Ranking tables
Private Equity: Fund Formation | USA
USA - Nationwide
Rankings overview for Departments
Band 1
Band 2
- Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP 3 Years Ranked
- Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP 3 Years Ranked
- Goodwin 3 Years Ranked
- Latham & Watkins LLP 3 Years Ranked
- Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP 3 Years Ranked
- Proskauer Rose LLP 3 Years Ranked
- Ropes & Gray LLP 3 Years Ranked
- Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP 3 Years Ranked
Band 3
Band 4
- DLA Piper LLP (US) 3 Years Ranked
- Hogan Lovells US LLP 1 Years Ranked
- Linklaters 2 Years Ranked
- Mayer Brown LLP 1 Years Ranked
- McDermott Will & Emery LLP 1 Years Ranked
- Paul Hastings LLP 2 Years Ranked
- Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP 3 Years Ranked
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates 3 Years Ranked
- Winston & Strawn LLP 3 Years Ranked
Eminent Practitioners
Band 1
- Andrew Wright Kirkland & Ellis LLP12 Years Ranked
- Barrie B Covit Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP16 Years Ranked
- Erica Berthou Kirkland & Ellis LLP15 Years Ranked
- Jonathon G Soler Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP16 Years Ranked
- Kenneth I Rosh Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP17 Years Ranked
- Leor Landa Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP20 Years Ranked
- Marco Masotti Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP18 Years Ranked
- Michael Wolitzer Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP21 Years Ranked
- Rebecca F Silberstein Debevoise & Plimpton LLP21 Years Ranked
- Thomas Bell Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP21 Years Ranked
Band 2
- Edward D Sopher Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP20 Years Ranked
- Elizabeth Lenas Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP16 Years Ranked
- Jonathan Adler Debevoise & Plimpton LLP9 Years Ranked
- Jonathan Karen Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP7 Years Ranked
- Lorna Bowen Debevoise & Plimpton LLP7 Years Ranked
- Shukie Grossman Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP17 Years Ranked
Band 3
- Amanda Persaud Ropes & Gray LLP5 Years Ranked
- Andrew Ahern Debevoise & Plimpton LLP5 Years Ranked
- Barton B Clark Latham & Watkins LLP15 Years Ranked
- Chris P Kallos Kirkland & Ellis15 Years Ranked
- Daniel Lavon-Krein Kirkland & Ellis LLP5 Years Ranked
- David A Winter Hogan Lovells US LLP17 Years Ranked
- David W Watson Goodwin20 Years Ranked
- Glenn R Sarno Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP19 Years Ranked
- Jason Herman Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP11 Years Ranked
- Jordan C Murray Kirkland & Ellis LLP14 Years Ranked
- Justin Storms Debevoise & Plimpton LLP11 Years Ranked
- Maurice Gindi Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP3 Years Ranked
- Michael Hong Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP8 Years Ranked
- Robin A Painter Proskauer Rose LLP21 Years Ranked
- Roger Singer Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP16 Years Ranked
- Sean J Hill Kirkland & Ellis LLP15 Years Ranked
- Stephanie R Breslow Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP21 Years Ranked
Band 4
- Adrian Leipsic Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP5 Years Ranked
- Andrea J Schwartzman Latham & Watkins LLP5 Years Ranked
- Andrew Chizzik Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP5 Years Ranked
- Andrew Ford Debevoise & Plimpton LLP7 Years Ranked
- David Kreisler Sidley Austin LLP17 Years Ranked
- David W Tegeler Proskauer Rose LLP20 Years Ranked
- Edward D Nelson Latham & Watkins LLP12 Years Ranked
- Fadi G Samman Akin5 Years Ranked
- Howard J. Beber Proskauer Rose LLP12 Years Ranked
- John Ayer Ropes & Gray LLP10 Years Ranked
- John Caccia Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates12 Years Ranked
- Joseph A Smith Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP16 Years Ranked
- Joshua H Sternoff Paul Hastings LLP16 Years Ranked
- Kelly Ryan Kirkland & Ellis6 Years Ranked
- Laura S Friedrich Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP12 Years Ranked
- Lawrence N Barshay Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP17 Years Ranked
- Lior Ohayon Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP8 Years Ranked
- Mark Proctor Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP4 Years Ranked
- Matthew Howard Kirkland & Ellis LLP3 Years Ranked
- Michael Sabin Clifford Chance US LLP3 Years Ranked
- Monica Arora Proskauer Rose LLP4 Years Ranked
- Nadia S. Sager Latham & Watkins LLP5 Years Ranked
- Prakash Mehta Akin17 Years Ranked
- Stephanie Epstein Srulowitz Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP5 Years Ranked
- Timothy Clark Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US12 Years Ranked
Band 5
- Adam Tope DLA Piper LLP (US)4 Years Ranked
- Allen P. Ashley DLA Piper LLP (US)3 Years Ranked
- Amran Hussein Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP5 Years Ranked
- Anna Rips Paul Hastings LLP3 Years Ranked
- Arash Farhadieh Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP1 Years Ranked
- Blayne Grady Akin3 Years Ranked
- Brian I Greene Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP3 Years Ranked
- Don Melamed Proskauer Rose LLP3 Years Ranked
- Eric Requenez Ropes & Gray LLP3 Years Ranked
- Heather Cruz Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates10 Years Ranked
- Ian Schwartz McDermott Will & Emery LLP2 Years Ranked
- James Deeken Akin3 Years Ranked
- Jason Auerbach Debevoise & Plimpton LLP3 Years Ranked
- Jason Behrens Linklaters2 Years Ranked
- Jeffrey Kaplan Kirkland & Ellis4 Years Ranked
- Justin Solomon Kirkland & Ellis1 Years Ranked
- Lindsey Wiersma Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP4 Years Ranked
- Marc N. Biamonte Ropes & Gray LLP2 Years Ranked
- Matthew Goldstein Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP3 Years Ranked
- Megan Devaney Winston & Strawn LLP3 Years Ranked
- Mike Dankis Linklaters3 Years Ranked
- Nathaniel Marrs DLA Piper LLP (US)3 Years Ranked
- Nicole Washington Kirkland & Ellis LLP2 Years Ranked
- Paul J Verbesey Goodwin5 Years Ranked
- Phillip Isom Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP6 Years Ranked
- Phyllis Schwartz Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP3 Years Ranked
- Rebecca Neuschatz Zelenka Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP4 Years Ranked
- Robert Blaustein Kirkland & Ellis LLP2 Years Ranked
