Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP caters to leading sponsors embarking on complex strategic fundraisings, across the full range of asset classes. The team’s strength and depth puts it at the forefront of some key market trends, including sustainability funds, SFDR and EU Taxonomy Regulation, and the retailisation of public wealth. From key strategic acquisitions to the formation and fundraising of high-value credit and infrastructure funds, Kate Downey continues to lead some of the team’s most significant transactions. Mark Mifsud is a recognised authority on the structuring and establishing of private investment funds across asset classes and secondaries. David Christmas assumes a key role in matters relating to managed accounts, carried interest and co-investment schemes, and secondary transactions. Recent standout engagements for Karen Henderson include the formation and fundraising of a perpetual, open-ended infrastructure equity fund for the firm’s key clients.

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP houses a market-leading fund formation practice which, in recent months, has represented and closed various funds, involving billions of dollars in capital commitments. The team’s strength and depth allow it to advise on the full spectrum of issues concerning private funds and have granted it a pre-eminent position in the secondary market. Co-chair Richard Watkins acts as relationship partner to some of the firm’s most significant clients and takes active roles in their major transactions. Fellow co-chair Christopher Braunack is regularly instructed by top sponsors to help facilitate a number of critical formations. Theodore Cardos is a prolific secondary solutions lawyer, regularly advising on multi-billion dollar transactions. Anand Damodaran advises on numerous high-profile fund formations, fundraisings, and closures; Amala Ejikeme advises global sponsors on fund formations employing a litany of investment strategies; and Andrew Shore focuses on the structuring and establishment of private funds. Head of the liquidity solutions practice, Aleksander Bakic boasts a deep understanding of secondary transactions. Amy Fox is capable in matters involving alternative asset classes, such as separate account arrangements and co-investments.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is renowned for its activity on challenging, high-value fundraisings. The firm’s enviable client list includes some of Europe’s largest private equity sponsors and private credit firms of global significance. Routinely engaged on high-profile, high-value work, practice co-founder Jason Glover recently advised on one of the largest-ever European buy-out funds, while team head Gareth Earl worked with a significant private equity firm to establish a multi-billion Euro buyout fund. Leading private sponsors regularly turn to Seema Shah for assistance with important fund formations and matters relating to secondary funds. Robert Lee is noted for his ability to act for funds covering the full range of investment strategies and alternative investment classes. James Board has amassed considerable experience acting for sponsors setting up single investor funds and managed accounts. Edward Ford strengthens the practice with his knowledge of secondaries and single-asset continuation funds. Owen Lysak regularly works with private funds and asset managers on issues concerning UK and EU financial regulatory frameworks.

Clifford Chance LLP fields a robust private fund offering which undertakes key mandates for high-profile UK, European, and global fund managers. Private equity, debt, real estate, and secondary funds all regularly fall within the team’s broad purview, and the group is particularly known for its leading infrastructure and ESG expertise, advising on a number of significant fundraisings in these spheres. Practice head Alexandra Davidson routinely advises sponsors on the establishment and structuring of private funds across a range of asset classes. Gerard Saviola‘s practice capabilities span numerous equity and credit strategies within the private equity, infrastructure, and real estate markets. Alexander Chester presides over blind pool funds, secondary transactions, GP restructurings, co-investments, and separate accounts. High-profile asset managers and sovereign wealth clients frequently call upon Lily Marcel for sustainable finance and ESG advice.

Covering UK, European, and US tax and regulatory advice, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP‘s ‘consistent, thoughtful and timely advice‘ makes it a key choice for a diverse roster of clients. Particular focus areas are credit, venture/growth, and secondary funds. For over 20 years, Geoffrey Kittredge works with clients on private investment fund formation. The formation, management and re-organisation of private funds are hallmarks of Matthew Dickman’s busy practice, as are regulatory compliance and governance matters. John Rife assumes a central role in the group’s transactional work, including GP restructurings, tenders, portfolio transactions, and fundless sponsor transactions. Patricia Volhard strengthens the firm’s cross-border capabilities, splitting her time between London, Paris, and Frankfurt.

