Principal, Digital Infrastructure Counsel (Leasing & Hyperscale relationships)

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 highly visible, front-line role involves close collaboration 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.
• High degree of personal integrity, accountability, and professionalism with a client-focused mindset.

Skills

• 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.
• Strong track record of execution and follow-through.
• 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, results-driven approach, and commitment to achieving excellence.
• 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

• Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental, and Vision plans.
• 401(k) program with company match.
• Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA) and 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) and Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit.
• Access to a world-class medical advisory team.
• Mental health app that includes coaching, therapy, and psychiatry.
• Mindfulness and wellbeing app.
• Financial wellness benefit, including access to a financial advisor.
• New parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, and emergency backup care.
• Matching gift program and education sponsorship program.