- Tricia Lee Dechert LLP3 Years Ranked
- Wendy Gallegos Mayer Brown LLP2 Years Ranked
Up and Coming
- Alisa Waxman Debevoise & Plimpton LLP3 Years Ranked
- Conrad van Loggerenberg Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP1 Years Ranked
- David Nestler McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP1 Years Ranked
- David Sherman Kirkland & Ellis LLP1 Years Ranked
- Gerald H Brown Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP3 Years Ranked
- Katrina Rowe Kirkland & Ellis LLP1 Years Ranked
- Sally Bergmann Debevoise & Plimpton LLP3 Years Ranked
All Departments profiles
Band 1
1 Debevoise & Plimpton LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2023 | Band 1 | 3 Years RankedDebevoise & Plimpton is in an elite category of private fund practices with a considerable global footprint and an extensive client base of top-tier private equity sponsors. Represents all manner of private equity businesses, including some of the largest debt fund managers. Noted activity in the representation of secondary funds in connection with transactions and fundraisings. Active in all types of investment strategies including buyout, distressed and credit, real estate and infrastructure funds.1 Kirkland & EllisPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2023 | Band 1 | 3 Years RankedKirkland & Ellis boasts an impressively deep group of private funds specialists noted for its handling of a large volume of fundraisings for prominent high-end and mid-market sponsors. A global footprint ensures that it is well equipped to take on sophisticated matters involving buyout funds and real estate funds. Additional expertise in handling significant secondary transactions. Noted for its experience of working with a wide array of investors as part of a global platform.1 Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2023 | Band 1 | 3 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 Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2023 | Band 2 | 3 Years RankedCleary Gottlieb has deep expertise structuring private equity funds and alternative investment products that are offered in the USA, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Likewise proficient in counseling limited partners on their investments in private equity, hedge and real estate assets. Also noted for its advice on strategic minority investments to fund managers. Experienced in the formation of a range of private funds including credit and special situations funds.2 Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2023 | Band 2 | 3 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.2 GoodwinPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2023 | Band 2 | 3 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 Formation2023 | Band 2 | 3 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 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2023 | Band 2 | 3 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.2 Proskauer Rose LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2023 | Band 2 | 3 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 Formation2023 | Band 2 | 3 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 Formation2023 | Band 2 | 3 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 Formation2023 | Band 3 | 3 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 Cooley LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2023 | Band 3 | 3 Years RankedCooley distinguishes itself as primary fund counsel to innumerable funds within the ambit of venture capital, ranging from preeminent market players to up-and-coming managers. Able to advise on an array of fund formation operations, including evergreen, growth equity and funds of funds, in sectors such as technology, health care and social media. Capable of representing fund managers on a global scale.3 Davis Polk & Wardwell LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2023 | Band 3 | 3 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 Formation2023 | Band 3 | 3 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 Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & HachigianPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2023 | Band 3 | 3 Years RankedGunderson Dettmer displays dominance throughout the North American and Chinese venture capital fund formation markets. Dedicated to the support of emerging technology and venture capital matters around the world.3 Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2023 | Band 3 | 3 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.
Band 4
4 DLA Piper LLP (US)Private Equity: Fund Formation2023 | Band 4 | 3 Years RankedDLA Piper is a notably deep team able to call on fund formation experts across the country and internationally. Specific areas of strength include providing counsel on the structuring and formation of real estate and credit funds.4 Hogan Lovells US LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2023 | 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 Formation2023 | Band 4 | 2 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 Formation2023 | Band 4 | 1 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 McDermott Will & Emery LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2023 | Band 4 | 1 Years RankedMcDermott Will & Emery is well regarded throughout the market for it's ability to handle matters related to various funds, including real estate, secondary and buyout funds. The team has considerable experience of assisting on formations related to the healthcare space. Its practitioners are routinely called upon to handle fundraises on behalf of sponsors.4 Paul Hastings LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2023 | Band 4 | 2 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 Schulte Roth & Zabel LLPPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2023 | Band 4 | 3 Years RankedSchulte Roth & Zabel boasts a highly respected private equity group working in tandem with the firm's market-leading hedge funds practice to provide a seamless private funds offering. Particularly strong real estate funds offering with experience advising on the formation of highly focused vehicles in terms of jurisdiction and asset class. Similarly strong in the structuring of direct lending funds.4 Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & AffiliatesPrivate Equity: Fund Formation2023 | Band 4 | 3 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 Formation2023 | Band 4 | 3 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.