Vice President, Counsel

HarbourVest Partners • Boston, MA

4d • $260,000 - $275,000 • 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 advises on fund formation, fundraising, compliance, and investor-related matters across a sophisticated, multi-strategy private markets platform. It serves as a key legal partner on the structuring and execution of 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 across the fundraising lifecycle, including formation, investor negotiations, and governance.

The position supports development, distribution, and governance of U.S. Wealth-focused products and advises investment teams, investor relations, and internal control functions. It drafts and negotiates fund and disclosure documents, service-provider contracts, distribution agreements, and management-company contracts; oversees external counsel; monitors changes in U.S. laws and regulations; and helps internal partners develop and implement new offerings. The role is hybrid, with 18 remote workdays per quarter available at the employee’s discretion subject to manager approval.

HarbourVest describes its culture as collaborative, open-door, diverse, inclusive, and supportive of professional growth. The company is an equal opportunity employer. The role offers a base salary range of $260,000–$275,000, eligibility for a discretionary annual bonus, and a total rewards package that may include retirement contributions, health insurance, income protection, paid time off and leave benefits, and well-being programs. Eligibility for some compensation and benefits varies by position and geography.

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, disclosure documentation, offering processes, governance, and U.S. financial regulations.
• Knowledge of securities laws and regulations applicable to Registered Investment Advisers, Registered Investment Companies, and private fund offerings, including the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Investment Company Act of 1940, Securities Act of 1933, and Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
• Experience assisting with the establishment, maintenance, and oversight of 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.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to explain sophisticated technical and legal issues in accessible terms.
• Ability to understand business strategy and provide practical legal advice, thoughtful risk assessment, creative problem-solving, and broad legal and commercial guidance while advancing business objectives and ensuring compliance.
• Strategic, cross-functional problem-solving ability and a proactive, collaborative approach.
• High personal integrity and ability to build relationships with collaborators.
• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent experience is preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Validated experience of 6–10+ years.
• Passion for the firm’s mission and diverse, inclusive culture.

Responsibilities

• Support product development, distribution, and governance of U.S. Wealth-focused products.
• Advise investment teams, investor relations, and internal control functions across the company’s business.
• Escalate matters to the SVP, Registered Funds Counsel, and other senior executives as appropriate.
• Draft and negotiate fund and disclosure documents, service-provider contracts, distribution agreements, and management-company contracts.
• Work closely with and oversee external counsel.
• Collaborate daily with Legal and Compliance colleagues.
• Analyze the effects of changes in U.S. laws, rules, and regulations on the company and its funds.
• Mentor internal partners on the development and implementation of new product offerings.
• 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