Vice President, Counsel

HarbourVest Partners • Boston, MA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

HarbourVest Partners is seeking a Vice President, Counsel to support its Evergreen fund platform as part of a dynamic, globally coordinated legal team. The role is a central legal partner on fund formation, fundraising, compliance, and investor-related matters across a sophisticated, multi-strategy private markets platform. It advises on structuring and executing Evergreen funds, including funds registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and collaborates with internal partners and external counsel throughout the fundraising lifecycle.

The position supports product development, distribution, and governance of Wealth-focused products in the United States. It advises investment teams, investor relations, and internal control functions; drafts and negotiates fund and disclosure documents, service provider contracts, distribution agreements, and management company contracts; and analyzes the effects of changing U.S. laws and regulations on the company and its funds. The role also works closely with external counsel, collaborates with Legal and Compliance colleagues, and mentors internal partners developing and implementing new product offerings.

This is a hybrid position. Employees receive 18 remote workdays per quarter at their discretion, subject to manager approval. The base salary range is $260,000–$275,000, with eligibility for a discretionary annual bonus and potentially long-term reward programs. The company describes a comprehensive total rewards package that may include retirement contributions, health insurance, income protection, paid time off and leave benefits, and well-being programs.

Requirements

• At least 6–10+ years of legal experience gained at a major law firm or through a combination of major law firm and in-house experience.
• Considerable experience and in-depth knowledge of private funds, registered investment companies, and new Evergreen commingled fund formations.
• Knowledge of fund disclosure documentation, offering processes, governance, and U.S. financial regulations.
• Firsthand knowledge of securities laws and regulations applicable to Registered Investment Advisers, Registered Investment Companies, and private fund offerings, including the Investment Adviser Act of 1940, Investment Company Act of 1940, Securities Act of 1933, and Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
• Experience establishing, maintaining, and overseeing private equity and secondaries funds, including SEC-registered investment companies and Evergreen commingled funds offered to the Wealth channel.
• Experience forming and offering private funds, including negotiating fund-related documents.
• Knowledge of fund investment processes and documentation, including side-by-side investing by Registered Investment Companies alongside private funds and accounts pursuant to a Co-Investment Exemptive Application.
• Ability to understand business strategy and provide practical legal advice, including thoughtful risk assessment, creative problem-solving, and broad legal and commercial guidance that advances business objectives while ensuring compliance.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to explain sophisticated technical and legal issues in everyday terms.
• Strategic problem-solving skills and a cross-functional perspective.
• Proactive, upbeat, and self-assured approach; high personal integrity; and ability to develop relationships with collaborators.
• Passion for the firm's mission and diverse, inclusive culture.

Nice To Haves

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent experience (listed as preferred).

Responsibilities

• Support the development, distribution, and governance of Wealth-focused products in the United States.
• Advise investment teams, investor relations, and internal control functions across aspects of the company's business.
• Provide counsel on the structuring and execution of Evergreen funds, including registered investment companies.
• Support fund formation, fundraising, investor negotiations, and governance matters.
• Draft and negotiate fund and disclosure documents, service provider contracts, distribution agreements, and management company contracts.
• Work closely with and oversee external counsel.
• Collaborate proactively with Legal and Compliance colleagues.
• Analyze the effects of changing U.S. laws, rules, and regulations on the company and its funds.
• Mentor internal partners on developing and implementing new product offerings.
• Use sound judgment to elevate matters to the SVP, Registered Funds Counsel, and other senior executives as appropriate.
• Perform other responsibilities as required.

Benefits

• Discretionary annual bonus based on individual and overall firm performance.
• Potential participation in long-term reward programs, typically for more senior-level roles.
• Retirement contributions.
• Health insurance.
• Income protection.
• Paid time off and leave benefits.
• Well-being programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed