Ranking tables
Private Equity: Fund Formation | Global
USA
Rankings overview for Departments
Band 1
- Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP 4 Years Ranked
- Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP 4 Years Ranked
- Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP 9 Years Ranked
- Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
- Kirkland & Ellis
Band 2
Band 3
- Akin 6 Years Ranked
- Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP 9 Years Ranked
- Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP 4 Years Ranked
- Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP 4 Years Ranked
- Cooley LLP
- Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian
Band 4
- Clifford Chance US LLP 1 Years Ranked
- Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP 1 Years Ranked
- Dechert LLP 1 Years Ranked
- Hogan Lovells US LLP 1 Years Ranked
- Linklaters 3 Years Ranked
- Mayer Brown LLP 3 Years Ranked
- Morrison Foerster 1 Years Ranked
- Paul Hastings LLP 3 Years Ranked
- Sidley Austin LLP 1 Years Ranked
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates 4 Years Ranked
- Winston & Strawn LLP 4 Years Ranked
- DLA Piper LLP (US)
- DLA Piper LLP (US)
- McDermott Will & Emery LLP
- Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP
Senior Statespeople
Eminent Practitioners
- Barry M Wolf Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP25 Years Ranked
- John R O'NeilKirkland & Ellis LLP
- Michael A GerstenzangCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
Band 1
- Barrie B Covit Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP17 Years Ranked
- Jonathan Karen Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP8 Years Ranked
- Jonathon G Soler Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP13 Years Ranked
- Kenneth I Rosh Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP17 Years Ranked
- Leor Landa Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP18 Years Ranked
- Marco Masotti Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP17 Years Ranked
- Michael Wolitzer Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP25 Years Ranked
- Thomas Bell Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP25 Years Ranked
- Andrew WrightKirkland & Ellis LLP
- Erica BerthouKirkland & Ellis LLP
- Rebecca F SilbersteinDebevoise & Plimpton LLP
Band 2
- Amanda Persaud Ropes & Gray LLP6 Years Ranked
- Andrew Ahern Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP6 Years Ranked
- Edward D Sopher Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP19 Years Ranked
- Michael Hong Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP9 Years Ranked
- Shukie Grossman Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP14 Years Ranked
- Elizabeth LenasCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- Jonathan AdlerDebevoise & Plimpton LLP
- Justin StormsDebevoise & Plimpton LLP
- Lorna BowenDebevoise & Plimpton LLP
- Maurice GindiCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
Band 3
- Andrea J Schwartzman Latham & Watkins LLP6 Years Ranked
- Andrew Chizzik Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP6 Years Ranked
- Barton B Clark Latham & Watkins LLP16 Years Ranked
- David A Winter Hogan Lovells US LLP16 Years Ranked
- Glenn R Sarno Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP17 Years Ranked
- Jason Herman Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP11 Years Ranked
- Laura S Friedrich Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP9 Years Ranked
- Roger Singer Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP17 Years Ranked
- Daniel Lavon-KreinKirkland & Ellis LLP
- Kelly RyanKirkland & Ellis
- Sean J HillKirkland & Ellis LLP
- Stephanie R BreslowSchulte Roth & Zabel LLP
Band 4
- David Kreisler DLA Piper LLP (US)7 Years Ranked
- David W Tegeler Proskauer Rose LLP13 Years Ranked
- Edward D Nelson Latham & Watkins LLP7 Years Ranked
- Fadi G Samman Akin5 Years Ranked
- Howard J. Beber Proskauer Rose LLP6 Years Ranked
- James Deeken Akin4 Years Ranked
- John Ayer Ropes & Gray LLP7 Years Ranked
- John Caccia Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates12 Years Ranked
- Joshua H Sternoff Paul Hastings LLP15 Years Ranked
- Lior Ohayon Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP7 Years Ranked
- Marc N. Biamonte Ropes & Gray LLP3 Years Ranked
- Mark Proctor Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP5 Years Ranked
- Michael Sabin Clifford Chance US LLP4 Years Ranked
- Monica Arora Proskauer Rose LLP5 Years Ranked
- Nadia S. Sager Latham & Watkins LLP6 Years Ranked
- Stephanie Epstein Srulowitz Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP6 Years Ranked
- Timothy Clark Freshfields US LLP13 Years Ranked
- Tricia Lee Dechert LLP4 Years Ranked
- Wendy Gallegos Mayer Brown LLP3 Years Ranked
- Adrian LeipsicCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- Andrew FordDebevoise & Plimpton LLP
- Chris P KallosKirkland & Ellis
- Ian SchwartzMcDermott Will & Emery LLP
- Jordan C MurrayKirkland & Ellis LLP
- Joseph A SmithSchulte Roth & Zabel LLP
- Matthew HowardKirkland & Ellis LLP
Band 5
- Adam Tope DLA Piper LLP (US)4 Years Ranked
- Allen P. Ashley DLA Piper LLP (US)4 Years Ranked
- Amran Hussein Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP6 Years Ranked
- Anna Rips Paul Hastings LLP4 Years Ranked
- Arash Farhadieh Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP2 Years Ranked
- Blayne Grady Akin4 Years Ranked
- Brian I Greene Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP4 Years Ranked
- Don Melamed Proskauer Rose LLP4 Years Ranked
- Eric Requenez Ropes & Gray LLP4 Years Ranked
- Heather Cruz Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates11 Years Ranked
- Jason Behrens Linklaters3 Years Ranked
- Lawrence N Barshay Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP17 Years Ranked
- Lindsey Wiersma Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP4 Years Ranked
- Matthew Goldstein Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP4 Years Ranked
- Megan Devaney Winston & Strawn LLP4 Years Ranked
- Mike Dankis Linklaters4 Years Ranked
- Nathaniel Marrs Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP4 Years Ranked
- Paul J Verbesey Goodwin3 Years Ranked
- Phillip Isom Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP7 Years Ranked
- Prakash Mehta Akin17 Years Ranked
- Rebecca Neuschatz Zelenka Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP5 Years Ranked
- Jason AuerbachDebevoise & Plimpton LLP
- Jeffrey KaplanKirkland & Ellis
- Justin SolomonKirkland & Ellis
- Nicole WashingtonKirkland & Ellis LLP
- Phyllis SchwartzSchulte Roth & Zabel LLP
- Robert BlausteinKirkland & Ellis LLP
Band 6
- Alisa Waxman Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP4 Years Ranked
- Bradley Mandel Winston & Strawn LLP1 Years Ranked
- Conrad van Loggerenberg Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP1 Years Ranked
- Cynthia Marian Greenberg Traurig, LLP1 Years Ranked
- Dennis Pereira Akin1 Years Ranked
- Ed Winters Nixon Peabody LLP1 Years Ranked
- Max Rosenberg Paul Hastings LLP1 Years Ranked
- Olesya Bakar Holland & Knight LLP1 Years Ranked
- Shaun Reader Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP1 Years Ranked
- Stephanie Thomas Morrison Foerster6 Years Ranked
- Joseph M MannonVedder Price PC
- Sally BergmannDebevoise & Plimpton LLP
Up and Coming
- Omoz Osayimwese Dechert LLP1 Years Ranked
- David NestlerMcDermott Will & Emery LLP
- David ShermanKirkland & Ellis LLP
- Jamal FultonCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- Katrina RoweKirkland & Ellis LLP
All Departments profiles
Band 1
1 Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 1 | 4 Years RankedFried, Frank, Harris continues to attract high caliber sponsors in the real estate, energy, credit and buyout spaces. Valued for the breadth of its fund formation expertise, including infrastructure and growth funds. Able to offer its expanding client base an integrated service, working closely with its practices in tax, regulatory and employee benefits. Also noted for its strength in cross-border matters.1 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 1 | 4 Years RankedPaul, Weiss has a strong private equity practice counseling elite private equity fund managers on some of the biggest fundraisings in the market. Highly regarded for its experienced structuring of high-end formations, encompassing buyout, distressed and credit funds, among others. Has strong track record in working with global investors.1 Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 1 | 9 Years RankedSimpson Thacher is a prospering private equity practice with comprehensive expertise that spans traditional buyout funds and alternative assets, including real estate, distressed debt and credit. Unparalleled track record representing some of the largest private equity sponsors in mega fundraisings. Expertise in financial services, infrastructure and energy funds.
Band 2
2 GoodwinPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 2 | 7 Years RankedGoodwin has a respected asset management practice, which encompasses an assortment of private investment products, including private equity, venture capital and real estate funds. Acts for a diverse client base of domestic and international funds of varying sizes. Valued for its advice across structuring, management and compliance issues.2 Latham & Watkins LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 2 | 6 Years RankedThe Latham & Watkins team is expert in structuring all manner of private equity funds, with notable strengths pertaining to energy, power and infrastructure-focused vehicles. Trusted advisers to private equity sponsors long after the fund formation process, assisting with ongoing compliance, M&A and other corporate issues. Continues to enjoy success in attracting a number of major new clients across the USA, with notable depth in credit and debt funds.2 Proskauer Rose LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 2 | 7 Years RankedProskauer Rose is an established name in the private equity funds market that is especially lauded for its work on behalf of sponsors, advising on transactions and fund formations which touch a broad range of industries. Boasts equal capabilities in buyout funds as those formed to invest in early-stage businesses. Strong international showing, with a noted presence in matters involving the European and Asian markets.2 Ropes & Gray LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 2 | 10 Years RankedThe Ropes & Gray team is well known for its excellent representation of sizable sponsor-side clients in a variety of private equity fund formations including buyout and growth capital funds. Proven track record structuring private equity vehicles such as real estate and credit funds.2 Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 2 | 9 Years RankedWeil, Gotshal & Manges is a choice destination for midmarket sponsors and larger asset managers seeking to raise mega private equity funds. Valued for its wide experience advising on the structuring of a variety of funds. Expertise devising a plethora of innovative private structures that span a diverse range of targets, from buyouts to real estate and infrastructure. A strong global practice enables the team to act for both US and foreign-based sponsors.
