VP, Counsel

PIMCO•Newport Beach, CA

About The Position

PIMCO is a global leader in active fixed income with deep expertise across public and private markets. We invest our clients’ capital across a range of fixed income and credit opportunities, leveraging our decades of experience navigating complex debt markets. Our flexible capital base and deep relationships with issuers have helped us become one of the world’s largest providers of traditional and nontraditional solutions for companies that need financing and investors who seek strong risk-adjusted returns. Since 1971, our people have shaped our organization through a high-performance inclusive culture, in which we celebrate diverse thinking. We invest in our people and strive to imprint our CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Responsibility and Excellence. We believe each of us is here to help others succeed and this has led to PIMCO being recognized as an innovator, industry thought leader and trusted advisor to our clients. Position Overview PIMCO is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Vice President, Counsel – Legal Funds to join our collaborative and high‑performing Legal team. In this impactful role, you will work closely with attorneys and paralegals to provide comprehensive legal support for PIMCO’s U.S. registered funds platform—including open‑end funds, closed‑end funds, ETFs, and collective investment trusts. You will take ownership of reviewing, drafting, and negotiating a broad range of fund‑related agreements, such as intermediary and fund participation agreements, ETF authorized participant agreements, and contracts with key service providers. As a trusted advisor to stakeholders across the firm—including the Funds Business Group, Compliance, Global Wealth Management, Account Management, and Product Strategy—you will provide strategic legal guidance on regulatory, operational, and governance matters. The role also includes preparing and reviewing materials for Board meetings and supporting broader legal and regulatory initiatives with precision and sound judgment. This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive, commercially minded attorney to 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.
Working familiarity with the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933, and ERISA is beneficial.
Analytical and solutions‑oriented mindset, with the ability to interpret complex issues and develop commercially practical guidance.
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.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex concepts and influence senior 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 adherence to relevant regulatory requirements.
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 compliance with governance expectations.
Identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risks, escalating issues when needed and offering thoughtful, practical solutions.
Partner cross‑functionally with investment, product, operations, compliance, and distribution teams to support new product initiatives and evolving business strategies.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Life insurance and travel coverage
401(k) (defined contribution) retirement savings, retirement plan, pension contribution from your first day of employment
Work/life programs such as flexible work arrangements, parental leave and support, employee assistance plan, commuter benefits, health club discounts, and educational/CFA certification reimbursement programs
Community involvement opportunities with The PIMCO Foundation in each PIMCO office
PIMCO follows a total compensation approach when rewarding employees which includes a base salary and a discretionary bonus.
Base salary is the fixed component of compensation that is determined by core job responsibilities, relevant experience, internal level, and market factors.
The discretionary bonus is used to award performance and therefore is determined by company, business, team, and individual performance.

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