Job Description

Position Overview:

We are seeking experienced general counsel for a high-net-worth family office located in Irvine, California.

As General Counsel, you will oversee the family office's various legal needs, offering counsel and guidance on a myriad of subjects ranging from real estate & distressed debt transactions, trust & estate planning, tax planning, general corporate work, insurance review, philanthropic matters, and many others. You will be integral to (i) the family's trust and estate planning strategies, (ii) ensuring the most tax-efficient structures are in place for all investments, and (iii) leading legal due diligence for investments, especially with respect to real estate and distressed debt. You will be required to work closely with the principals of the family office and external advisors, including CPAs, outside legal counsel, and a variety of other professionals, while advising the family on best practices for governance, compliance and risk mitigation across the portfolio.

This is an opportunity to advise and work with a proven and tight-knit team on top-tier investments across multiple industries.

The family office is offering competitive compensation and benefits (including bonus and profits interests), and an opportunity to work in one of the most beautiful office environments in all of Orange County. The office boasts a state of the art gym, daily gourmet meals by a private chef, and secure onsite parking (with courtesy electric charging stations).

Primary Responsibilities:

• Negotiate, draft, and review complex investment agreements, joint ventures, and related legal documents.
• Oversee and work with outside counsel on all aspects of trust and estate planning, including the creation and administration of trusts/wills and other estate planning and wealth transfer vehicles.
• Advise on intergenerational wealth transfer strategies, tax minimization, and family governance structures.
• Provide counsel on minimizing tax exposure and developing tax-efficient structures for the family's investments.
• Lead the family office's legal due diligence and structuring for investments, with a focus on real estate and distressed debt transactions.
• Collaborate with external tax advisors and legal counsel to optimize tax strategies and ensure compliance.
• Provide strategic legal guidance on corporate governance, including family business policies and entity structures.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks across the family's investments and holdings.
• Address and manage legal aspects of potential disputes, ensuring timely and efficient resolution. Engage outside legal counsel where necessary.
• Conduct legal research using tools such as Westlaw.
• Assist HR Department in connection with drafting of employment contracts and addressing employment related issues.
• Develop policies and procedures to mitigate legal risks within the organization.
• Collaborate with external counsel when necessary to address complex legal matters.
• Stay updated on changes in laws and regulations that may impact the family office and its portfolio of companies.

Qualifications:

• Education: J.D. from a top-tier law school. LLMs preferred.
• License to Practice: Active member of the California State Bar or otherwise qualified to practice law in California.
• Experience: A minimum of 10 years of relevant legal experience with a focus on transactional/business law, real estate transactions, trust and estates and tax law, gained in a sophisticated in-house legal environment or other relevant setting. Prior in-house experience at a family office, private equity firm, or wealth management firm will be given preference.
• Expertise: Strong knowledge of complex real estate and finance transactions, corporate structuring, trust and estate planning, wealth transfer, and tax law. Solid track record of handling complex investment transactions, including private equity and venture capital.

We invite all qualified candidates who are passionate about providing exceptional legal services and being part of a dynamic investment team to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Pay: $200,000.00 + per year depending on experience

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

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