AVP, Counsel (Opportunistic Credit, Private Equity and U.S. Liquid Credit)

Ares Management Corporation•Los Angeles, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Ares is looking to an attorney as an [Associate Vice President, Counsel] to the Investment Legal team in Los Angeles covering Ares’ Opportunistic Credit, Private Equity and U.S. Liquid Credit investment strategies (the “OPEL Legal Team”) as well as Ares’ Alternative Credit business. The Counsel will primarily focus on assisting with Ares’ Opportunistic Credit and U.S. Liquid Credit investment strategies, together with Ares’ Alternative Credit business, while also providing support for Ares’ Private Equity strategy as needed. The position will be based in Century City, CA and report to the Lead Investment Legal Attorney for the OPEL Legal Team. The Ares Opportunistic Credit strategy seeks to invest in middle market companies that need flexible capital solutions, primarily in the form of debt and preferred equity and to a lesser extent, common equity. The strategy seeks to consistently invest in private market opportunities and, when deemed attractive, flex into stressed public markets, often seeking to leverage a public investment into a private follow-on opportunity. The Ares Global Liquid Credit Group is a leading participant in the non-investment grade corporate credit markets. The group’s strategies include syndicated loans, high yield bonds, and multi-asset credit as well as CLOs. The Ares Private Equity flagship corporate opportunities strategy pursues investments in growth-oriented middle market companies in North America and Europe. Alternative Credit is an asset-based finance (“ABF”) and tactical asset investing strategy spanning directly originated private illiquid and syndicated investment grade markets focusing on investments in large, diversified portfolios of contractual cash flows that benefit from asset security, covenants, cash flow velocity and other features designed to capture value, minimize risk to principal, and offer the potential for attractive levels of current income, low correlation to traditional markets, portfolio diversification and downside protection. Ares is a flat, flexible and dynamic organization. The firm fosters a culture of collaboration, entrepreneurialism, integrity and partnership, both internally amongst colleagues and externally amongst clients and other stakeholders. The Ares team operates with a growth mindset, communicates transparently and cultivates a high-performance and results-oriented environment.

Requirements

a JD with a strong academic background
California Bar membership or ability to qualify as a registered in-house counsel in California
3-5+ years of relevant experience at a top-tier law firm and/or in-house, primarily with respect to debt and preferred equity investments (experience with restructurings, securitizations and/or M&A and equity investments is also appreciated)
is comfortable functioning as a generalist, has a growth mindset and seeks to learn and broaden/develop their skills
is a proficient issue spotter who sees through complexity and is a creative problem-solver
can thoughtfully balance the legal and commercial aspects of an issue
has excellent interpersonal/written and verbal communication skills, translating into an ability to concisely and persuasively convey information to and interact well with a variety of personalities
is a “doer” who can execute with a high degree of attention to detail
is a self-starter who can balance/prioritize multiple tasks with competing and shifting priorities
has excellent organizational skills and can follow through on long-term projects
is comfortable drafting a variety of agreements/provisions
is a team player and willing to help mentor junior team members
possesses strong integrity and professionalism

Nice To Haves

experience with restructurings, securitizations and/or M&A and equity investments is also appreciated
Investment management industry experience is appreciated but not required.

Responsibilities

Advising investment and non-investment professionals and/or supervising outside counsel on a wide range of legal matters relating to new investments (primarily debt and preferred equity investments) and existing portfolio companies primarily for the identified investment strategies, whether responding to inquiries or proactively issue spotting.
deal documentation regarding new debt and equity investments, including commitment letters and associated documents
workouts and restructurings, including support agreements and associated documents
ad hoc lender group matters
CLO and ABF securitization matters
securities laws filings and analysis
regulatory filings for new investments (including merger control and foreign direct investment filings)
conflicts management
navigating contractual restrictions, including in fund governing documents
entity management
Assisting with the “hands-on” completion of document workflow (e.g., reviewing, revising and/or negotiating NDAs, engagement letters, consulting agreements, capital call and distribution notices and various other agreements and disclosure documents).
Assisting with the supervision of two paralegals and a legal coordinator within the OPEL Legal Team.
Assisting with developing and improving the team’s standard forms / precedents and processes.