America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2011: Investment Funds: Private Equity: Fund Formation

Chambers & Partners has compiled its independent and objective list of America's Leading Lawyers for Business based on comments gathered from thousands of interviews with clients and lawyers from Maine to Hawaii. This guide — which is designed to reflect market opinion — contains a view of the firms and attorneys who are considered leaders in their field.

In Chambers' 2011 review of national legal talent in the area of "Investment Funds: Private Equity: Fund Formation," our Firm and our lawyers are listed among the best in the country.

Chambers' comments:

Nationwide Ranking: Tier 2

The Firm: This leading practice typically focuses on midmarket representations, although it is equally adept at large-cap fund formations. Energy and infrastructure continue to be notable areas of strength for the team, and it recently advised Energy Capital Partners on its $4.35 billion energy infrastructure fund, one of the largest final closings of last year. Interviewees highlight the team's excellent resources both in the USA and worldwide.

Commercial Awareness: "The lawyers have an excellent idea of the market and the various business implications."

Key Individuals: Bruce Ettelson leads the funds group out of Chicago and is admired for his "analytical skill and deep understanding of any issue."He has extensive fund formation experience, having represented over 200 private equity funds. Chris Kallos is a talented private equity lawyer with a strong reputation in the midmarket. Clients appreciate his "excellent commercial judgment." Kirk Radke is an expert in both buyouts and fund-raisings. Based in New York, he is renowned for his international scope. The "smart and creative" John O'Neil represents sponsors in forming a variety of funds, including buyout, mezzanine, real estate and fund of funds.

Reprinted with permission from Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2011— www.chambersandpartners.com.