Walkers is recognised as a market leader in offshore investment funds, advising across the full liquidity spectrum, from private equity and hedge funds to credit, real estate, venture capital and hybrid vehicles. The team benefits from a strong regulatory and risk advisory practice, providing seamless support on complex fund structures. Global managing partner Ingrid Pierce is highly regarded for guiding funds through distress in volatile markets, while Caroline Williams specialises in private equity and hedge funds, including secondary transactions. Melissa Lim and James Melen bring deep expertise in fund formation, with Tim Ludford-Thomas and Christine Ballantyne-Drewe advising on both open and closed-ended structures. Andrew Barker is noted for downstream transactions and IPO advice, Prasana . for unit trusts, and Bicrom Das for private fund lifecycle management.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team combines deep technical expertise with a practical, solutions-focused approach.'
- 'The individuals I have worked with at Walkers consistently combine technical excellence with commercial judgment. They listen closely to the client’s objectives and tailor their advice accordingly.'
- 'I have found the team at Walkers to be incredibly responsive with their advice and work product. Each specialist member has a strong understanding of their respective area of practice and provides smart, professional and commercial advice.'
- 'The Walkers Investment Funds team is responsive, thoughtful, and pragmatic. They are flexible and effectively balance commercial and legal considerations.'
- 'Prasana and Ed Pearson are responsive, thoughtful, and pragmatic.'
Key clients
- Apollo
- BlackRock Inc.
- BLACKSTONE
- General Atlantic
- GNI Group
- GoldenTree Asset Management
- Hudson Bay
- J.P Morgan
- Key Square Capital Management
- Oaktree Capital Management
- Raine
- Saba Capital Management, LP
Work highlights
Represented Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. on the launch and final close of Oaktree Opportunities Fund XII, which closed with approximately US$16 billion of commitments, including co-investment and affiliated vehicles.
Represented Atalaya Capital Management LP on the acquisition of its business by Blue Owl Capital Inc. We advised the client on the relevant steps required in order to transfer the fund entities (including over 10 CIMA-registered fund entities) managed by Atalaya to Blue Owl.
Representing Saba Capital Management, L.P. in launching a new quantitative multi-strategy credit fund. Walkers acted as Cayman Islands counsel to this notable US asset manager on the fund formation, establishment and launch, as well as subsequent ongoing funds advice with complex internal structuring completed on an accelerated timeline.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Bicrom Das
Ingrid Pierce
Prasana .
Caroline Williams
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Christine Ballantyne-Drewe
Practice head
Ingrid Pierce; Caroline Williams; Melissa Lim; James Melen; Tim Ludford-Thomas
Other key lawyers
Andrew Barker; Prasana; Christine Ballantyne-Drewe; Bicrom Das; Matt Bernardo; Ed Pearson