Principal Digital Infrastructure Counsel

### _Over the last 20 years, Ares’ success has been driven by our people and our culture. Today, our team is guided by our core values – Collaborative, Responsible, Entrepreneurial, Self-Aware, Trustworthy – and our purpose to be a catalyst for shared prosperity and a better future. Through our recruitment, career development and employee-focused programming, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment where high-performance talent of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can build careers within this exciting and growing industry._ **Job Description** Ares is seeking a Principal to join the Digital Infrastructure Legal team. The Principal will serve as a senior member of the Legal team, providing strategic legal advice in connection with Ares’ Digital Infrastructure business, with a focus on our revenue, product, and marketing teams.  This position will play a crucial role in negotiating leases and other revenue generating agreements, ensuring compliance with regulations, managing contractual agreements, and mitigating legal risks associated with our business operations. **Primary function & responsibilities** This is a highly visible, front-line role working closely with senior leadership, customers, investment professionals and cross-functional teams globally. Broadly speaking, the Principal will be responsible for: * Providing expert legal advice and guidance to the revenue, product, and marketing teams on a wide range of matters, including contract negotiations, lease agreements, joint ventures, intellectual property rights, advertising and marketing regulations, and data privacy laws. * Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating various commercial agreements, including sales contracts, licensing agreements, service level agreements, partnership agreements, and lease agreements. * Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and implement legal strategies that support business objectives while minimizing legal risks. * Conducting legal research and analysis on relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards to keep abreast of changes and developments that may impact the company's operations. * Advising on product development and marketing initiatives.  * Managing and overseeing litigation matters related to sales, product, marketing, and real estate activities, including disputes with customers, vendors, landlords, and regulatory authorities. * Assisting in the development and implementation of corporate policies and procedures related to sales, product, and marketing activities to promote legal compliance and risk management. * Developing and providing training and education to internal stakeholders on legal issues relevant to sales, product development, and marketing activities. * Engaging and managing external legal counsel and consultants, driving efficient execution, cost management and consistency of legal approach across transactions. * Supporting corporate governance initiatives and compliance programs to maintain the company's integrity and reputation in the marketplace. * Advising on legal and structural considerations specific to asset managers nd alternative investment platforms, including issues relating to fund structures, management companies, carried interest arrangements, co-investments and strategic partnerships; * Partnering with senior stakeholders on new initiatives, such as expansion into new geographies;   * Driving best practices, including developing scalable processes, playbooks and precedent documentation to support an active Digital Infrastructure pipeline. **Qualifications** Education: JD required with a strong academic background **Experience Required:** * The ideal candidate will possess 10+ years of strong technical and analytical capabilities, a sharp intellect and sound judgment, with demonstrated experience navigating complex legal and business issues in a fast-paced environment. They will bring a high degree of personal integrity, accountability and professionalism, and a client-focused mindset with a commitment to developing practical, creative solutions. * 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 risk. * Demonstrated success as a growth-minded, authentic, service-oriented leader capable of motivating and guiding teams in an entrepreneurial environment. * Successful candidates are highly organized and detail-oriented, with superior project management skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and a strong track record of execution and follow-through.  * The role requires an enthusiastic and engaged team player who communicates effectively, adapts well to changing circumstances and is resilient, flexible and open to feedback. A strong sense of ownership, a results-driven approach and a commitment to achieving excellence are essential General Requirements: * 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 **Reporting Relationships** **Compensation** The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus. Note, the range takes into account a broad spectrum of qualifications, including, but not limited to, years of relevant work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role. $300,000 - $350,000 / annum The firm also offers robust Benefits offerings. 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), and Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit. Ares offers a number of 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 that includes access to a financial advisor, new parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, emergency backup care, matching gift program, education sponsorship program, and much more. _There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active._