McDermott Will & Schulte is widely recognised for its focus on hedge funds and hybrid structures, offering market-leading expertise to both institutional and entrepreneurial investment managers. The team is known for advising on fund formation, restructuring, regulatory compliance, and investor negotiations, with strong capabilities in both UK and US regulatory frameworks. Josh Dambacher specialises in structuring hedge funds, private equity funds, hybrid funds, and funds of funds, as well as advising on seeding arrangements and regulatory issues. Christopher Hilditch advises high-profile hedge fund managers on fund structuring, operations, and compliance. Lee Smith focuses on the setup and management of hedge and hybrid funds, offering guidance on corporate structuring, managed accounts, and regulatory matters. Amy MacDonagh, who was promoted to partner in 2025, advises on the formation, restructuring, and ongoing management of hedge and hybrid funds, alongside general regulatory support.
Hedge funds in London
McDermott Will & Schulte
Praxisleiter:
Josh Dambacher; Christopher Hilditch
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Lee Smith; Amy MacDonagh
Referenzen
‘They treat a smaller firm client as important and deserving of attention in the time frame required.’
‘Very responsive to new requirements and demands for assistance.’
‘Very strong team across the board.’
Kernmandanten
Advaya LLP
Habrok Capital Management
Hunters Moon Capital LLP
Isabella Capital Management LLP
JJJ Capital Management LLP
Marshall Wace LLP
OC Investment Management LP
Pacific Asset Management
Regents Gate Capital LLP
Securis Investment Partners LLP
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised OCIM on the launch of their Cayman/Delaware master-feeder fund structure.
- Advised Pacific Asset Management on launching a private fund strategy.
- Advised Broad Reach on the launch of a fund of one with UBS.
Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons maintains a top-tier hedge fund practice offering end-to-end support across fund structuring, regulation, investor terms, ESG, digital assets, tax, trading, and fund marketing. Practice head Devarshi Saksena is recognised as a market-leading expert in structuring hedge funds and managed accounts, with further expertise in regulatory issues, co-investment structures, and cryptocurrency. Lucian Firth focuses on hedge fund launches, seed deals, and complex managed accounts. Sarah Crabb advises on the structuring, maintenance, and restructuring of open-ended funds and SMAs across strategies and jurisdictions. Iain Cullen is known for advising prominent UK hedge fund managers on fund establishment and structuring. Tom Pointer is a specialist in hedge and hybrid funds, supporting clients on formation, restructuring, and cross-border strategies using various fund vehicles. Kate Tracey focuses on advising asset managers on the full lifecycle of hedge funds.
Praxisleiter:
Devarshi Saksena
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Iain Cullen; Sarah Crabb; Lucian Firth; Tom Pointer; Kate Tracey
Referenzen
‘Combination of excellent technical practitioners and market-leading technical and commercial knowledge for the sector.’
‚Lucian Firth is an excellent funds and structuring lawyer – extremely knowledgeable both technically and commercially, practical in application and very responsive, whilst being very approachable and down to earth.’
‘Highly collaborative and collegiate team that takes a sensible commercial view on issues.’
‚Partners value their relationships with clients and treat their associates with respect. All staff are highly responsive and knowledgeable.‘
‚Great team, very responsive and competent in the traditional and digital assets landscape.‘
‚Sarah Crabb is a top-notch lawyer, responsive, competent, and nice to work with. Her team is really dedicated.‘
Kernmandanten
HSBC Alternative Investments Limited
White Creek Capital LLP
CoinShares
Brevan Howard
Arisaig Partners
Ossington Investment Management LLP
Laser Digital Middle East FZE
Merlyn Advisors
Pragma Wealth Management
Man Solutions Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Man Solutions Limited on the introduction of additional classes of shares to its flagship funds.
- Advising Brevan Howard in expanding certain of their TradFi funds.
- Advising White Creek 0n equities hedge fund launches.
Akin
Akin’s hedge fund practice, led by Ian Meade and Tim Pearce, is highly respected across the market, advising traditional managers, start-ups, and institutional asset managers. Boasting an integrated fund formation and financial restructuring offering, the team is known for its expertise in macro and systematic trading strategies, credit fund structures, and cross-border regulatory matters. Pearce and Hamish Annandale advise on the formation and operation of hedge, credit, and hybrid funds, while Danny Quinn is noted for his capabilities in fund formation matters and secondary transactions.
Praxisleiter:
Ian Meade; Tim Pearce; Danny Quinn; Barbara Niederkofler
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Hamish Annadale
Referenzen
‘Tim, Barbara, Hamish and team have always provided exceptional advise and absolute client commitment. They have a collaborative, commercially minded outlook which is refreshing and essential to work alongside a fast paced in house hedge fund team.’
