VP, Counsel

PIMCO•Newport Beach, CA

About The Position

PIMCO is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Vice President, Counsel – Legal Funds to join their collaborative and high-performing Legal team. In this impactful role, the individual will work closely with attorneys and paralegals, taking primary responsibility for providing comprehensive legal support for PIMCO’s U.S. registered funds platform, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, ETFs, and collective investment trusts. Responsibilities include the review, drafting, and negotiation of a broad range of fund-related agreements, such as intermediary and fund participation agreements, ETF authorized participant agreements, and contracts with key service providers. The Counsel will act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders across the firm, including the Funds Business Group, Compliance, Global Wealth Management, Account Management, and Product Strategy, providing clear, practical legal guidance on regulatory, operational, and governance matters impacting fund operations and distribution. The role also involves preparing and reviewing materials for Board meetings and supporting broader legal and regulatory initiatives. This opportunity is for a proactive, commercially minded attorney to deepen their registered funds expertise and grow within a global investment manager committed to excellence.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a leading law school with strong academic performance.
Approximately 4–8 years of relevant experience supporting U.S. registered funds—ideally at a top-tier law firm or in-house at an asset manager.
Strong technical knowledge of open-end funds, closed-end funds, ETFs, and collective investment trusts.
Active Bar membership in any U.S. state and solid expertise in securities laws governing registered funds, including the Investment Company Act of 1940 and related SEC filing requirements.
Analytical and solutions-oriented mindset, with the ability to interpret complex issues and provide commercially practical advice.
High integrity and sound judgment, demonstrated through reliable, collaborative partnerships.
Self-starter with strong ownership, comfortable navigating a fast-paced environment and managing competing priorities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders.
Organized and team-oriented, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues across levels and functions.

Nice To Haves

Working familiarity with the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933, and ERISA is beneficial.

Responsibilities

Provide legal support for PIMCO’s U.S. registered funds and collective investment trusts, ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements throughout the fund lifecycle.
Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements related to fund distribution, service providers, platform relationships, operations, and ETFs.
Advise internal stakeholders on complex legal, regulatory, structural, and operational considerations affecting fund operations, disclosure, and compliance.
Prepare and refine Board materials, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with governance and regulatory expectations.
Identify and help mitigate legal and regulatory risks, escalating issues appropriately and offering thoughtful, solutions-oriented guidance.
Partner cross-functionally with investment, product, operations, compliance, and distribution teams to support new product initiatives and evolving business strategies.