Legal Counsel

About Vicinity

Vicinity is a Belgian real estate investment fund dedicated to developing and managing affordable and sustainable rental housing. Founded in 2020, Vicinity brings together public, private, and institutional investors around a shared conviction: quality housing is both a social necessity and a long-term investment opportunity.

At Vicinity, affordability goes beyond the rent itself. It is measured through the total cost of living: location, mobility, energy performance, utilities, and services all have as much impact on household budgets as rent. This broader vision guides the design and management of every building we develop and operate.

As a certified B Corp, Vicinity follows a People-Planet-Profit approach, where financial performance and social impact mutually reinforce one another rather than compete. The fund develops, acquires, and manages residential buildings designed for and with their residents, with a constant focus on energy efficiency, architectural quality, and vibrant neighborhood life.

Backed by an operational and purpose-driven portfolio exceeding €350 million and a development pipeline spanning Brussels, Wallonia, and Flanders, Vicinity aims to reach €1 billion in assets under management by 2031.

Vicinity is a fast-growing team built around operational excellence, digitalization, and a strong purpose-driven culture, all working toward a fairer and more sustainable housing model.

To strengthen our team, we are looking for a Legal Counsel, on a part-time basis.

Location

📍 Watermael-Boitsfort, 1170 Brussels

Contract type

📄 Independent contractor status — part-time (terms to be agreed)

Start date

🚀 As soon as possible

Working model

🏠 Vicinity operates a hybrid working model, including remote work depending on the needs of both the employee and the company, in an arrangement adapted to part-time work.

Your mission

As Legal Counsel, you will serve as the company's internal legal reference point, supporting all teams across the organization. Reporting to and working closely with the CFO and senior management, you will advise on key legal matters affecting the fund, including acquisitions and disposals, financing, litigation, compliance, and data protection. This is a part-time position offering significant autonomy and flexibility in organizing your work.

Key responsibilities

🤝 Acquisitions & Disposals

Co-lead acquisition and disposal transactions alongside the investment team, including due diligence, structuring, negotiation, and execution through closing, for both asset deals and share deals.

💰 Financing & Security Packages

Support the CFO in structuring and securing financing transactions, including bank financing agreements, capital increases, and the implementation of security arrangements.

⚖️ Litigation & Contract Management

Draft, review and negotiate contracts, manage dispute resolution processes, and oversee legal representation where required.

🏛 Fund Structuring & Regulatory Compliance

Support the legal structuring and ongoing development of the fund and ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including prospectuses, management agreements, and AIFM-related documentation.

🔐 Compliance, AML & Data Protection

Oversee KYC/AML processes relating to investors and counterparties, ensure GDPR compliance, and manage the internal compliance framework, including policies, training and monitoring activities.

📌 Internal Legal Business Partner

Act as the primary legal point of contact for all teams and promote a strong legal and compliance culture throughout the organization.

Your profile

Education & experience

✅ Master's degree in Law (Corporate Law, Financial Law, Real Estate Law, or equivalent)

✅ Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience

✅ Experience in a law firm, investment fund, or financial services environment is a strong asset

✅ Solid understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks, including the Belgian Code of Companies and Associations, the legal framework governing Specialized Real Estate Investment Funds (FIIS), and the AIFM Directive

✅ Ability to work autonomously in a part-time capacity

Technical & Professional Skills

✅ Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and autonomy

✅ Excellent drafting and negotiation skills

✅ Practical, soluti