Senior Legal Counsel

Senior Legal Counsel / Legal Director – Venture Capital & Private Equity

Qualified solicitor or attorney (England & Wales preferred; other common‑law jurisdictions considered). 7–15 years post‑qualification experience (PQE). Background in venture capital, growth equity, private equity, M&A or investment‑fund work gained at a Magic Circle or leading international law firm, an investment fund, a venture‑capital platform, a private‑equity house or a family office. Demonstrated ability to negotiate complex cross‑border transactions, draft shareholders' agreements, subscription agreements, share purchase agreements and convertible instruments. Commercial mindset and comfort working alongside investment professionals. Exposure to ADGM or DIFC structures is advantageous but not essential.

Why the Everet Marsh Senior Legal Counsel Role Is a Career‑Defining Move for VC & PE Lawyers

In the fast‑evolving landscape of venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Senior Legal Counsel / Legal Director position at Everet Marsh stands out as a rare blend of high‑impact legal work and strategic investment exposure. For lawyers who have spent years mastering deal‑craft at top‑tier firms, this role offers a direct seat at the table where capital is allocated, portfolios are built, and exits are engineered. Below, we unpack the strategic advantages of the role, the skill set it demands, and a step‑by‑step roadmap to position yourself as the ideal candidate.

Strategic Leverage: From Advisory to Decision‑Making

Most in‑house legal positions are confined to compliance check‑lists and contract reviews. Everet Marsh, however, partners with one of the Middle East’s leading venture‑capital platforms, meaning the counsel will shape investment theses, influence fund structuring, and advise senior partners on exit strategies. This shift from a purely advisory posture to a decision‑making partner accelerates career growth and dramatically expands your professional network.

"Working side‑by‑side with investors forces a lawyer to think like a capital allocator, not just a contract drafter. That mindset is priceless for future C‑suite ambitions." – Senior Partner, International Law Firm

Core Responsibilities That Build a Portfolio of Wins

• Deal Execution: Lead the legal side of VC, growth‑equity and PE transactions, from term‑sheet negotiation to closing.
• Document Drafting: Own the creation of Shareholders' Agreements, Subscription Agreements, Share Purchase Agreements, convertible instruments and ancillary documents.
• Fund Structuring: Advise on the formation of funds under ADGM, DIFC or other offshore regimes, ensuring tax efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Cross‑Border M&A: Support complex international mergers, joint ventures and financing rounds, navigating multiple jurisdictions.
• Portfolio Governance: Provide ongoing counsel to portfolio companies on corporate governance, compliance and strategic transactions.
• External Counsel Management: Coordinate with boutique firms across Europe, Asia and the Middle East to ensure seamless execution.

Eligibility Checklist: Do You Tick All the Boxes?

Everet Marsh is looking for a seasoned professional with a blend of technical expertise and commercial acumen. Below is a quick self‑assessment you can use before you hit “Apply”.

• Qualified solicitor/attorney (England & Wales preferred).
• 7–15 years PQE, with a track record of senior‑level responsibility.
• Experience at a Magic Circle or comparable international firm, or within an investment fund/VC platform.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate and close cross‑border deals.
• Commercial mindset – you can translate legal risk into business opportunity.
• Exposure to ADGM or DIFC structures (nice‑to‑have, not mandatory).

Preparing for the Interview: From Technical Drill‑Down to Strategic Vision

Interviewers will probe both your legal expertise and your ability to think like an investor. Prepare using the following framework:

• Technical Mastery: Review recent GCC‑specific regulations (e.g., DIFC Companies Law, ADGM Financial Services Regulations). Be ready to discuss how you would structure a fund to comply with these regimes.
• Deal‑Storytelling: Pick two to three deals from your past and narrate them as a story—problem, legal solution, business impact.
• Strategic Insight: Research Everet Marsh’s portfolio companies and propose a legal risk mitigation plan for a hypothetical expansion into Southeast Asia.
• Culture Fit: Emphasize your collaborative style, experience managing external counsel, and commitment to diversity and inclusion (the firm’s stated values).

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