Will Rosen – GC (Europe private equity), Bain
Year of qualification: 1994
Weil Gotshal & Manges, 1996-2007
DLA Piper, 2008-11
Ropes & Gray, 2011-22
Bain Capital, 2022-present
What made you decide to make the switch in-house? And how have you found the change?
After a very enjoyable and fulfilling, decade-long career with Ropes & Gray – first as partner and then as London managing partner – and following an inspiring year-long secondment to Bain Capital, I was asked to stay on as general counsel for the firm’s European private equity business. I had worked with Bain for many years at Ropes, so I had a good familiarity with and understanding of its business. During this time and my secondment, I easily connected with the firm’s culture and values, I enjoyed having a wide range of subjects to cover, and I developed strong relationships with the team. While I loved working in private practice, I thought this was a unique opportunity to join a team that identifies complex opportunities to create exceptional outcomes for its companies, employees, and communities.
What has been the biggest difference compared with private practice?
The biggest differences are the operating model and functional approach. For the former, I was one of a large team focused on private equity transactional work. Now, I am part of a smaller team that covers a much broader set of responsibilities from deal transactions across multiple industry verticals to fund raising, portfolio company matters, and regulatory affairs, among other things.
What are the key skills needed for working in-house compared with private practice?
The skills needed for any career in the legal profession are common: a keen sense of curiosity, strong analytical and written skills, concentrated attention to detail, and an ability to remain calm and adaptable to circumstances. However, when working in-house – due to a wider portfolio of responsibilities – a workday can be less predictable. So, time management skills, an ability to prioritise, and understanding the needs of the business are vital.
What has been your in-house career highlight, and why?
My career highlights have been less about business transactions or work-related dealings but more about feeling personally linked to the firm’s values and purpose and connected with the team across the business globally. It is also about working with brilliant colleagues in the legal team and across the platform to deliver for the business and find the right solutions. Today, there is no shortage of highly capable asset managers but one of the things that drew me to Bain Capital is the culture and the firmwide approach to solving business challenges, partnering with people on the journey to create lasting impact.
What tips do you have for building a career in-house in private equity?
What’s important in any career is building enduring, collaborative, trustful relationships and connection with a diverse set of industry and work partners. Also, it is important to spend time to make sure you understand the business and be proactive in anticipating issues and challenges.
