We are seeking an accomplished Investment Funds Attorney to join our Funds Group. This role is ideal for an experienced funds lawyer who thrives on advising fund sponsors across the full spectrum of their growth journey—from first-time fund managers launching their inaugural vehicles to established sponsors who have transitioned their fund practice to CFDB from other firms. The successful candidate will have the ability to independently lead fundraisings while working collaboratively with our existing funds partners in a collegial, team-oriented environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven attorney to take ownership of client relationships, contribute to practice growth, and mentor junior attorneys within a supportive and entrepreneurial firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of fund formation and fundraising matters, including structuring, drafting, and negotiating fund documents (limited partnership agreements, subscription documents, side letters, and related ancillary documents)
• Serve as primary relationship manager for fund clients, providing strategic counsel throughout the fund lifecycle
• Advise fund sponsors on regulatory compliance, including Investment Advisers Act, Investment Company Act, ERISA, and other applicable securities laws
• Collaborate with clients’ tax advisors, accountants, placement agents, and other professionals to deliver integrated solutions
• Work collegially with other funds partners to share knowledge, cross-staff matters, and ensure consistent, high-quality client service across the practice group
• Lead and mentor associates and paralegals, fostering professional development and knowledge sharing
• Drive business development initiatives, including networking, client presentations, and participation in industry events
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market trends, regulatory developments, and emerging fund structures

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Admission to a state bar and in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction—remote candidates welcome)
• 7–10 years of substantive experience in investment fund formation, with a demonstrated record of leading fundraises and managing client relationships
• Exceptional drafting, negotiating, and communication skills
• Proven ability to manage complex matters and multiple priorities independently
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities
• Current title of Partner, Senior Associate, or Counsel at an established law firm
• Portable book of business is welcome but not required

Additional Desired Experience

We are seeking a well-rounded funds attorney. Candidates with experience across multiple fund structures will be particularly valued, including:

• Closed-End Funds: Private equity, venture capital, growth equity, and buyout funds
• Credit and Debt Funds: Direct lending, mezzanine, distressed debt, and special situations funds
• Real Assets Funds: Real estate, infrastructure, and energy funds
• Open-End/Hedge Funds: Hedge funds, liquid alternatives, and other open-ended structures
• Fund-of-funds and co-investment vehicles
• Institutional investor representation (experience understanding LP perspectives is a plus)
• Continuation funds and GP-led secondaries
• Experience with first-time fund managers and emerging managers programs

Unique Opportunities

• Flexible Location: This position is open to candidates located anywhere in the United States; we support remote and hybrid work arrangements.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team of funds partners who value collegiality and work together on matters—not in silos
• Diverse Client Base: Opportunity to work with a varied roster of fund sponsors at different stages of growth
• Growth Trajectory: A full book of business is not required; the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop and expand client relationships with firm support
• Access to a robust client base and support for business development

We invite highly qualified attorneys who are eager to make a significant impact within a supportive and entrepreneurial environment to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Benefits

Firm contributes to voluntary medical, dental, and vision plans. Offers FSA, HSA, and commuter benefits. Firm-paid STD & LTD. Retirement savings plan. Unlimited PTO.

Croke Fairchild is WBE Certified and a member of the National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF).

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of CFDB not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws. This applies to all employment decisions.

About Us

Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres is a growing law firm headquartered in Chicago, with a team of over 100 attorneys and staff. Formed by partners who worked at preeminent international law firms, with a deep bench of sophisticated and experienced corporate lawyers and litigators, our team provides exceptional legal service while affording our clients the benefits of working with an agile and entrepreneurial-minded team of results-oriented, well-rounded professionals. We are driven by our core values: humility, respect, collaboration, partnership, and innovation.

We represent a diverse group of interesting clients, which include private equity firms, founders, startups, venture capital investors, family offices and public companies (among others), in sophisticated and complex legal matters and transactions.

Point of Difference Strategies is one of the largest lobbying and government affairs firms in Illinois. With offices in Chicago and Springfield, PoDS offers top-tier government affairs and lobbying services at the federal, state, and local levels. PoDS proudly serves a diverse client base, including local governments, trade organizations, Fortune 100 companies, and nonprofits.

Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres and Point of Difference Strategies partner in providing the best, most comprehensive legal and government affairs services to their clients.