‘Knowledgeable, commercial, and responsive‘, Goodwin‘s expertise spans a host of funds types, covering private equity, venture capital, real estate, infrastructure and debt. Practice head Michael Halford is particularly noted for his capabilities in PE and investment funds structuring. Other key figures include London office co-chair Ajay Pathak, noted for his private debt, VC, and infrastructure practice, and Ben Yeoh, whose focus lies more squarely in VC matters.

Continuing to add noteworthy sponsors to its already impressive client list, various top-tier asset managers regularly call upon Latham & Watkins for its expertise in fund formation and product development. From closed-ended funds to permanent capital and evergreen structures, the team is capable across the entire liquidity spectrum. Nick Benson boasts more than 25 years of experience in the formation and operation of private investment funds and transactions. Mateja Maher strengthens the practices with his buy and sell-side secondaries expertise. James McCrory regularly advises on GP-led transactions, bespoke strategic partnerships, and joint venture arrangements. Adrian Grocock‘s client base includes first-time sponsors and those engaged with multi-billion dollar products, while Clare Scott‘s broad practice includes both open and closed-ended fund formations.

Linklaters LLP‘s investment funds team is highly regarded for its private credit activity and strong representation of sponsors and investors. The practice continues to draw on its international capabilities to advise on global mandates and multijurisdictional transactions, handling the formation, taxation, and regulation of investment funds spanning the full range of asset classes. Matthew Keogh receives many plaudits for his work covering the retailisation of private funds. Rahul Manvatkar has helped to develop the firm’s reputation in the ESG sphere, providing key advice concerning SFDR and other fund-impacting regulations. Clare Baker oversees the firm’s investor and secondaries practice, helping cornerstone investors committing billions of dollars to numerous funds. Other key figures include Gareth Crimp, who covers the full spectrum of private equity, private credit, and real estate funds; Ben Jennings, a known name for co-investments and access funds; and Emily Simmons, who regularly engages with transactions and fundraisings in the European infrastructure debt market.

Proskauer Rose LLP is noted for its work in the secondary market, with experience spanning LP portfolios, spin-offs, tender offers, fund restructurings, and other liquidity solutions. The group acts for significant buyer-side mandates as well as sellers, smaller buyers, GPs, and lenders. Nigel van Zyl extensively advises asset managers and institutional investors on the entirety of investment fund matters. Bruno Bertrand-Delfau is a leading specialist in private equity secondaries, having worked on some of the market’s most complex LP portfolios and GP-led transactions. Christopher Elson covers the fundraising and structuring of private equity, growth, venture capital, and credit funds. Aranpreet Randhawa strengthens the practice with her open and closed-ended fund capabilities across a range of asset classes. Other key figures include Lucie Rose, whose activity on high-value portfolio acquisitions makes her a well-respected figure in the secondary transactions market. James Oussedik joined the practice from Sidley Austin LLP in February 2024.

Primary fundraises, fund platform extensions, GP-led secondaries, and strategic M&A are all regular workstreams for Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP‘s transatlantic private funds group. The team is active in the infrastructure space, advising on various several flagship fundraises totalling billions of dollars. Ed Gander is a ‘very impressive funds lawyer’ with over 25 years of fundraising experience and a stellar market reputation. Adept with numerous investment strategies, James Sargent supports clients with the establishment and operational aspects of private investment funds, managed accounts, and co-investment platforms. A key contact for some of the firm's most significant clients, James Bromley is renowned for his ‘commercial acumen, diligence and thoughtful approach’. Jacquelyn Volpe supports fund sponsors and institutional investors in the private equity, infrastructure, and real estate sectors.

As a result of its leading secondaries practice, Akin has been active in some of the market’s most significant fund restructurings. The firm’s robust client roster reflects its strong position in the buy-side arena. Daniel Quinn is a preeminent secondaries lawyer, having acted on some of the most innovative transactions in the space. Simon Ellis leads on high-value fundraisings, receiving key instructions from buy-side and sell-side clients on secondary transactions. Chris Jeanes and Qasam Mahmood are further key members of the practice. John Daghlian recently retired from the firm.

