What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Counsel position at PeopleLift?
About our client
Our client is a premier private investment firm specializing in private credit, private equity, and real estate in the San Juan area. They are seeking a highly experienced and strategic General Counsel to lead our legal function, provide expert guidance on complex transactions, and ensure robust corporate governance. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic leadership team and drive the legal strategy for a high-growth investment platform.
Position Summary
The General Counsel will serve as the primary legal advisor to the firm’s principals and stakeholders. You will be responsible for overseeing the legal execution of investment transactions, managing risk, ensuring regulatory compliance, and coordinating with external counsel. The ideal candidate is a business-minded attorney with deep expertise in transactional law, entity structuring, and investment operations.
Key Responsibilities
Investment & Transactional Legal Support
Private Credit: Draft, review, and negotiate comprehensive documentation for private credit transactions, including loan agreements, security instruments, intercreditor agreements, and amendments.
Private Equity: Lead the legal review and execution of private equity deals, managing purchase agreements, shareholder agreements, operating agreements, and the analysis of diligence findings.
Real Estate: Oversee all legal aspects of the firm’s real estate portfolio, including acquisitions, financings, leasing, development agreements, and asset dispositions.
Structuring: Evaluate and structure complex investment vehicles, joint ventures, and co-investment structures to maximize efficiency and protection.
Due Diligence: Coordinate and lead diligence efforts across legal, regulatory, tax, operational, and financial workstreams.
Corporate Governance & Risk Management
Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to applicable federal and state laws, including securities, lending regulations, real estate, employment, and tax laws.
Entity Management: Maintain corporate entity records, governance documents, minutes, resolutions, and complex ownership structures.
Strategic Advisory: Advise principals on entity formation, restructuring, and jurisdictional considerations.
Risk Mitigation: Develop and implement internal policies to manage regulatory risks; assess potential liabilities and recommend strategies to mitigate exposure across all business lines.
Operational Leadership
External Management: Manage relationships with outside counsel, supervising litigation, regulatory, and transactional specialists to ensure cost-effective and high-quality support.
Commercial Contracts: Review and negotiate vendor agreements, service contracts, consultant relationships, NDAs, and engagement letters to protect the firm’s interests.
Strategy: Participate actively in strategic planning and contribute to long-term business initiatives and growth.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Credentials
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school is required.
Must possess an active license to practice law in good standing in Puerto Rico.
Experience
8–15 years of legal experience with a strong focus on private credit, private equity, real estate transactions, or a combination thereof.
Prior experience in at least one of the following environments is required:
A top-tier law firm.
A private investment firm, family office, asset manager, or private credit fund.
A real estate investment or development firm.
Proven track record of negotiating complex financial and corporate transactions independently.
Demonstrated experience managing external counsel and coordinating multidisciplinary deal teams.
Technical Competencies
Deep understanding of securities laws, lending regulations, entity structuring, and investment documentation.
Strong command of transactional law, including title review, land-use considerations, and financing structures.
Expertise in corporate governance, compliance frameworks, and regulatory reporting.
Ability to interpret and draft complex legal agreements with precision, clarity, and commercial awareness.
Compensation & Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation package designed to attract top-tier talent.
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Health Care Plan effective from Day 1 of employment.
Time Off: Generous paid time off including 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 16 observed holidays per year.
Financial Future: 401(k) retirement plan.
Incentives: Annual performance plan/bonus structure.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Our client is an EEOC Employer and encourages all minority groups to apply.
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