‚Good experience within the hedge fund space. Available and good range of specialists when required.‘
‚Ian Meade – very knowledgeable about the sector.‘
Highlight-Mandate
Dechert LLP
Dechert LLP is a leading adviser to hedge funds, with particular strength in credit strategies, regularly advising on fund launches, regulatory matters, and seed investments. The firm handles cross-border structuring and has offices in Luxembourg and Dublin, both major European fund domiciliation centres. Gus Black leads the hedge fund team. Abigail Bell has a broad practice focused on hedge and hybrid fund structures. Craig Borthwick acts for institutional clients on high-value hedge fund mandates and launches. Mikhaelle Schiappacasse advises both first-time and established managers on fund formation matters. Dona Treska supports clients with hedge fund platforms across major fund jurisdictions and is particularly active in launch and formation work.
Praxisleiter:
Gus Black
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Abigail Bell; Craig Borthwick, Mikhaelle Schiappacasse; Dona Treska
Referenzen
‚Dechert LLP consistently demonstrates exceptional legal acumen and strategic judgment across complex matters. Their depth of expertise and client-focused approach make them a standout legal partner.‘
‚Working with Dechert has been a pleasure; their legal intelligence, clarity of thought, and proactive counsel make them an invaluable resource. To put it more plainly, I never have to worry about standard matters.‘
‚Dechert is able to support all of our business needs, from a management company perspective (LLP Agreements, employment) to fund formation. The knowledge of the teams is exceptional, and the team ensures that it understands the business strategy and goals to ensure that solutions are practical and a best fit.‘
Kernmandanten
Adelio Partners
ADF Asset Management LLP
All Africa Partners LLP
Almace Asset Management LLP
Amundsen Investment Management
ARP Global Capital
Aster Capital Management Limited
Ayres Investment Management LLP
Bayforest Capital Limited
BlueBell Partners Limited
BlueCove Limited
Cheyne Capital Management (UK) LLP
Conductor Capital Asset Management LLP
Corbiere Capital Management (Jersey) Limited
Covale Capital (UK) LLP
EFG Asset Management / New Capital
Ellida Capital SA
EMFI Capital Limited
Eques Partners
Fasanara Capital Limited
FIFTHDELTA
Gemcorp Capital LLP
Greentrail Capital
Helikon Investments Limited
Higher Park Limited
Kryger Capital (formerly Omni Partners LLP)
LeCap Asset Management
Lynx Asset Management
Machina Capital
Mile End Capital
Mobius Capital Partners
Nekton Capital
New Wave
Numen Capital
Nursery Road Capital Management Limited
Nutshell Asset Management Ltd
Odyssean Capital LLP
OxFORD Asset Management Company
Palm Lane Capital
Palmerston Capital Management
Pavreta Capital LLP
Pictet
Soloda Investment Advisors LLP
Sparta Capital Management
SW Mitchell Capital
System 2 Capital LLP
Tages Capital
Tresidor Investment Management LLP
TT International
Varenne Capital Partners
Westbeck Capital Management LLP
Highlight-Mandate
Haynes and Boone CDG, LLP
Haynes and Boone CDG, LLP specialises in supporting start-up and small to mid-sized hedge fund managers, advising across fund formation, structuring, and compliance matters. The team also has a strong reputation for navigating complex frameworks such as AIFMD and PRIIPs. James Tinworth has a deep focus on investment management and funds, advising on the formation and regulation of hedge funds in multiple jurisdictions. Christopher Orford works with a range of financial services clients, including asset managers and corporate finance houses, providing strategic advice on fund-related and corporate transactions.
Praxisleiter:
James Tinworth
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Christopher Orford
Referenzen
‘James Tinworth is an outstanding lawyer and leader, ably supported by his team.’
‘The team provides a solid combination of technical expertise and commercial awareness. They effectively translate complex legal concepts into practical business solutions while maintaining focus on commercial objectives. Their responsiveness is reliable, with consistent partner-level attention and efficient use of their broader team’s expertise. The firm successfully delivers the capabilities of a larger practice while maintaining the agility and responsiveness of a boutique firm.’
‘James Tinworth demonstrates strong leadership and technical expertise, effectively combining legal knowledge with commercial understanding and a solution-oriented approach. He shows good foresight in identifying potential issues and provides practical, business-focused solutions. What distinguishes James is his commitment to understanding business objectives, providing legal advice within the broader commercial context. He operates more as a business partner than just external counsel, delivering consistent responsiveness and personal attention alongside his technical competence and commercial judgment.’
Kernmandanten
Shikuma Capital Limited
Quintar Kimura Special Credit Fund Limited
S and F Investment Advisors Limited
Arcap Limited
Symbiotic Capital Management Limited
Woven Asset Management Limited
Emona Capital LLP
Concise Capital Management, L.P.
Whitecroft Capital Management LLP
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Barna Partners on the establishment and launch of Barna Offshore Feeder Fund Ltd and Barna Master Fund Ltd, a Cayman master-feeder fund.
- Advised Kingsdown Capital on the establishment and launch of Kingsdown Capital Dynamic Opportunities Fund and Kingsdown Capital Dynamic Opportunities Master Fund, a Cayman master-feeder fund.
- Advised QuantStream Limited a spin-out from CdR Capital Ltd, and its principals on entering into a regulatory hosting arrangement with a third-party FCA authorised investment manager.
