Associate Operations Counsel

Job Description Summary

For over forty years, HarbourVest has been home to a committed team of professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to deliver impactful solutions to our clients and investing partners. As our global firm grows, we continue to add individuals who seek a collaborative, open-door culture that values diversity and innovative thinking.

In our collegial environment that’s marked by low turnover and high energy, you’ll be inspired to grow and thrive. Here, you will be encouraged to build on your strengths and acquire new skills and experiences.

We are committed to fostering an environment of inclusion that promotes mutual respect among all employees. Understanding and valuing these differences optimizes the potential of both the individual and the firm.

HarbourVest is an equal opportunity employer.

This position will be a hybrid work arrangement, which translates to 2-3 days minimum per week in the office.

As the Associate Operations Counsel, you will be expected to be a skilled lawyer with expertise in negotiating commercial contracts. You will also advise on general corporate matters as they arise which may include privacy, security, governance and secondary fund transfers (training will be provided for secondary fund work).

The ideal candidate is someone who is:

• Accountable with critical thinking abilities and the ability to take ownership of an issue and provide concise and timely advice to the business units.
• Able to independently draft, negotiate and close contracts.
• Able to explain legal concepts to business colleagues and communicate effectively with internal and external parties.

What you will do:

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts and NDAs across all departments in the firm (domestic and international) including: SaaS agreements, cloud services agreements, market data agreements, engagement letters with auditors/accounting firms, consulting agreements, data protection agreements, agreements related to fund operations, hotel and sponsorship agreements and employment search agreements.
• When the need arises, you will counsel internal clients on contract disputes with vendors and partner with senior leaders to craft solutions and settlements.
• Learn and understand the risk tolerance of each function in the firm, and build and store standard contract terms to reflect the needs of each department. Work with the business units to create standard contract templates and playbooks.
• Identify and evaluate legal and business risks associated with commercial contracts and develop strategies to mitigate those risks. Contribute to important and highly visible policy initiatives as well as operational matters and oversee certain high profile vendor relationships.
• Advise on general corporate matters, including privacy. Contribute to legal projects across the firm that may be unrelated to commercial contracts.

What you bring:

• A can-do attitude, as well as excellent interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional research, writing, and counseling skills.
• Attention to detail and strong writing, speaking and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in negotiating SaaS agreements.
• Experience with market data agreements is a plus.

Education Preferred

• Juris Doctor (JD) and licensed to practice law in Massachusetts.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience post JD at another financial services firm or technology firm.

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