About the role

Senior Legal Counsel providing strategic legal counsel on investment matters for GMO. Focusing on complex client advisory, intermediary relationships, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary legal advisor on complex institutional client matters, including negotiation of investment management agreements, guidelines, fee arrangements, and bespoke side letters for U.S. and non‑U.S. clients;
Lead legal support for intermediary, model‑delivery, and distribution relationships, negotiating and structuring agreements with registered investment advisers, wirehouses, private banks, and platform partners;
Partner closely with Investment, Client Relationship Management, Business Development, Operations and Product teams to deliver commercially pragmatic, risk‑aware legal advice that supports asset growth and client retention;
Lead analysis and governance of fee arrangements, “Most Favored Nation” analysis, and affiliation rules to ensure regulatory compliance and risk mitigation; and
Review and provide final legal sign‑off on RFP responses, due diligence questionnaires, and client‑facing disclosures.

JD with a minimum of 5-10 years legal experience.
Experience advising asset managers, investment advisers, or financial services firms on client, fund, and distribution matters. Prior in-house experience preferred.
Exceptional negotiation skills, with particular expertise in complex investment agreements, side letters, and intermediary arrangements, and ability to balance commercial objectives and regulatory obligations.
Strong working knowledge of the Investment Advisers Act, as well as other U.S. and international regulatory frameworks applicable to asset management and distribution.
Proven ability to operate independently while serving as a senior advisor to cross‑functional stakeholders.
Excellent communication skills (oral and written).
Excellent listening skills.
Analytical clarity and creativity.
Lateral thinking and communication.
Practical solutions in the face of business tradeoffs.
Enthusiastic.
Strong organizational skills – ability to take responsibility for and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to consistently demonstrate sound judgment and the highest level of ethics and integrity.
Strong financial product development experience and knowledge.
Demonstrated ability to mentor others.
Knowledge of tax related concepts helpful but not required.
Love of the law and intellectual curiosity.
Tenacious with the ability to move quickly and follow through on commitments.
Strong work ethic and the ability to hold yourself and others to the highest standards.