The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2010: Investment Funds

On an annual basis, Chambers & Partners conducts extensive research and thorough data analysis in compiling its objective list of talent available at the highest level of international legal practice. Its research methodology has been independently audited and confirmed to be thorough, robust and complete.

In Chambers' 2010 review of international legal talent in the area of Investment Funds, our Firm is listed among the best in the world.

Chambers' comments:

Investment Funds: Private Equity: Fund Formation
Global Ranking: Tier 2

The Firm: This firm provides a uniformly high calibre of private equity advice on several continents, thanks to its excellent partners and well-integrated international service. Its recent deals serve as a testament to the team's skills and great client relationships. They include advising on the formation of the multibillion-euro CVC European Equity Partners V, which was staffed from New York, London and Hong Kong. The team is also acting on another multibillion-dollar multi-jurisdictional buyout fund formation for Vestar Capital Partners VI. The firm's expansion into Asia has been handled intelligently, according to sources, and the team's profile is also on the rise in the Middle East.

Sources Say: "The team has complementary talents – they have all bases covered." "They are so good at understanding sensitivities for sponsors globally and bringing the best lawyers around the world to serve their clients."

Key Individuals: Chicago-based Bruce Ettelson is "absolutely top-notch, a dynamite guy." Other leading US partners include Kirk Radke and Chris Kallos. Mark Mifsud in the London office is a solid client favourite. In the Hong Kong office, David Patrick Eich is a main contact.

Investment Funds: Private Equity: Fund Formation
USA Ranking: Tier 2

Rapidly expanding on to the global stage from its Midwest roots, this sponsor-side practice operates from coast to coast and is supported by additional teams in London and Hong Kong. Recent work includes providing ongoing fund formation advice to Madison Dearborn Capital Partners and CVC. Energy infrastructure funds have also been a particularly active source of work, as the representation of Energy Capital Partners in an energy fund worth USD3.5 billion demonstrates. Working on this was Bruce Ettelson, an "absolutely top-notch, dynamite attorney." Heading the private funds group, he has made his name in the structuring of premier private equity funds and their management companies, and "always has his finger on the pulse of the market." Chris Kallos represents a range of major private equity firms, concentrating on fund formation and spinouts. "His pragmatism is of immense benefit," sources say. New York partner Kirk Radke balances fund work with LBO transactions and has many years of private equity experience. He "knows the intricacies of the industry at the highest possible level," sources say.

Investment Funds: REITs
USA Ranking: Other Notable Practitioners

Bruce Gelman left Mayer Brown for Kirkland & Ellis LLP in April 2008. He provides broad tax planning expertise and has continued to develop his practice, which focuses on advising offshore investors in the US REIT market.

Reprinted with permission from Chambers Global, The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2010 — www.chambersandpartners.com.