Legal Counsel at Schroders in Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

About Schroders Group

Schroders is a leading provider of active asset management, advisory and wealth management services and is widely recognised as a leader in sustainability. Few investment managers can match the combination of capabilities and global reach that Schroders offers. This breadth of services across public and private markets allows for distinctive solutions for the diverse needs of clients, who look to Schroders to provide superior long-term investment outcomes.

Schroders Capital

Schroders Capital is the private markets business of Schroders with $112bn of AUM. We work as a global network of specialised, entrepreneurial teams. We combine a global perspective with local market expertise to serve institutional and private wealth clients. Our offering spans the private markets universe and provides access to unique capabilities across private debt and credit alternatives, real estate equity, private equity, and infrastructure equity.

The firm has deep expertise in creating bespoke solutions for institutional clients and is committed to providing scalable capabilities across the spectrum of risk, return and sustainability and impact objectives.

Supported by the resources, experience, and institutional framework of one of the world’s leading asset managers, Schroders Capital is dedicated to helping investors achieve their goals and is at the forefront of product innovation to meet the evolving needs of investors.

We see our role as being a driver of positive change drawing on deep skills to select, acquire, and improve the assets we own.

The team

Based in Zurich, you will be part of the legal team supporting the Schroders Capital Private Equity business. The team, which is located in Zurich, London, Jersey, Luxembourg and Shanghai, is part of the larger Schroders Capital and Schroders Group Legal team supporting the strategic growth of the business, and identifying, managing and reporting legal risks.

Working as part of the Legal Team, you will manage all legal aspects of the private equity fund and mandate structuring process and adjacent corporate and contractual matters.

What you'll do

• Lead and project managing the legal workstreams of new funds and mandate launches for the Schroders Capital Private Equity business, mainly for German speaking clients
• Partner with the Private Equity Product Management team to contribute to product innovation and work alongside internal Client Group, Tax and Fund Operations teams to identify appropriate fund and mandate structures and outline product terms
• Lead structuring discussions and legal negotiations with investors
• Other ancillary tasks such drafting or reviewing term sheets, engagement letters, etc.
• Participate in internal project working groups and coordinate with further functional teams within Schroders Capital Private Equity and the wider Schroders group, such as Compliance, Risk Management, Client Group, Fund Operations, Finance and Treasury
• Foster strong relationships with external legal counsel and manage external legal advisors and other service providers efficiently
• Act as legal key collaborator and manage relationships with the Private Equity business globally

The knowledge, experience and qualifications you need

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in law from university and bar admission in Switzerland or Germany
• Minimum of 6 years relevant proven experience, gained in private equity / private assets funds formation team in a leading law firm or in-house within the private equity industry
• Deep technical expertise with a range of private equity funds and mandates (including Luxembourg and German structures)
• Solid legal and regulatory knowledge in relation to EU and Swiss regulatory frameworks applicable to private fund managers and products

What you'll be like

• A flexible, adaptable and collaborative standout colleague with a positive and “can do” attitude;
• Creative and prepared to think creatively; willing to take the initiative and to present solutions rather than problems;
• Thrives under pressure while maintaining a high level of personal and professional integrity;
• Clear desire and ambition for success, comfortable making decisions and prepared to make the personal commitment to ensure success;
• Commercially minded individual with excellent analytical, interpersonal and project management skills to manage multiple projects at any one time
• Able to bridge cultural boundaries and generate confidence and loyalty with colleagues and clients;
• Highly collaborative team player;
• Excellent written and verbal communication. Proficiency in any other European language is a plus.

We recognise potential, whoever you are

Our purpose is to provide excellent investment performance to clients through active management. Diversity of thought, facilitated by an inclusive culture, will allow us to make better decisions and better achieve our purpose. This is why inclusion and diversity are a strategic priority for us and why we are an equal opportunities employer. You are welcome here, regardless of your age, disability, gender identity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, or any other protected characteristic.

About the Company

We're a global investment manager. We help institutions, intermediaries and individuals around the world invest money to meet their goals, fulfil their ambitions, and prepare for the future.

We have around 6,000 people on six continents. And we've been around for over 200 years, but keep adapting as society and technology changes. What doesn't change is our commitment to helping our clients, and society, prosper.