We are seeking an experienced and strategic General Counsel – Private Funds to lead legal oversight for our private investment platforms, including real estate and other alternative investment strategies. This role serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and investment teams, providing practical, business-oriented legal guidance across fund formation, fundraising, investments, operations, and regulatory matters.
The ideal candidate brings deep experience supporting private funds and real estate or other real asset investments, strong judgment, and the ability to partner effectively with stakeholders across the organization.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead and oversee legal aspects of private fund formation, including limited partnerships, joint ventures, co-investments, and separate accounts.
- Support funds investing across real estate and other alternative asset classes.
- Advise on fund governance, offering materials, side letters, and investor negotiations.
- Partner with external counsel to manage documentation efficiently and cost-effectively.
- Support fundraising initiatives by advising on legal, regulatory, and disclosure considerations.
- Review and negotiate investor-related agreements and side letters.
- Provide guidance on ongoing investor communications and compliance obligations.
- Advise investment teams on legal aspects of real estate and alternative investment transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, financings, restructurings, and joint ventures.
- Identify and manage legal risks associated with investment strategies and structures.
- Coordinate with internal teams and outside counsel on transaction execution.
- Provide legal guidance on applicable securities laws, investment adviser regulations, and other regulatory frameworks.
- Partner with compliance and risk teams to support regulatory filings, examinations, and internal controls.
- Monitor evolving regulatory requirements impacting private funds and alternative investments.
- Serve as a key legal advisor to senior management and business leaders.
- Collaborate closely with finance, tax, compliance, asset management, and operations teams.
- Contribute to the development of scalable legal processes and best practices.
- Mentor and support junior legal team members, as applicable.
Fund Formation & Structuring
Fundraising & Investor Relations Support
Investment & Transactional Support
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight
Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: (including certification, licenses, etc.)
- JD from an accredited law school required.
- 5+ years of relevant experience in a big law or in-house experience within an investment management or financial services organization.
- Strong knowledge of private fund structures, securities laws, and investment-related transactions.
ABOUT YOU:
- Demonstrated ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience supporting real assets, private equity, credit, or infrastructure investment strategies.
- Familiarity with complex, multi-entity or multi-strategy investment platforms.
At CIM, we believe our success stems from our collective efforts, and we are committed to providing well-rounded support and resources for our employees. In addition to a competitive compensation plan, CIM offers a comprehensive benefits program for employees to thrive both inside and outside of work. Eligible employees can enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:
- A variety of Medical, dental, and vision benefit plans
- Health Savings Account with a generous employer contribution
- Company paid life and disability insurance
- 401(k) savings plan, with company match
- Comprehensive paid time off, including: vacation days, 10 designated holidays, sick time, and bereavement leave
- Up to 16 hours of volunteer time off
- Up to 16 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
- Ongoing professional development programs
- Wellness program, including monthly and quarterly prizes
- And more!
Skills Required
- JD from an accredited law school
- 5+ years relevant experience in investment management or financial services organization
- Strong knowledge of private fund structures, securities laws, and investment-related transactions
What We Do
CIM is a community-focused real estate and infrastructure owner, operator, lender and developer. Our in-house team of experts works together to identify and create value in real assets, benefiting the communities in which we invest. Back in 1994, our three founders focused on projects in Southern California neighborhoods. Today, we’re a diverse team of more than 990 employees with projects across the Americas. Our projects have delivered jobs; created comfortable places to live, work and relax; and provided necessary and sustainable infrastructure. Our focus on enhancing communities is unwavering, and we’re striving to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