A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman advises on the formation and operation of a broad range of investment funds, including hedge, private equity, credit, real estate, infrastructure and sovereign wealth funds. John Adams specialises in fund formation and UK/EU regulation, including AIFMD. Matt Huggett leads the global group.
Praxisleiter:
Matt Huggett
Weitere Kernanwälte:
John Adams; James Fraser
Referenzen
‚A broad offering across EU, UK and US providing comprehensive advice and assistance. Extremely prompt in responding.‘
‚Individuals are retained which helps as client set-up, structure and legacy matters are well known so either saves time from explaining such matters and/or new matters are advised with unique knowledge already factored.‘
‚The A&O Funds and Asset Management Team, headed up by Matt Huggett, is first-class. The team’s extensive experience and detailed knowledge of the funds space across the various asset classes and structures shine through during each and every interaction. Particularly engaged and responsive, great quality of work, and always keen to find pragmatic and commercial solutions to complex problems.‘
Kernmandanten
Prosperity Capital Management
Attestor Limited
TRG Management LP
Maverick Capital LP
Steadfast Management LP
Red Kite Management
Orbimed Advisors LLC
Torchlight
Maverick
Highlight-Mandate
Arnold & Porter
Arnold & Porter advises on the formation, structuring, and regulation of alternative investment funds, supporting clients across fund creation, investment manager formation, regulatory compliance, and managed account arrangements. The firm handles UK and EU regulatory matters, including AIFMD, MiFID, SFDR, and CBDD, and works with its U.S. offices on cross-border issues. Simon Firth specialises in advising investment firms on fund establishment, promotion, and regulatory matters, with a strong focus on alternative funds and managed accounts.
Praxisleiter:
Simon Firth
Referenzen
‘The team, led by Simon Firth, has vast investment management and related regulation experience. When we looked for a structure that combined both financial and gambling regulation, Simon was able to steer us through the unique landscape.’
‘Simon Firth has the ability to take our creative ideas and work with the team to deliver a robust and regulatory-compliant structure.‘
‘Brilliant team here and in the USA; they are engaging, pragmatic, and great value for emerging managers.’
Kernmandanten
VWM Capital Management Ltd/VWM Funds
RoboCap Partners Funds
Blockstone Holdings Ltd and Blockstone Digital Assets Multi-Strategy Fund
Atlantic House Investments
Move37 Capital Limited
Buoyant Capital Pte Ltd
S14 Capital LLP
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted as onshore counsel for VWM Capital Litigation Fund LP and VWMCAP Litigation Fund LP and VWM Investor Fund SPC.
- Advising Blockstone Holdings Ltd, UK investment manager and its Cayman Islands cryptoassets fund.
Osborne Clarke LLP
Osborne Clarke LLP advises clients on fund formation, investor negotiations, acquisitions, and broader asset management matters. The firm has particular strength in hedge funds, working with managers and investors across global fund jurisdictions. Simon Thomas specialises in hedge fund formation and manager operations, advising some of the world’s largest managers, as well as institutional investors and family offices. Eric Edwin focuses on structuring and managing hedge, hybrid and illiquid private funds across various asset classes, spanning both onshore and offshore domiciles. Robert Eke, who joined in 2025, further enhances the team’s offering in the hedge funds and alternative investments space.
Praxisleiter:
Simon Thomas
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Eric Edwin; Robert Eke
Referenzen
‘The Osborne Clarke team that supports us demonstrates legal excellence and strategic insight, particularly in complex structuring. I have been consistently impressed with the support and service we have been given. I work with most of the boutique asset management law firms in London, and I find the service received from Osborne Clarke to be one of the best.’
‘Simon Thomas is a standout practitioner in the financial services sector, and is someone whom I regularly go to for advice. He brings a rare blend of technical precision and market awareness. He always has the client’s best interests at heart, can provide solutions that are both legally sound and commercially viable. I genuinely view him as a business partner. I would like to mention Eric Edwin, associate in the financial services team, who has provided exemplary service.’
‚Osborne Clarke is one of my go-to firms – they combine structuring, tax, regulatory, and corporate specialisms seamlessly for clients‘ benefit. They are responsive and personable and in touch with market developments.‘
‚Simon Thomas is strong on hedge funds and structuring.‘
‚Eric Edwin is excellent, with experience across hedge & PE.‘
Kernmandanten
ARBRA Asset Management
Atika Capital
Cove Investment Partners
Feoh Investments
Fiera Capital
Global Gate Capital
Kingda Ka Fund
Lacerta Capital
Newtyn Management LLC
WMG Advisors
ARBRA Asset Management
Atika Capital
Cove Investment Partners
Feoh Investments
Fiera Capital
Global Gate Capital
Kingda Ka Fund
Lacerta Capital
Newtyn Management LLC
WMG Advisors
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Cove Investments Partners, on its UK regulatory authorisation, initial seed investment and the formation of its master-feeder Cayman domiciled hedge fund.
- Advised Global Gate Capital on the launch and operation of several investment funds.
- Advised Fiera Capital on the launch of its new Cayman domiciled hedge fund.