Fernridge Group

As fund launches accelerate across PE, credit, and real assets, we’re seeing a clear hiring shift: firms want lawyers who can operate as true strategic partners — not just technicians. Here are the core legal skill sets in highest demand for fund formation in 2026: 🔹 End-to-end fund formation expertise (LPAs, PPMs, side letters, subscription docs) 🔹 Regulatory fluency (ADV filings, marketing rule knowledge, SEC exam trends) 🔹 Global investor awareness (cross-border distribution, onboarding requirements) 🔹 LP negotiation ability (Protecting fund terms while maintaining fundraising momentum) 🔹 Lean team agility (Comfort working across legal, compliance, IR & ops) Firms want counsel who can help launch, scale, and protect a fund from day one — and the competition for this talent will be strong throughout 2026. #FundFormation #PrivateEquity #PrivateCredit #InvestmentManagement #LegalRecruiting #ComplianceRecruiting #SECCompliance #RegulatoryUpdates #AssetManagement #InHouseCounsel #LegalHiring #ComplianceHiring #AlternativeInvestments #FinancialServices

Firms are already planning for 2026, and demand for fund formation and regulatory compliance talent is heating up — especially for organizations that delayed hiring in 2025. If you want to start 2026 ahead of the curve, now is the time. What we’re seeing at Fernridge Group: Heading into 2026, two hiring priorities are dominating the investment management space: 1️⃣ Fund formation attorneys With new funds launching and structures evolving, firms need attorneys who can: • Navigate PE, credit, and hybrid fund structures • Support fund launches efficiently • Handle LP negotiations and documentation • Partner closely with investment and operations teams 2️⃣ Regulatory compliance professionals Regulatory expectations continue to rise, and firms want talent who can: • Build policies and controls for private funds • Ensure SEC exam readiness • Partner with business leaders to manage risk • Adapt to evolving rules and investor demands Why the urgency? Many firms delayed legal and compliance hiring in 2025. Heading into 2026 — with audits, exams, and fundraising cycles approaching — organizations are moving quickly to fill gaps and avoid operational bottlenecks. Fernridge Group specializes exclusively in legal & compliance searches for investment managers, and we’re already helping firms get ahead for 2026.

The Year-End Crunch: When Compliance Deadlines Meet Deal Deadlines It’s Q4 — that magical time of year when private equity deal teams are racing to close transactions before December 31, and compliance teams are buried in annual filings, audits, and investor reporting. In other words: caffeine consumption = up, sleep = down, and calendars = chaos. But beneath the year-end rush, something interesting is happening. We’re seeing legal and compliance teams become true partners in deal execution, not just the ones checking boxes after the fact. A few trends we’re noticing at Fernridge Group: ✅ Compliance is being pulled earlier into the deal process. Firms are realizing that getting compliance sign-off too late can stall a close — so they’re embedding these professionals right alongside the deal teams from day one. ✅ Demand for cross-functional legal talent is growing. We’re working with PE firms looking for attorneys and compliance officers who can balance transactional work with policy oversight — the ones who understand both term sheets and testing procedures. ✅ Tech-enabled compliance tools are gaining traction. Year-end reviews are driving more adoption of automated monitoring and AI-driven documentation — freeing teams to focus on what really matters: mitigating risk before regulators come knocking. So if you’re feeling the Q4 crunch, you’re not alone — but you might also be part of a bigger shift: Compliance isn’t slowing deals down anymore. It’s what’s keeping them alive and credible. At Fernridge Group, we partner with private equity firms and investment managers to connect them with top legal and compliance talent — the kind that thrives when deal flow meets deadline season. Let’s make Q4 finish strong (and maybe even get a full night’s sleep). 😅 #PrivateEquity #LegalCompliance #InvestmentManagement #RiskManagement #FernridgeGroup #Governance #DealFlow

Let’s be honest — recruiting is 10% sourcing, 20% interviews, and 70%… following up. We follow up on emails, calls, InMails, references — and sometimes even our own follow-ups. 😅 But that’s what gets results. Because great talent doesn’t always reply right away (and we totally get it — you’re busy being great). So if you see a Fernridge message pop up again — don’t worry, it’s just us, strategically following up with a smile. #RecruiterHumor #FernridgeGroup #LegalRecruiting #ComplianceCareers #InvestmentManagement #RecruiterLife

