EMEA Funds, Vice President

Job Description

About this role

The role will involve the provision of legal support in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) region to BlackRock’s Private Funds businesses. The role will include a broad range of drafting and advising in respect of the establishment, maintenance and distribution of both open-ended and closed-ended funds, including AIFs, in multiple jurisdictions as well as implementation of regulatory developments that impact the businesses supported. General commercial legal work and specific project work will also be involved. The candidate will work in a team of 13 lawyers in London who form the Private Funds Legal Team within the broader EMEA Legal & Compliance department (which comprises qualified lawyers, compliance professionals and administrative staff).

The individual will be expected to work with a high degree of autonomy and, once familiar with the BlackRock businesses’ structures, operating models and documentation, to work with minimum levels of supervision/review of work produced. The candidate will be expected to take on a complete workload as soon as possible after joining and partner closely with the relevant businesses they support. The ability to start as soon as possible would also be advantageous.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft, assist and negotiate fund documentation and service provider agreements for AIFs domiciled across the UK, Ireland, Luxembourg, France and the Cayman Islands;
• Acquire and develop knowledge of legal and regulatory issues concerning the establishment and distribution of the relevant funds within EMEA;
• Identify, address and manage legal risk arising within the respective businesses supported, and BlackRock more generally;
• Provide proactive legal support to the EMEA businesses supported (including sales, marketing, product and strategy) and practical guidance concerning related activities outside the UK (including in the US, Asia and other regions working in conjunction with colleagues in such locations);
• Provide strategic advice on legal and regulatory parameters for European product launches and sales and marketing initiatives;
• Interpret regulations to help the businesses navigate the changing regulatory environment and implement new regulations;
• Liaise with external legal counsel where appropriate on areas of law that impact the business concerned;
• Assist on ad hoc projects (EMEA or firm-wide);
• Identify, analyze, assess and report key legal risk areas pertaining to the funds and their distribution channels;
• Work closely and coordinate with other members of the EMEA and broader Global Legal and Compliance teams;
• Manage and document internal know-how and other material for ease of access by colleagues and successors;
• Develop and actively manage internal client relationships within the EMEA businesses supported, other internal stakeholders and with external advisors; and
• Report to the boards of relevant AIFM, General Partner or fund companies from time to time on specific initiatives requiring board approval.

Development Value:

• The candidate will (i) gain extensive and significant knowledge and experience of a variety of fund types across multiple jurisdictions, multiple businesses and other support areas, (ii) develop and enhance their skills in drafting, fund structuring, advising and stakeholder relationship management and (iii) work with a wide variety of subject matter experts in the businesses and other support functions in BlackRock.

Knowledge/Experience:

• Relevant post qualification experience gained either in medium/large private practice in financial services work in investment management and/or investment products or in-house in financial services and investment products in Europe.
• 3 to 8 years’ relevant post qualification experience.
• Technical expertise and experience in investment management and funds (particularly AIFMD).
• Solicitor qualified in England and Wales or other jurisdictions.

Competencies:

• Persuasive and influential on a high-performing internal client base in the provision of legal advice;
• Ability to actively manage client expectations;
• Commercial outlook, motivated, personable and attention to detail;
• Ability to clarify tasks and requirements, organise time and manage workload to ensure deadlines are met;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently;
• Ability to work autonomously and manage own work-load but escalate issues where necessary/appropriate;
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the firm in verbal and written form;
• Seeks to understand the businesses, products and processes which are supported;
• Develops solutions to problems, checking where appropriate with senior lawyers;
• Takes ownership of problems/requirements and ensures they are resolved to meet objectives; and
• Rejects shortcuts that could compromise quality of service and follows internal policies and procedures.

Our benefits
To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit careers.blackrock.com | www.blackrock.com/corporate | Instagram: @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.