth equity, buyouts, co‑investments). Draft, review, and negotiate transaction documentation including SPAs, SHAs, investment agreements, convertible instruments (SAFEs, KISS), preference share terms, and management incentive plans. Advise on complex structuring considerations (onshore/offshore holding vehicles, tax efficiency, carried interest waterfalls, ESG compliance). Navigate regulatory landscapes (SFC licensing, cross‑border investment restrictions, AML/KYC, data privacy, foreign investment approvals). Support portfolio management: governance, add‑on acquisitions, refinancing, value‑creation initiatives, and exit planning (IPO, trade sale, secondary). Manage external counsel relationships and drive cost‑effective legal outcomes. Collaborate with regional legal, compliance, tax, and operations teams. What We’re Looking For Qualified lawyer with a current practising certificate in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, the UK, or a major common law jurisdiction. 4–7 years PQE gained at a Magic Circle, Silver Circle, or leading US/UK law firm (corporate/M&A, private equity, or venture capital practice). Proven track record in PE/VC transaction execution, ideally with exposure to Greater China, Southeast Asia, or India. Deep knowledge of corporate law, securities regulation, fund structures, and cross‑border M&A. Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Strong commercial judgement with the ability to balance legal risk and business objectives. Fluency in English; Chinese proficiency is highly advantageous. Prior in‑house or client secondment experience is a plus but not required. What’s In It For You Direct deal ownership and visibility to senior decision‑makers in a lean, high‑performance team. Opportunity to shape legal strategy for a leading Asia‑focused fund with a strong track record and growing AUM. Accelerated career progression in a meritocratic, non‑hierarchical culture. Comprehensive professional development support, including conference attendance and advanced training. Competitive remuneration package including discretionary carry participation (performance‑dependent). Full family medical coverage, wellness programs, and flexible work arrangements. Vibrant team culture with regular off‑sites, industry events, and community impact initiatives. Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Legal, Other, and Management Industries Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals, Investment Management, and Legal Services Location Hong Kong SAR #J-18808-Ljbffr