Let’s be honest — recruiting is 10% sourcing, 20% interviews, and 70%… following up. We follow up on emails, calls, InMails, references — and sometimes even our own follow-ups. 😅 But that’s what gets results. Because great talent doesn’t always reply right away (and we totally get it — you’re busy being great). So if you see a Fernridge message pop up again — don’t worry, it’s just us, strategically following up with a smile. #RecruiterHumor #FernridgeGroup #LegalRecruiting #ComplianceCareers #InvestmentManagement #RecruiterLife

You know that feeling when you’re not really looking… but also definitely not saying no if the right role comes along? We see you — the “I’m just browsing” crowd who still checks LinkedIn like it’s Zillow for jobs. Here’s the thing: the best opportunities tend to show up when you’re not actively searching. That’s why it pays to keep your profile (and mindset) ready. A few friendly Fernridge tips: Keep your LinkedIn updated — yes, even that headshot from 2016 deserves retirement. Take recruiter calls — sometimes a 10-minute chat can change your career. Stay curious — learn what’s happening in the market, even if you love where you are. You don’t have to be “on the market” to be in the know. Because when the right fund, firm, or role crosses your path — you’ll already be ready for it. #LegalRecruiting #ComplianceCareers #InvestmentManagement #FernridgeGroup #RecruiterHumor #CareerGrowth

“The Great Compliance Paradox” Compliance is the ultimate paradox. You’re expected to embrace change… while making sure nothing ever actually changes. You manage risk, calm chaos, translate regulations, and somehow still get labeled the “no-fun” department. 😅 At Fernridge Group, we know compliance professionals are so much more than rule-keepers. You’re the steady hand when markets wobble, the voice of reason in a meeting, and occasionally — the unofficial therapist for stressed investment teams. We get it. And we’ll help you find a firm that gets it too. #Compliance #LegalRecruiting #FernridgeGroup #FinanceJobs #RecruiterHumor #CareerMoves

From narrow deal work to meaningful business impact — what’s driving the move. We’ve noticed a clear trend — more lawyers are exploring in-house roles this year. In our recent conversations, mid-level associates — particularly from top firms — are increasingly curious about what life looks like inside an investment manager. Here’s what we’re hearing most often: •“My work feels too narrow — I only see a small slice of a deal.” •“I want to work directly with a fund and understand the commercial drivers.” •“After some management changes, I’m rethinking my long-term path.” •“I’d like to focus on one client and build real relationships.” •“There’s not much room to grow where I am.” Beyond these personal reasons, there are broader market dynamics shaping this shift: ✅ Funds are hiring earlier — firms are open to 3–5 year associates who bring solid training and a desire to learn the business side. ✅ In-house roles are becoming broader — blending legal, compliance, and deal support. ✅ Career progression looks different — titles are flatter, but exposure is deeper. For many, the move in-house isn’t about leaving law — it’s about working closer to the decision-making and seeing the full lifecycle of an investment. At Fernridge Group, we partner with lawyers navigating that transition, helping them find roles that offer both challenge and balance. If you’ve been wondering what an in-house path might look like for you, we’re always happy to have that conversation. #LegalCareers #InHouseLegal #PrivateEquity #AssetManagement #LegalRecruiting #FernridgeGroup

Looking to take your compliance career to the next level in the investment space? We’re partnering with a leading growth equity firm seeking a Compliance Senior Analyst in San Francisco. This is a fantastic opportunity to: -Work alongside experienced operators who have scaled high-growth software companies -Gain exposure to a dynamic portfolio of innovative software investments -Play a key role in enhancing and managing compliance programs, regulatory filings, and risk management processes -Collaborate across teams in a fast-paced, collaborative environment If you’re detail-oriented, proactive, and ready to make an impact in investment management, this role could be your next career move. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gBYC6zSj #ComplianceJobs #LegalAndCompliance #InvestmentCareers #PrivateEquity #FernridgeGroup #SanFranciscoCompliance

SEC Scrutiny is Rising — Are Your Compliance Teams Ready? The SEC’s increased enforcement activity across private funds and investment advisers has made compliance more critical than ever. From Form PF amendments to new private fund rules, firms are re-evaluating internal controls and hiring specialized talent to navigate regulatory expectations. At Fernridge Group, we’re seeing heightened demand for compliance professionals who can bridge regulatory insight with practical implementation. 🔍 Have you assessed if your team has the right compliance expertise for today’s SEC environment? #SECCompliance #InvestmentManagement #HedgeFunds #PrivateEquity #ComplianceHiring #FernridgeGroup