Ashurst continues to represent leading sponsors and investors across the full range of private equity funds. The team is noted for its ability to advise at any stage of private equity activity and impressive infrastructure fund practice. Practice head Nick Goddard boasts wide-ranging investment fund expertise. Piers Warburton advises on matters concerning the team’s key fund manager and investor clients, including major fundraises. Acting for both sponsors and investors, Nicola Hopkins assists with the structuring and management of various fund types and carry arrangements.

Paul Hastings LLP is a major player in the credit fund arena, acting for some of the most significant credit managers in the market. Another distinguishing factor of the firm is its well-respected risk retention practice and CLO capabilities. Diala Minott is a key name for matters concerning regulated and unregulated credit and debt funds. High-profile market players often turn to Duncan Woollard for his broad expertise on all fund-related matters. Christian Parker is a leading name in the risk retention fund space.

Praised for its 'depth of expertise', Pinsent Masons LLP continues to provide strong representation to investors, including on secondary transactions. In recent months, the team has handled a number of significant mandates in the agricultural and venture capital sectors. Ian Warner‘s busy practice focuses on the structuring and forming impact funds, including sustainable agriculture funds. Practice head David Young brings 20 years of experience in matters impacting asset managers and institutional investors. Oliver Crowley has a demonstrable capability with complex, multi-tiered fund structures and investment vehicles.

Noted for its strong international network and key sector expertise, including in life sciences and technology, Reed Smith LLP frequently secures significant instructions from key players in the UK investment funds market. Brendan Gallen – praised for his ‘exceptional technical skills‘ – has extensive experience in the establishment and fundraising of funds with novel investment strategies. Matt Evans is an experienced funds lawyer who covers the operation and restructuring of private funds in the private equity, tangible asset, credit, and real estate sectors.

Ropes & Gray routinely advises on fund structuring, marketing, negotiating, and ongoing regulatory compliance issues. The team continues to advise on significant mandates spanning a broad range of asset classes and GP/LP-led work. Tom Alabaster is a recognised authority on the structuring, marketing, and operation of international investment funds and managers. Eve Ellis bolsters the team’s fund regulatory capabilities. Anna Lawry has deep specialist knowledge of derivatives across asset classes. Emily Brown left the firm to join White & Case LLP in November 2023.

A&O Shearman routinely assists high-profile institutional investors with their investments in private equity, real estate, credit, and hedge funds. The team’s private capital capabilities include the full range of investors and asset classes. Matt Huggett has advised extensively on fund establishment matters worth billions of US dollars. MaameYaa Kwafo-Akoto is skilled with single-investor mandates and co-investment arrangements across various asset classes. Dominic Von Wulffen is entrusted by financial institutions and sovereign wealth funds to advise on public and private fund investments. Nick Williams is noted for his activity concerning real estate funds and joint ventures.

Baker McKenzie maintains long-standing relationships with sovereign wealth clients who often act as cornerstone investors. The team is also noted for its experience with ESG and sustainable finance expertise, which is key to its offering concerning fund regulation matters. James Burdett is skilled in the formation of private equity structures, fund reviews, and due diligence. Carl Richards focuses on the employment aspects of substantial financial transactions. Mark Simpson helps clients to navigate challenging financial regulatory regimes.

Dechert LLP‘s breadth is evidenced by its activity across the full range of fund sizes and asset classes, including private credit and real estate. Gus Black regularly receives instructions from significant asset managers in the private equity and credit sphere. Christopher Gardner‘s ability in offshore jurisdictions attracts a host of sponsors and investors from the Middle East, North Africa, and North America. Sam Kay joined the practice from Travers Smith LLP in July 2023, while Thiha Tun  moved to Goodwin.

DLA Piper has developed its capabilities with GP-led funds and the wider venture capital sector. This specialist knowledge has attracted leading private equity and venture capital clients requesting assistance with multijurisdictional fundraisings. Jonathan Powling advises on a number of billion-pound joint ventures and acquisitions, while Stuart Murdoch is regularly tasked with matters concerning financial and ESG regulation. James O’Donnell - who also serves as practice head - is a recognised authority on investor representation.

