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.

HarbourVest is seeking a dynamic, collaborative, client service focused Associate Operations Counsel. 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).

• Accountable with sound judgment 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.

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts and NDAs across all departments in the firm (domestic and international) including the following agreements: software/SAAS, cloud services, subscription, market data, engagement letters with auditors/accounting firms, consulting agreements, data protection agreements, agreements related to fund operations, and employment search agreements.
• When the need arises, you will counsel internal clients on contract disputes with vendors and partner with senior leaders to design 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. .
• Identify risks and propose solutions.

• A can-do attitude, as well as excellent interpersonal and client relations skill
• Exceptional research, writing, and counseling skills.
• Experience in negotiating SaaS agreements.

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

• 5+ years of experience post JD at another Financial Services firm and experience negotiating SaaS agreements.