Law Firm of the Year - Structuring
Addleshaw Goddard
Our team stands out for its work on complex funds structures, its ambition and growth.
The team has developed particular expertise on complex hybrid funds models and supporting GPs in
the impact and sustainability space. We advised New Forests, a global investment manager of
nature-based real assets and natural capital strategies, on the formation of a permanent capital
fund, using a novel Singapore funds structure, that will make investments in the sustainable forestry
sector in Africa and is cornerstoned by British International Investment (amongst other DFIs).
We also advised independent GPs on the formation of net zero investment funds and emerging PE
GPs, such as Agathos Management LLP, YFM and Hakluyt Capital on the structuring of new funds,
domiciled in the UK and abroad.
In February 2023, we formed our Private Funds Group, bringing together funds formation, funds
finance, tax and regulatory experts from across our international offices to help our clients – we now
have more than 30 members focussed on funds structuring. We also expanded our office footprint
with the establishment of a Dublin presence (since Spring 2022, now active on a number of fund
mandates) as well as Luxembourg and recently launched a MENA funds practice in Dubai.
Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson
Fried Frank’s London Asset Management Practice has been busier than ever, with a steady bulk of
instructions from existing blue-chip fund clients and several new mandates from prominent
institutional and specialist fund sponsors. The practice benefits from capabilities across the full
spread of asset classes, allowing it to quickly pivot and advise clients on varying mandates,
regardless of market changes. Our adaptability is a key differentiator – as we have helped clients
prosper in the face of increased market volatility and unpredictability.
Between 2021-2022, our global practice advised on fundraisings of over $135 billion (verified by
Preqin). Preqin also recently recognised Fried Frank for its exceptional work on the largest fund
launches in its 2022 Service Providers Report. The European and global funds community ranks our
team highly through the outstanding body of (often repeat) mandates on which we were awarded
central roles throughout the year. As such, our European team is the first choice for many of the
most discerning global fund sponsors looking to raise sophisticated funds across Europe and globally.
During the judging period, we have delivered exemplary counsel to flagship clients including
Arcmont Asset Management, BlackRock and BlackRock Alternatives, CVC Credit, Permira and
Permira Credit, amongst others.
Proskauer Rose
Proskauer’s London Private Investment Funds team has advised on some of the most complex
fundraisings in the market over the last 12 months. Comprised of 70+ lawyers in London dedicated
to the private funds space, our experience representing both sponsors and institutional investors
across the market gives our clients unparalleled insight into current trends, developments, terms
and conditions.
Proskauer’s private investment funds practice has cemented its position as first choice trusted funds
counsel to the asset management community. We have market-leading capabilities in fund
structuring, offering and management for closed-ended funds (including hybrid funds) in a wide
range of asset classes including private equity, venture/growth, credit, secondaries, infrastructure,
impact, and beyond. Key clients include: 2150, AnaCap, A.P Moller, Ardian, Capital Dynamics, EMK
Capital, G Square, Hg, Hollyport, Investcorp, Lexington Partners, Northzone & One Peak Partners
amongst many other brand name fund managers.
During the judging period, numerous members of our team have been recognized by high-profile
industry publications, underscoring our peoples’ prestige in the market. Most recently, Chris Elson
was named as a Legal Rising Star by Private Funds CFO and Nigel van Zyl was named a “Most
Influential Lawyer” by Financial News for the second year in a row.