Hogan Lovells International LLP is highly regarded for its infrastructure expertise, particularly regarding concessionary infrastructure and PFI/PPP assets. The group maintains relationships with preeminent institutional investors, leading on some of their most critical fund transactions. Nicholas Holman is a versatile funds lawyer able to advise on private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and secondary funds. Erik Jamieson frequently works on matters important to the group’s institutional investor clients. Jeremy Pickles specialises in closed-ended alternative asset funds.

Fund formations and investments are both mainstays of Addleshaw Goddard‘s private funds team, while particular recent areas of focus include mid-market GPs and new market entrants. The team is headed up by Jan Grüter, who is highly regarded for his sustainability and impact-focused fund work. Ben Cocoracchio joined the practice from Osborne Clarke LLP in September 2023, bringing distinct venture capital expertise.

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP provides key advice to sponsors and asset managers regarding complex fund structures and secondary fundraisings. Experienced with the full range of asset classes, the team boasts noteworthy knowledge of private credit, in particular. Michael Newell frequently helps clients establish or reorganise investment vehicles in the real assets and credit funds sphere. Clients from the real estate, renewables, and infrastructure sectors regularly instruct Jack Kelly concerning the structuring and formation of investment funds.

LTAF structures and ESG funds regulations, such as SFDR, are fuelling growing levels of funds activity for Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP. Sarah Burnside has specialist knowledge of closed-ended funds and ESG regulation. Richard Batchelor is experienced in the establishment and reconstruction of investment funds. Recent months have seen Stefanie Sahla-Jones lead on multiple high-profile fund launches.

Praised by one client for its 'high energy, high quality and attention to detail', Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is especially noted for its energy sector focus, as well as its capabilities regarding secondary funds. Key names to note include Stephen Newby, an investment fund specialist regarded for his 'expertise combined with a solid work ethic.' Krishna Shorewala - 'calm and thoughtful' - is also recomended.

K&L Gates LLP is noted for its private equity and venture capital focus, assisting clients with discretionary funds and co-investment structures. Daniel Greenaway regularly presides over fund launches across private equity, venture capital, credit, and real estate. Giles Bavister strengthens the practice with his understanding of complex tax arrangements. Philip Morgan provides key regulatory advice to private funds and their sponsors.

Leading financial institutions regularly call upon Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP when acting as sponsors, investors, and co-investors. Simon Currie has over 30 years of experience in the asset management sector and on the formation, management, and regulation of private funds. Robert Mailer helps clients looking to invest in burgeoning technologies. Oliver Rochman has deep knowledge of impact funds. Robert Goldbaum is active on M&As, spinouts, and minority investments.

In recent months, Schulte Roth & Zabel International LLP has handled a steady stream of work concerning credit and special opportunity funds. The group has specialist knowledge of cryptocurrency and blockchain funds, as well as venture capital funds. Josh Dambacher provides his clients with strategic regulatory compliance and reorganisation advice. Closed-end credit and distressed credit funds both fall under Christopher Hilditch‘s purview. Jim McNally advises extensively on fundraising and regulatory matters.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP continues to act for sponsor and investor clients on complex and innovative mandates, covering the formation, structuring, and operational aspects of funds. The team is also capable in GP-led secondary transactions, including continuation funds. Greg Norman has helped to develop the practice’s ESG offering by providing critical regulatory advice to his clients. Delphine Jaugey is noted for her substantial experience with LP and GP-led secondary transactions and liquidity solutions.

Stephenson Harwood houses a well-respected secondaries team which acts for multiple significant GPs and buyers on challenging transactions. Gabriel Boghossian is a preeminent secondaries lawyer who has structured and negotiated many significant deals. Sarah de Ste Croix oversees the structuring and negotiation of complex fund products in the secondaries space, while Edyta Brozyniak is noted for her venture capital and infrastructure expertise.

Travers Smith LLP is known for retailisation and the targeting of discretionary wealth managers and private investors, while the group’s work on secondaries is also well respected in the market. Jeremy Elmore assists asset managers with the structuring of asset management businesses, as well as LP conversions, succession planning, and spin-outs. Will Normand is key to the firm’s efforts concerning funds targeted at wealth managers and private banks. Tosin Adeyeri joined from Proskauer Rose LLP in October 2023.