LAWYER PROFILE
John Bennett

John Bennett

Global 2026

Chambers ranking badge
Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 2 practice areas

Investment Funds: Investor Representation

USA

1 year ranked

About

Provided by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Global

Practice Areas

Partner in the Firm’s Exempt Organizations Practice and Head of the Group’s Endowment Advisory Practice, John advises endowed universities, foundations, hospitals, cultural institutions and other institutional investors, such as family offices, in connection with a broad range of investment activities, including the review and negotiation of documentation relating to investments in private equity funds, venture capital funds, real estate funds, energy and other natural resources funds, hedge funds, managed accounts, funds-of-one and similar investment vehicles, as well as in secondary market transactions involving the purchase and sale of interests in such investment vehicles. As a key piece of his investment-related practice, John represents public charities and private foundations in connection with impact investments and mission- and program-related investments in areas including education, conservation, climate change mitigation and remediation, affordable housing, and support of small businesses. A significant part of John’s practice also includes advising public charities and private foundations on structural and operating issues, including formation, governance, mergers, reorganizations, complex issues around domestic and international grantmaking and taxation, including, in particular, compliance with the portions of the tax rules applicable to tax-exempt organizations.

Career

Joined Firm 2008; Partner 2025.

Professional Memberships

American Bar Association, Section of Taxation, Exempt Organizations Committee; Global Impact Investing Network/ISLP Legal Practitioners Group (2015 – 2017); New York City Bar Association, Committee on Non-Profit Organizations (2013 – 2016).

Personal

J.D., Columbia Law School, 2008 (James Kent Scholar, Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar); B.A., Tufts University, 2001 (Thesis Honors).

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

Investment Funds: Investor Representation - USA

Band 4
Band 4

Individual Editorial

John Bennett of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is highly regarded for his representation of institutional investors in investments into a range of funds, including private equity and venture capital.

Impact Investing - USA

Up-and-coming Individual
Up and Coming

Individual Editorial

John Bennett expertly advises public charities, private foundations and institutional investors on impact-related transactions. His expertise includes a broad range of investment activities, including the structuring and documenting of private equity funds, venture capital funds and energy funds. He is active in the areas of education, affordable housing and climate change.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • He is extremely personable and nice to work with. He is thoughtful about questions and provides well-rounded answers.

    Investment Funds: Investor RepresentationChambers Global Guide
  • John is an all-star. He is deeply knowledgeable and understands the key business points we care about.

    Investment Funds: Investor RepresentationChambers Global Guide
  • John is excellent.

    Impact InvestingChambers Global Guide

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