Associate Tax Counsel

About the role

involves owning the full tax lifecycle for the firm's investment structures, guiding products from initial drafting through final delivery. The position demands academic rigor and intellectual honesty in every analysis conducted for complex United States tax matters. The hire will lead complex United States tax work, requiring a deep commitment to detail and a passion for precision. This role is based in AQR's Greenwich, Connecticut headquarters, operating within a culture centered on academic excellence. The firm expects a minimum of three to five years of relevant experience for this specific position. Compensation for this role includes a base salary between two hundred thousand and two hundred fifteen thousand dollars annually, with eligibility for an annual discretionary bonus.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Draft tax provisions for a diverse range of funds, side letters, and private fund offering documents to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Collaborate closely with internal risk and compliance teams to align tax strategies with regulatory frameworks and internal policies.
• Design United States and offshore fund structures, evaluating the tax implications of each structural decision.
• Advise marketing and product development teams on distribution choices from a strict United States tax perspective to optimize client outcomes.
• Monitor developments in United States tax law, including tracking changes within AQR's business and the broader investment industry landscape.
• Perform technical research and analysis of complex tax issues, synthesizing findings into actionable recommendations.
• Communicate analytical results clearly to partners and business units, ensuring stakeholders understand the tax implications of proposed actions.
• Support negotiation of investment management agreements, ensuring terms align with tax strategy and overarching client objectives.
• Champion creative problem solving on special projects, developing innovative solutions to unique tax challenges.
• Operate independently within a collaborative, detail-oriented culture, balancing autonomy with teamwork.
• Conduct thorough reviews of existing tax positions to identify areas for improvement or risk mitigation.
• Liaise with external tax advisors and regulatory bodies as necessary to facilitate smooth operations and compliance.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of tax regulations impacting investment management and private funds.
• Contribute to the development of internal tax policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and consistency.

Requirements

• Hold a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and maintain an active license to practice law.
• Possess membership in good standing with the bar association in at least one United States jurisdiction.
• Have a minimum of three to five years of relevant experience at a major law firm or an institutional asset manager.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of tax issues related to investments, including partnership taxation and regulatory compliance.
• Show a proven track record of effectively supporting business teams and clients through complex tax matters.
• Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts to non-specialists.
• Possess strong negotiation skills to effectively advocate for tax positions during contract discussions.
• Exercise sound judgment in evaluating tax risks and opportunities in a dynamic investment environment.
• Thrive as a team member while also operating independently to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and integrity in all interactions with colleagues, clients, and regulators.
• Commit to continuous learning to keep pace with evolving tax laws and industry best practices.

Practical notes

• Hours for this role are predictable, contributing to a healthy work-life balance.
• This position is an equal opportunity employer, adhering to EEO, VET, and DISABILITY guidelines.
• The role is based at AQR's headquarters in Greenwich, Connecticut, requiring relocation or local candidacy.
• No specific visa sponsorship details are provided in the source documentation.
• Travel requirements are not detailed in the provided source material.
• Deadlines for application submission are not outlined in the available source text.

About the company

We are quantitative investors who apply a systematic, disciplined process to manage risk and generate long-term value. Our teams design and test investment strategies using data, research, and shared principles. We offer a range of strategies designed to complement other holdings and respond to different market conditions. You will work on models, research, and implementation alongside experienced professionals who value clarity and rigor. The environment fosters innovation through transparency and openness to new ideas, ensuring that the best analytical frameworks drive decision-making. Associates are expected to engage deeply with the investment process, translating quantitative insights into practical applications. The firm prioritizes intellectual curiosity and the pursuit of truth in every analytical endeavor. This role provides the opportunity to contribute to impactful investment solutions within a collaborative and intellectually stimulating setting.