Senior Counsel/Director, Counsel w/ $5Bn+ Investment Firm

Representing a $5Bn+ AUM investment firm in Palo Alto, we are proud to be leading the search for a Senior Counsel / Director, Counsel (title flexible commensurate with experience). This is a highly strategic, succession-track opportunity for a senior legal professional to join a growing and collaborative legal team. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, this individual will serve as a key partner across fund formation and transactional matters, while also acting as a corporate generalist supporting broader firm initiatives.The role is designed for a commercially minded attorney with private equity buyout experience who is looking to step into a visible, leadership-oriented position with long-term growth potential toward a future General Counsel role.ResponsibilitiesFund FormationLead and manage all aspects of fund formation, structuring, and lifecycle governancePartner with internal stakeholders and external counsel on fundraises, investor negotiations, and documentationAdvise on regulatory and structural considerations across global fund platformsTransactional SupportIndependently lead and execute private equity buyout transactionsDraft, review, and negotiate transaction documents including acquisition agreements and related ancillary materialsSupport investment teams throughout the deal lifecycle from diligence through closing and post-acquisition mattersPortfolio and Corporate SupportProvide legal support to portfolio companies, particularly within healthcare, biotech, and pharma sectorsAdvise on governance, corporate structuring, and strategic initiativesAct as a corporate generalist across a range of legal and business matters impacting the firmTeam and Leadership ExposureWork closely with the General Counsel and senior legal leadership on strategic initiativesCollaborate with colleagues across legal, investment, and operations teamsContribute to the ongoing development and scalability of the legal functionExperienceJuris Doctor (JD) degree and admission to at least one U.S. state bar7 to 12 years of legal experience within private equity, fund formation, and transactional environmentsStrong experience across both fund formation and private equity buyout transactionsPrior in-house experience preferred; candidates from top-tier law firms will also be consideredBackground at leading Am Law firms strongly preferredDemonstrated ability to operate independently and lead complex matters end-to-endCorporate generalist mindset with the ability to support a broad range of legal issuesExposure to healthcare, life sciences, or related sectors is a plusFluency in Mandarin is a plus given the firm’s global footprintStrong interpersonal and leadership capabilities with the potential to grow into a senior leadership role over timeAs a specialist Legal, Risk, and Compliance search and recruitment firm, we are excited to present this opportunity within a collaborative, growth-oriented organization that values mentorship and long-term career development. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on and detail-oriented legal professional to join a global, values-led organization and contribute to shaping their legal function during a period of transformation.If this opportunity aligns with your experience, please apply. Please note that our client is unable to provide relocation for this role. The listed salary range serves as a guide: base salary of $250,000–$400,000 plus an annual bonus and other incentives. The salary offered within that range to the selected candidate will be based on experience, qualifications, and location.