Baker McKenzie`s mutual fund team is led by James Burdett, who recently advised clients on infrastructure and real estate underwriting and co-investment agreements. The UK team acts as a hub for the wider global offering. Areas of interest include advising investors in complex start-up areas, obtaining FCA recognition for foreign fund structures, acquiring, structuring and negotiating ultra-high net worth matters. Mark Simpson, who leads the non-litigious side of the company`s financial services and regulation, is a particularly strong partner. In addition, the team is able to advise on increasingly important ESG guidelines and has its own sustainability working group. Caitlin McErlane, Partner, is a key member of this working group and also has a reputation for specialising in navigating financial services regulations in the UK and EU. “Kirkland & Ellis` private funds practice has unparalleled experience in fund formation, structuring, taxation and operations. Years ago, the firm`s lawyers were responsible for developing many legal and precedent foundations that have allowed the private equity sector to grow to its current size and scope. No other company has played such an important role in this area. This know-how has been based for decades and still shapes the practice today. The closed-end fund practice at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises funds and their service providers on matters such as capital and debt raising, mergers, restructurings and liquidations.
The team is particularly strong on regulatory issues and is increasingly present on ESG and responsible investment topics. The team is led by Ronald Paterson, an experienced financial regulator, who advises fund managers on launching innovative funds across a wide range of asset classes. Liz Kwok, Partner, advises on closed-end fund launches and related corporate transactions, as well as regulatory advice, with a primary focus on ESG factors. Based in Edinburgh, Sarah Burnside, General Counsel, works closely with the London team. “Practical and timely legal advice from Macfarlanes` retail and regulatory funds team during a lengthy project. The Macfarlanes team was honest about when we needed to make decisions and rephrase our questions to use their resources as efficiently as possible. “I have worked directly with Rebecca Clark and Elaine MacGregor on various infrastructure investments. Both have patiently and competently supported me over the past 18 months in reviewing the opportunities that arise.
While maintaining consistent professionalism, both have established a good working relationship with me where I feel comfortable asking questions or addressing every point. His industry knowledge and attention to detail shine through. I found Rebecca and Elaine`s approachable nature and apparent rigor extremely reassuring at a busy time for us as clients. Seward & Kissel LLP`s New York-based investment management practice is recognized for its expertise in setting up private equity funds, particularly with respect to mid-market funds. The firm also has in-depth knowledge of the legal and regulatory requirements that apply to both the funds themselves and their investment advisors, including those that are relevant not only at the outset, but throughout the life cycle of a fund. Patricia A Poglinco and Robert B Van Grover are the most important names. “The private equity team in the UK. They have an enviable position in the market to advise all major private equity funds, which means their industry knowledge is second to none. “Phil Spyropoulos is my favorite lawyer in the industry and I can`t recommend him enough. Phil breaks the nonsense to give sound advice. He worked with me on my vision to create a “retail friendly” prospectus for our funds that can be easily used by end clients in our range of funds.
“Dechert LLP is truly associated with renowned partners and has a diversified practice covering both private and open-ended funds in the areas of private equity, venture capital, real estate and lending. In addition to the breadth of the types of funds it advises on, the practice is also distinguished by its geographical scope, with experience in transactions with fund institutions in the Channel Islands, the Cayman Islands and Luxembourg, where the firm has an office. The firm is also developing a presence in Ireland and continues to use its links with the United States to advise on transatlantic mandates. Gus Black leads the team and, alongside Christopher Gardner and Thiha Tun, has extensive expertise in advising US and European clients on fund formation. The trio also deals with secondary schools run by general practitioners. The Dentons team has experience in a wide range of exchange-traded fund transactions, including investment firm consolidation, secondary financing and the range of financial regulatory matters. The group also has expertise in REITs, an area in which several team members are familiar. Together, Guy Norfolk of London and Claire Armstrong of Edinburgh are taking the lead, which has earned a reputation as an investment trust and REIT design and launch instructions. In London, Cameron Half advises US securities, which he contributes to cross-border transactions of exchange-traded funds. While in Edinburgh, Senior Partner Owen McLennan developed an impressive ESG and impact investing practice. “Commercial, engaged and collaborative – in general, the team focuses on getting the right outcome for the client rather than fighting legal issues.” “Daniel Greenaway is an experienced fund lawyer.
He has a good understanding of the needs of a general practitioner, especially future managers, and can offer both good practical advice and legal advice. “Ed Gander is exceptional, very experienced, commercial and an excellent sparring partner.