Esther Chiang is a corporate attorney in the New York office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Her practice focuses on the structuring, formation, management and regulatory compliance of private equity funds, hedge funds, fund of funds and other investment vehicles, as well as operational, legal and regulatory issues faced by their sponsors. In addition, she advises prominent institutional investors in connection with the review and negotiation of fund terms.
Experience
Representative Matters
Private Investment Fund Formation
Represented an established global private equity sponsor in launching its past two over $12 billion flagship funds, as well as two of its strategy-specific companion funds (each over $2 billion). Negotiated LPAs, placement agent agreements and side letters. Assisted in structuring fund entities and drafting private offering memorandum, operating agreements and other constitutive documents.
Represented a defense and government contractor focused buyout fund sponsor in launching its $700 million fourth fund. Negotiated placement agent agreements, side letters and operating agreements. Drafted private offering memorandum, operating agreements and other fund constitutive documents.
Represented a technology focused buyout fund sponsor in launching its $1.8 billion third fund and $3 billion fourth fund. Negotiated placement agent agreements, side letters and operating agreements. Drafted private offering memorandum, operating agreements and other fund constitutive documents.
Represented an international government owned fund sponsor in launching its first third-party fund focusing on minority investments in private equity sponsors. Assisted in drafting offering materials, operating agreements and other constitutive documents.
Private Equity Sponsor Structuring and Minority Transactions
Represented a well-known private equity sponsor focusing on technology investments in connection with its sale of minority stakes in itself to a consortium.
Secondary Transaction
Represented a well-known private equity fund sponsor in an auction-style sale of a sleeve of fund investments to a consortium of secondary buyers.
Institutional Investor Representation
Regularly represent a major pharmaceutical company in the negotiation of its strategic alliance relationships with certain biopharma focused venture capital funds.
Regularly represent an European family office in the negotiation of its investments in credit funds, private equity funds and hedge funds.
Represented an Asian insurance company in its investment in various private equity funds sponsored by well-known fund sponsors.
Prior Experience
Engineer, Qualcomm, Inc., 2003–2006
Associate, Sidley Austin LLP, 2009–2012
Associate, Shearman & Sterling LLP, 2012–2014
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Memberships & Affiliations
Member, New York State Bar Association
Member, American Bar Association
Credentials
Admissions & Qualifications
2010New York
Languages
Mandarin
Education
New York University School of LawJ.D.2009
Student Articles Development Editor, NYU Review of Law & Social Change