Investment Funds: Hedge Funds
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Contact number
(020) 7184 7000About
Provided by Dechert LLP
Dechert operates one of the largest financial services practices in London. Our top-ranked team forms a critical part of the firm’s global Financial Services Group, which spans the leading financial hubs of Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the United States.
Investment management boutiques and financial-services giants benefit from our “jurisdiction-neutral” advice that blends local experience with know-how on a global scale. Our advice covers retail and institutional products for all asset classes, strategies and structures, from equity and fixed income to credit, commodities and derivatives.
At the forefront of regulatory changes, our advice on global legislative initiatives is always forward-looking and results-focused. Our “one-stop shop” for investment funds is consistently top-tiered in the hedge funds space.
Moreover, while our English and U.S.-qualified lawyers provide on-the-spot advice on English and U.S. matters from a single platform, we are the only law firm able to source in-house advice in every leading investment fund jurisdiction in Europe.
Chambers Review
Dechert is a respected player in the alternative asset management space and a well-established and active participant in the hedge fund area for both startups and large institutional clients. The firm has global capability, with experience advising on fundraising across the USA, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The team provides comprehensive compliance and regulatory expertise, as well as regional expertise through its offices in Ireland and Luxembourg.
Work Highlights
- Regarding private equity, Dechert advised Cibus Capital on the fundraising and closing of two agriculture and food chain private equity funds.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Dechert team has in-depth knowledge of best industry practices and a strong pool of experienced lawyers able to take on significant work at short notice and deliver according to tight deadlines."
"Dechert give outstanding technical knowledge allied to an excellent customer service experience."
"The team are always available to discuss topics with. They offer excellent knowledge on the hedge fund industry in Europe and the UK."
"The Dechert team has in-depth knowledge of best industry practices and a strong pool of experienced lawyers able to take on significant work at short notice and deliver according to tight deadlines."
"Dechert give outstanding technical knowledge allied to an excellent customer service experience."
"The team are always available to discuss topics with. They offer excellent knowledge on the hedge fund industry in Europe and the UK."
Notable Practitioners
Abigail Bell is sought out by established hedge funds managers as well as startups, thanks to the depth of her experience in the space.
"Abigail supports us with outstanding technical expertise as well as a strong sense of commercial know-how."
"Abigail's approachability, knowledge and clear understanding of commercial awareness gives us the full package we are looking for in a lawyer."
"Abigail has a great understanding of our business and is able to provide clear and concise legal advice in a timely manner."
"Abigail provides a great level of service and is responsive, broadly informed and commercial in her approach."
Christopher Gardner is recommended for his ability to advise clients on European-focused credit funds.
"The service is very good, Chris tries to accommodate my requests. He is flexible."
"Chris is very good interpersonally and a very strong lawyer. He is very responsive."
"It is always a pleasure to work with Christopher. He is highly recommended."
"Chris is a class act."
Gus Black has a practice that covers a range of private funds, with private equity and credit funds falling within his expertise. He works with leading clients on a full range of matters, including fund restructuring.
"Gus is excellent in understanding our requirements and explaining the legal terms."
"Gus is the best in the business."
"Gus is a class act. A supreme leader of the team and office."
"Gus provides the proper level of commercial awareness and vision with legal expertise."
Craig Borthwick is noted for his expertise in a range of hedge fund matters, including spinouts, fund launches and fundraising.
"Craig has an incredible depth of knowledge and is very commercially minded, practical and pragmatic in his decision-making and advice."
"Craig always provides well-thought-out, commercial and clear advice, which is easily digestible and always applicable to our business."
"Craig is fantastic to work with and very knowledgeable."
"Craig was instrumental for our success. Very commercial and thorough."
"Craig has extremely impressive knowledge of the finance industry."
Samuel Kay focuses on the formation of private equity funds. He has a broad practice within that space, assisting clients with funds dealing in a range of strategies.
"Samuel is very easygoing and pragmatic. He's very responsive, which helps."
"As well as his technical and industry expertise, Sam has gone far above and beyond to support our business to ensure that our objectives have been achieved against challenging timelines."
"Sam excels at finding pragmatic solutions. He is very hands-on for a partner, while being ably assisted by the associates within the team."
Ranked Lawyers at
Dechert LLP
UK-wide