USA USA - Nationwide Private Equity: Fund Formation

Debevoise & 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.

Kirkland & 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 midmarket 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.

Simpson 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.

Cleary 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.

Cooley 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, healthcare and social media. Capable of representing fund managers on a global scale.

Fried, 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.

Goodwin 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.

Gunderson 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.

Paul, 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.

Proskauer 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.

The 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.

Weil, 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.

Akin 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.

Davis 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.

Gibson, 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.

The 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.

Willkie 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.

Choate Hall & Stewart is highly recommended for its ability to advise clients on a wide spectrum of funds. Boasts experience of handling matters across a range of jurisdictions, with a strong dealsheet of US-Israel formations. Notable for housing practitioners with the ability to advise sponsors through the formation of venture capital funds in addition to buyout and credit funds. Additionally capable in establishing special-purpose investment vehicles using private equity structures.

DLA 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.

Paul 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.

Schulte 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.

The 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.

Winston & 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.