Band 3
3 AkinPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 3 | 6 Years RankedAkin Gump 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.3 Davis Polk & Wardwell LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 3 | 9 Years RankedDavis Polk has a well-respected practice with notable experience of advising both sponsors and funds. Fields an experienced group of practitioners with longstanding practices in the market, combined with a stellar reputation in the related financial services sector. Noted for its track record of forming highly focused funds, including those investing in particular sectors or secondary fund interests.3 Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 3 | 4 Years RankedGibson, Dunn & Crutcher offers comprehensive services to fund managers, sponsors and investors in connection with fund formation and operational matters. Receives a high influx of secondaries mandates and is regularly called upon to assist with SEC enforcement matters. Advises in connection with multiple asset classes, including buyout, real estate and growth capital. Added strength in infrastructure, credit, secondary and co-investment funds.3 Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 3 | 4 Years RankedWillkie Farr & Gallagher draws on resources in the firm's wider asset management team to provide comprehensive regulatory compliance and fund formation guidance to private equity fund managers large and small. Also retains an exclusive client roster of institutional investors and continues to attract new and diverse clients. Noted strength in the areas of energy and real estate funds.- Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & HachigianPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 3
Band 4
4 Clifford Chance US LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 4 | 1 Years RankedClifford Chance boasts a prominent team in the space. Its practitioners are routinely called upon to provide counsel on the formation of a range of funds, including secondaries funds, real estate funds and credit funds. The team has additional experience of handling restructurings and SEC enforcement issues.4 Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 4 | 1 Years RankedCurtis, Mallet-Prevost's team is held in high regard for its strength in handling issues throughout the lifecycle of a fund, right from formation through to investment processes. The team has extensive experience of providing counsel on the formation of a range of funds, including ESG funds, funds-of-funds and venture capital funds. The practitioners are also adept at providing counsel on regulatory compliance.4 Dechert LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 4 | 1 Years RankedDechert draws strength from its international presence to assist clients on a series of complex fund formations. The team has considerable strength in representing sponsors in the space. The practitioners are adept at providing counsel on the formation of buyout funds, close-end funds and funds-of-funds. The group is also routinely called upon to advise clients on private credit and venture capital funds.4 Hogan Lovells US LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 4 | 1 Years RankedHogan Lovells' team demonstrates it's ability to advise clients on the formation of a wide spectrum of funds, including buyout and debt funds. The team has notable strength in advising clients in the real estate, healthcare and energy sectors. It has a significant client base consisting of sponsors and institutional investors, although its recognized for its high quality work on behalf of SBIC licensees and applicants. The practitioners also have extensive experience in handling issues in the secondaries space.4 LinklatersPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 4 | 3 Years RankedLinklaters has a broad team of practitioners known for its extensive work across the private equity space. The team is able to advise on a number of transactional issues including fund formation, mergers and acquisitions as well as regulatory and compliance matters. Linklaters boasts the capability to handle complex cross-border matters often involving European and Asia-based clients. The team frequently supports clients on equity, debt and growth opportunity funds.4 Mayer Brown LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 4 | 3 Years RankedMayer Brown has a strong fund formation team that is held in high regard throughout the space. Its practitioners regularly advise clients on matters related to real estate, credit and insurance funds. The group has further experience of providing counsel on structuring and regulatory issues arising from the formation and financing of funds.4 Morrison FoersterPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 4 | 1 Years RankedMorrison Foerster boasts considerable strength in assisting clients with the formation of venture capital and private equity funds. The groups clients include high profile institutional investors and sponsors. The practitioners have notable experience of handling the formation of infrastructure, real estate and credit funds, among others.4 Paul Hastings LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 4 | 3 Years RankedPaul Hastings is recognized for its robust private equity team. The team regularly works on the formation, opening and closing of a range of highly valued fund types. The team is able to assist clients with cross-border matters and funds, including Europe and Asia-based funds. Its practitioners frequently support clients on both debt and equity funds. The group has significant experience advising in relation to real estate funds.4 Sidley Austin LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 4 | 1 Years RankedSidley Austin's team is renowned for its ability to provide counsel on the formation of funds across an array of sectors, including mining, aviation and energy. The group also boasts strong cross-border capabilities. The practitioners a have notable experience of assisting on the formation of secondary and buyout funds.4 Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & AffiliatesPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 4 | 4 Years RankedThe Skadden Arps team is adept at advising on a plethora of funds including buyout funds, funds of funds and sector-specific vehicles. Strong global presence allows the team to provide counsel on complex matters involving cross-border elements, such as master-feeder structures, funds of one and parallel fund structures.4 Winston & Strawn LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2025 | Band 4 | 4 Years RankedWinston & Strawn boasts a well-respected practice combining strength in traditional buyout funds, with deep expertise in innovative strategies. Especially capable in the area of credit funds and special situations funds, with a track record of handling formations involving multiple jurisdictions.