Legal Operations Associate

About Sands Capital:

We are an active, long-term investor in leading innovative businesses globally. Our approach combines analytical rigor and creative thinking to identify high-quality growth businesses that are creating the future. Through an integrated investment platform spanning venture capital, growth equity and public equity, we provide growth capital solutions to institutions and fund sponsors in more than 40 countries (detailed on our website www.sandscapital.com).

Position Summary:

Sands Capital is seeking a motivated individual to join our Legal Team as a Legal Operations Associate. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced professional environment, works effectively with senior attorneys and business professionals, and is eager to learn the operational activities that support a high-performing in-house legal team.

This is a broad, hands-on role working closely with the Sr. Legal Operations Associate and attorneys on legal operations, including record-keeping, basic drafting, process support, and technology-enabled efficiency initiatives. Responsibilities include supporting the effective use of legal technology, assisting with evaluation of new tools, maintaining operational trackers and records, and helping document and improve Legal Team workflows and processes. Under attorney supervision, the role also supports the drafting and revision of legal documents and formal communications.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently with limited supervision, while remaining proactive, detail-oriented, and collaborative. This role has a direct impact on Legal Team productivity and Firm operations and requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment when handling sensitive information.

Work Expectations:  

The work location for this role is Sands Capital’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, on a hybrid schedule. At the outset, the expectation is that this individual will be in the office four days per week (including Tuesdays and Wednesdays), with the potential to transition to three days per week in-office over time. The hybrid schedule is subject to change at any time.

Position Responsibilities:

• Supporting Legal Team initiatives and projects, including task tracking, coordination, and implementation under senior guidance.
• Organizing, maintaining, and improving legal file systems, correspondence, and records.
• Assisting with the preparation, review, and basic drafting of legal documents and formal communications under attorney supervision.
• Supporting legal operations by documenting processes, identifying inefficiencies, and improving workflows.
• Assisting with the use and maintenance of Legal Team technology, including coordinating with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Serving as a point of coordination between the Legal Team and internal groups on routine requests and process-related matters.
• Executing and maintaining recurring Legal Team workflows and operational processes, escalating issues as appropriate.
• Maintaining Legal Team trackers, logs, calendars, and other operational records.
• Supporting automation and AI-enabled workflows by following procedures, validating outputs, and flagging issues or improvement opportunities.
• Performing other responsibilities as assigned.
• Exhibiting behaviors consistent with Sands Capital’s Mission, Values, and culture.

Position Qualifications:

This role is well-suited for an early-career professional interested in legal operations, in-house legal work, or business operations. Strong candidates will have:

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited university.
• 0-3 years of experience in legal operations, in-house legal work, or business operations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to complete work accurately, with efficiency.
• Familiarity with, and interest in, legal technology and AI-enabled tools (e.g., ChatGPT), with a willingness to learn new systems.
• Ability to interact professionally with staff at all levels, including senior attorneys and business stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Interest in learning how an in-house Legal Team operates and supports the broader business.
• Strong problem-solving skills, curiosity, and a continuous-improvement mindset.
• High degree of initiative, motivation, and professionalism.
• Positive, solution-oriented attitude and sense of humor.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Exhibits behaviors consistent with Sands Capital’s values and culture.

Required Behavioral Characteristics:

The following are behavioral characteristics that the firm holds in high regard and believes are critical for high performing individuals and teams at Sands Capital: 

• Having impeccable integrity.
• Exhibiting superior client service skills (both internally and externally).
• Exhibiting strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrating a strong work ethic in a fast-paced, professional environment.
• Operating with a high degree of initiative, self-discipline, and motivation.
• Being able to collaborate and work effectively as part of a team, while also being able to work independently with a high degree of efficiency and accuracy.
• Assuming the best of others.
• Being motivated by a job well-done.

Sands Capital’s Values:

The following are values that the firm holds in high regard and believes are critical for high-performing individuals and teams at Sands Capital:

• Integrity & Trust: Do what is right, not what is popular. Deliver on commitments.
• Client-Centered: Always act in the best interest of our clients.
• Commitment to Excellence: Strive to learn and improve. Implement best practices.
• Focus: Identify and concentrate on “what matters”.
• Long-Term Perspective: Appreciate that time allows sound decisions to demonstrate their worth. Avoid short-term thinking.
• Independent Thinking: Have the courage to develop and articulate your own convictions. Debate others openly and honestly.
• Teamwork: Collaborate to gather facts, develop perspective, build conviction, and support timely decision-making.
• Positive “Can-Do” Attitude: Demonstrate a willingness to tackle any task.
• Graciousness: Reflect kindness and courtesy at all times.
• Balance: Enjoy your work while balancing professional activities with interests beyond the firm.
• Meritocracy: Know that talent and achievement will drive your success at Sands Capital.

How to Apply:

To be considered, you must submit an application that specifically outlines your qualifications for the position. If you wish to apply for this position, please do so via Sands Capital’s Careers page under “Professional Opportunities”. You may also scroll to “FAQs” to learn more about what you can expect before applying, to include information regarding length of process and any skills assessments that may be required. See here: https://www.sandscapital.com/careers-and-staff-benefits/

Salary and Benefits:

The compensation for this role includes a base salary range of $60,000 to $80,000 (as determined by the candidate’s professional experience and relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities), as well as a discretionary, performance-based bonus. Bonus targets may vary by position and are based on both individual achievement as well as broader firm performance.

Sands Capital offers a generous benefits package, including medical insurance (which includes a discount vision program), dental insurance, life and personal accident insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent) as well as paid stock market (NYSE) holidays and vacation, sick, and parental leave. We also have a variety of generous miscellaneous benefits, such as a medical concierge service, health and wellness coaches, onsite massage therapy, and more.

Sands Capital is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and staff members. For our staff members, equal opportunity includes access to the benefits and privileges that the firm provides to staff members generally. We appreciate the value diversity brings to Sands Capital and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff members.

We evaluate and select qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Discrimination of this kind is also strictly prohibited by a variety of federal, state, and local laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Read more about equal employment opportunity on the EEOC’s website, found here.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to pregnant individuals, individuals with disabilities, and/or individuals needing accommodation for sincerely held religious beliefs. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please send an e-mail to emiller@sandscap.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.