Department profile
Akin

Private Equity: Fund Formation

Global Guide 2026 : USA

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Akin

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About

Provided by Akin

To learn more about Akin Gump’s Private Equity: Fund Formation capabilities, please visit the Investment Management page under the experience section at www.akingump.com.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Private Equity: Fund Formation - USA

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Akin counts a number of dominant investors and sponsors among its longstanding clientele and is noted for its acute insight into emerging market investment trends. Additionally able to assist fund managers with tax structures. Provides vital market perspective gained from representing investors in private equity and hedge vehicles.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Akin serves as fund counsel to Apollo Global Management in the formation of Apollo Athene Diversified Investment Partnership II.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Akin is a highly sophisticated and extremely capable firm with significant market knowledge and I am always impressed. I also find Akin to be a very commercial firm to work with.

    Private Equity: Fund Formation respondentGlobal

  • The whole team are very attentive in delivering work products and answers. They always come forwards with market intel and are proactive in offering advice.

    Private Equity: Fund Formation respondentGlobal

  • They are a significant player with deep market knowledge that is on the forefront of new approaches, as well as different types of fund structures. They have an extensive bench.

    Private Equity: Fund Formation respondentGlobal

  • They are very practical and get to the heart of the issue.

    Private Equity: Fund Formation respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • James Deeken
    James Deeken

    James Deeken

    James Deeken is routinely called upon by private fund sponsors and is particularly valued for the insight gained through his work with limited partners.

    • James is fantastic and very involved; his level of involvement is comparable to working with a small law firm. He applies strong legal acumen, knows the market and is really impressive.

      Private Equity: Fund Formation respondentGlobal

    • James has great market knowledge, is client-oriented and is there in the trenches with you.

      Private Equity: Fund Formation respondentGlobal

    • James clearly articulates the trade-offs in decision-making, educating us and making us better professionals. His writing is thorough, but accessible to anyone, no matter their legal background. 

      Private Equity: Fund Formation respondentGlobal
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  • Wendy Gallegos
    Wendy Gallegos

    Wendy Gallegos

    Wendy Gallegos offers advice to clients on the structuring and tax aspects of fund formation, among other issues.

    • Wendy is outstanding.

      Private Equity: Fund Formation respondentGlobal

    • Wendy has strong technical knowledge, comprehensive knowledge of the market and a collaborative approach with clients to solve problems.

      Private Equity: Fund Formation respondentGlobal
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  • Blayne Grady
    Blayne Grady

    Blayne Grady

    Blayne Grady has notable experience of advising sponsors on launching and structuring credit, real estate and energy funds.

    • Blayne is very responsive, a good lawyer and very smart.

      Private Equity: Fund Formation respondentGlobal
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  • Fadi G Samman
    Fadi G Samman

    Fadi G Samman

    Fadi Samman's practice encompasses a wide spectrum of issues, including fund formation, M&A and secondary transactions, to name a few.
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  • Prakash Mehta
    Prakash Mehta

    Prakash Mehta

    Prakash Mehta has vast experience of advising both asset managers and sponsors on establishing significant funds, including growth funds.

    • Prakash is a go-to for high level guidance and advice.

      Private Equity: Fund Formation respondentGlobal
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  • Dennis Pereira
    Dennis Pereira

    Dennis Pereira

    Dennis Pereira is highlighted for his strength in advising clients on the formation of debt funds and close-end funds, among others.
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Ranked Individuals at Akin (6)

USA

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