Principal, Digital Infrastructure Counsel (Leasing & Hyperscale relationships)

About Ada Infrastructure

Ada Infrastructure is a global data center business committed to being a positive force for technology, people, and the planet. As part of the digital infrastructure platform of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE:ARES), a leading global alternative investment manager, Ada Infrastructure is positioned to be a leader in reliable, safe, secure, and sustainable digital infrastructure. With eight in-flight campuses across Japan, the UK, and Brazil, we have over 850 MW of power currently available and more than 1,500 MW in our global pipeline.

About the Role

Ares is seeking a Principal to join the Digital Infrastructure Legal team as a senior member, providing strategic legal advice for Ares’ Digital Infrastructure business, with a focus on revenue, product, and marketing teams. This role involves negotiating leases and other revenue-generating agreements, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing contractual agreements, and mitigating legal risks.

This is a highly visible, front-line role working closely with senior leadership, customers, investment professionals, and cross-functional teams globally.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice and guidance to revenue, product, and marketing teams on contract negotiations, lease agreements, joint ventures, intellectual property rights, advertising and marketing regulations, and data privacy laws.
• Review, draft, and negotiate various commercial agreements, including sales contracts, licensing agreements, service level agreements, partnership agreements, and lease agreements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement legal strategies that support business objectives while minimizing legal risks.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards to stay abreast of changes impacting the company’s operations.
• Advise on product development and marketing initiatives.
• Manage and oversee litigation matters related to sales, product, marketing, and real estate activities, including disputes with customers, vendors, landlords, and regulatory authorities.
• Assist in developing and implementing corporate policies and procedures related to sales, product, and marketing activities to promote legal compliance and risk management.
• Develop and provide training and education to internal stakeholders on legal issues relevant to sales, product development, and marketing activities.
• Engage and manage external legal counsel and consultants, driving efficient execution, cost management, and consistency of legal approach across transactions.
• Support corporate governance initiatives and compliance programs to maintain the company’s integrity and reputation.
• Advise on legal and structural considerations specific to asset managers and alternative investment platforms, including fund structures, management companies, carried interest arrangements, co-investments, and strategic partnerships.
• Partner with senior stakeholders on new initiatives, such as expansion into new geographies.
• Drive best practices, including developing scalable processes, playbooks, and precedent documentation to support an active Digital Infrastructure pipeline.

Requirements

• JD required with a strong academic background.
• 10+ years of experience with demonstrated technical and analytical capabilities, sharp intellect, and sound judgment in navigating complex legal and business issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Data Center industry experience.
• Strong understanding of sales, product, and marketing processes.
• Proven track record of successfully negotiating and drafting complex commercial agreements.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to move fast and take smart risks.
• Demonstrated success as a growth-minded, authentic, service-oriented leader capable of motivating and guiding teams in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with superior project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Enthusiastic and engaged team player who communicates effectively, adapts well to changing circumstances, and is resilient, flexible, and open to feedback.
• Strong sense of ownership, a results-driven approach, and a commitment to achieving excellence.

Qualifications

• Executive presence with the ability to engage, challenge, and influence senior leaders.
• Strong commercial mindset paired with operational discipline.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and facilitation skills.
• Highly analytical and data-informed, with the ability to translate insights into action.
• Entrepreneurial and comfortable building from the ground up.
• High standards for quality, rigor, and impact.
• Comfortable working across time zones and cultures.

Pay

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $300,000 - $350,000 per annum. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus.

Benefits

Ares U.S. Core Benefits include:

• Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental, and Vision plans.
• 401(k) program with company match.
• Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA).
• Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution.
• Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance.
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit.

Ares offers additional benefits including:

• Access to a world-class medical advisory team.
• A mental health app that includes coaching, therapy, and psychiatry.
• A mindfulness and wellbeing app.
• Financial wellness benefit with access to a financial advisor.
• New parent leave.
• Reproductive and adoption assistance.
• Emergency backup care.
• Matching gift program.
• Education sponsorship program.