Company Description
Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM), together with its investment advisory affiliates, has more than 1,400 investment professionals in 24 countries around the world and $1.9 trillion in assets under management or supervision as of December 31, 2025. MSIM strives to provide strong long-term investment performance, outstanding service, and a comprehensive suite of investment management solutions to a diverse client base, which includes governments, institutions, corporations and individuals worldwide. As part of an integrated global financial services firm, MSIM is a truly global business with a broad offering from active fixed income and equities to alternatives and customized solutions.
Group Description
MSIM's legal team works closely with our business partners to provide well-reasoned, concise legal, regulatory, and strategic advice on current, proposed or anticipated business activities of MSIM across its equities, fixed income & liquidity, alternative investments and solutions & multi-assets businesses to execute business objectives while managing legal, regulatory and franchise risks. MSIM lawyers are proud of their reputation as problem solvers who collaborate across areas and regions to deliver powerful results.
Position Summary
MSIM legal is seeking to hire a lawyer in New York to provide legal coverage for Morgan Stanley's private equity investment fund business in the Americas in coordination with Morgan Stanley colleagues in Europe and Asia. The attorney will report to the Americas Head of Legal for MSIM's Private Credit & Equity and Real Assets businesses, and act as primary coverage attorney for certain private equity fund families, interacting with senior management and a global team of legal professionals supporting the private equity business worldwide while working closely with other Morgan Stanley legal and compliance professionals.
Primary Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities will include advising investment professionals and directing outside counsel in connection with fundraising and marketing activities, as well as compliance requirements arising from various regulatory and internal policy obligations. Specific responsibilities include:
•Providing coverage for legal aspects of fund structuring, fund formation and fund governance for complex private fund structures
•Coordinating with internal teams and external counsel on fund structuring, offering documents and key fund agreements
•Primary legal support for capital raising & investor relations function for dedicated business
•Review of marketing materials, investor presentations and RFPs/DDQ in connection with fund raising
•Assisting in negotiating investor side letters and managing the fund closing process
•Advising on ongoing fund operations, including working closely with fund COOs
•Providing periodic support for investment transactions, working with investment teams and external counsel
•Advising on the development and execution of internal policies and procedures
•Advising on legal obligations arising in connection with corporate governance, investor relations, fund raising and investing
•Advising on changes in law, new regulatory initiatives and changing market practices for private funds
•Collaborating with other attorneys within Morgan Stanley's Legal and Compliance Division on a wide range of legal matters related to the investment management industry
Requirements
•A J.D. from a nationally recognized law school with bar admission
•7+ years of experience at a major US law firm with a leading funds group or in-house investment bank or investment management firm
•Experience with private equity, private credit, funds of funds and/or real estate and/or private investment funds that invest and raise capital on global basis
•Experience with the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, the Securities Act of 1933, Regulation D, ERISA, AIFMD and FINRA Rules
•Impeccable ethics and strong judgment
•Exceptional oral and written communication skills with the ability and experience to draft clear and professional correspondence, policies and procedures
•Assertive, enthusiastic, and driven to succeed, while remaining tactful and diplomatic
•Proven skills in negotiating, influencing and collaborating with others in the decision-making process across all levels of the organization
•Ability to work well within a small and geographically dispersed team and collaborate with internal groups and individuals at all levels of an organization
Compensation
Expected base pay rates for the role will be between $120,000 and $210,000 per year at the commencement of employment. However, base pay if hired will be determined on an individualized basis and is only part of the total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, incentive compensation, discretionary bonuses, other short and long-term incentive packages, and other Morgan Stanley sponsored benefit programs.
