How to become a Funds Lawyer

Juni 4, 2025
A business meeting in a grey toned corporate setting

Funds law is a highly specialised and rewarding career path for those interested in financial services, global markets and complex transactional work. But how do you break into the field—and what skills and experience do you need to succeed?

At Taylor Root, we work closely with Funds Lawyers at all stages of their careers. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering this area of law.

Build a strong foundation in corporate or financial services law

Most Funds Lawyers begin their careers in related areas such as corporate law, banking, regulatory or tax. Experience in private funds, investment management, or financial institutions groups can provide a strong foundation.

Training at a law firm with exposure to cross-border transactional work and an emphasis on drafting and negotiation is particularly valuable.

For a deeper look at how legal expertise intersects with fund strategy and structure, explore how Funds Lawyers shape investment strategy. This is key to building a foundation in corporate or financial services law, advising on complex fund structures and understanding investor relations.

Develop knowledge of fund structures and regulation

Aspiring Funds Lawyers should familiarise themselves with all aspects of the role (see also: What does a Funds Lawyer do?), the types of investment funds (e.g. private equity, hedge, real estate, infrastructure, UCITS) and how they are typically structured.

Understanding the key regulatory frameworks—such as AIFMD, UCITS and the role of entities like the FCA, SEC or CSSF—will also help you stand out in interviews.

Strengthen your commercial and technical skills

Funds law requires a balance of commercial judgement and technical precision. Strong drafting, communication and project management skills are essential, as is the ability to work closely with clients, investors and stakeholders.

Any experience with fund documentation (LPAs, offering memoranda, side letters) or regulatory filings is a bonus.

Consider a seat or secondment in funds or financial services

If you’re in training, look for a seat in funds or a secondment with an asset manager or regulator. This direct exposure will deepen your understanding and make your CV more relevant.

Even if your current firm doesn’t have a dedicated funds team, look for opportunities to assist with fund-related projects or transactions.

See also: Private practice NQ guide

Stay informed and connected

The funds market evolves constantly—both in terms of regulation and investor behaviour. Stay up to date by following industry publications, attending webinars, and reading key market insights from law firms and financial institutions.

Networking with professionals in the space—especially Recruiters, Lawyers and In-house Counsel—can also help you identify opportunities and understand market trends.

Specialist knowledge, strong foundations

Becoming a Funds Lawyer takes time and targeted experience, but it can be a fulfilling and high-growth career path. Whether you’re exploring the market or ready to specialise, building the right mix of legal, commercial and regulatory expertise is key.

To explore roles in funds law or get advice on your next career move, get in touch.

Jobs

  • Financial services (in-house)

Vice President – Investment Product Counsel

Vice President – Investment Product Counsel, 34 Act Location: Hybrid – New York, NY or Greenwich, CT A leading global financial services firm is seeking an experienced attorney to join its legal team as Vice President – Investment Product Counsel. This role offers the opportunity to work on a diverse range of investment products and […]
  • Salary $200000 – $220000 per annum
  • Posted Veröffentlicht vor 4 Tagen

Read more
  • Financial services (in-house)

Registered Fund Counsel

SVP – Registered Funds Counsel, 40Act Location: Hybrid – New York, NY or Greenwich, CT A leading global financial services firm is seeking a senior attorney to join its legal team as SVP – Registered Funds Counsel. The company operates at the forefront of investment innovation, offering a dynamic and collaborative environment where legal professionals […]
  • Salary £250000 – £275000 per annum
  • Posted Veröffentlicht vor 4 Tagen

Read more

Featured Content

See all news
Male has his headphones on and using a laptop to study remotely from home, gesturing with his hands while he's having a conversation with someone using a video call

A guide to securing a Junior Legal Counsel position in the Netherlands: CV and interview insights

  • Posted September 30, 2025
If you’re aiming to secure a Junior Legal Counsel position with an in-house legal team in the Netherlands, your journey starts with a well-crafted CV and continues through a confident interview performance. Dutch employers value clarity, authenticity, and relevance at every stage of the application process. This guide will help you prepare a CV that […]
mature man working from home stock photo

The art of legal spend management: strategies for success

  • Posted September 30, 2025
Hiring legal teams in private equity is no longer just about filling a compliance gap – it’s about embedding commercial discipline and strategic value at every stage of the investment lifecycle. This was a central theme at a recent co-hosted event with Melius, where legal spend management was dissected not only as a cost centre […]
Shot of two young businesspeople sitting together in the office and using a computer

How Data Protection Officers can become Chief Privacy Officers

  • Posted September 29, 2025
The evolving role of privacy leadership in the UK and Europe As organisations in the UK and Europe face new challenges around artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and stricter privacy laws such as the GDPR, the role of privacy leaders is changing rapidly. For many professionals, the next step in their data protection career path is moving […]