K&L Gates LLP has made an immediate impact on the market since launching a Dublin office in January 2023. The firm has targeted the ETF and private funds (especially private credit) space with considerable success. It has maximised the firm’s international standing in the area along with the presence of four partners in Dublin. Leading name Gayle Bowen is managing partner of the Dublin office, with Hazel Doyle leading the team’s efforts in the ETF segment and landing a series of major engagements from large clients. Shane Geraghty is making further headway in credit funds and Michelle Lloyd brings additional international experience (particularly Asia) to the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We have started to work with various members of the K&L Gates team and, to date, have found them both knowledgeable and extremely proactive. One particular area to note is that the team is looking to 'pre-agree' a variety of service level agreements, which would benefit all stakeholders in the all-important 'speed to market'. The team has also shown a great sense of commercial reality in dealings to date. ’
‘We have begun working with the senior partners in the team and have found them to be extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of the real asset and the general investment funds industry. I would specifically mention Gayle Bowen and Shane Geraghty, who have both shown both flexibility and a willingness to create long-term working partnerships.’
‘Stable team, low turnover, high level of relevant expertise, very responsive, constructive approach. ’
‘Gayle Bowen, expertise, solution driven, professional, very seasoned, leading in her field of expertise.’
‘As well a having good legal knowledge, they give very good advice when business strategy is being discussed.’
‘Business ideas and tax implications can openly be discussed with Shane Geraghty, who gives views that are best for the ICAV and the board.’
‘A stellar launch into the Irish market by K&L Gates. Lots of international firms want to access the Irish market and K&L is an example of how it should be done. Exceptional resourcing and talent, the highest standards of service to their clients, a hunger to super serve their clients and utmost professionalism with regards to industry and stakeholder engagement. K&L should be very proud of what they’ve achieved so far and I’m looking forward to seeing how they will grow and inevitably thrive. ’
‘I’ve had the pleasure of working with all of the team at K&L (in particular Michelle Lloyd, Hazel Doyle, Shane Geraghty and Lucy Deane). They have constructed a team of exceptional talent, capabilities and experience. They are true representatives of the industry and Ireland. They are valued partners to their clients and they’re incredibly nice people. Well done all. ’
Key clients
- LGT Private Wealth Management/Volare International UCITS ICAV
- Dynamic Credit/Dynamic Credit ICAV
- Global Impact Initiative/GII UCITS ICAV
- HAL Fund Services Ireland
- REIA Capital
- ATKA Funds ICAV
- Mondrian Funds
- Julius Baer
- Clearway Capital Partners ICAV
- Investcorp Securities Limited
Work highlights
- Advised LGT/Volare International UCITS ICAV on a Section 272 application to allow them to market their Irish UCITS fund to retail investors in the UK post-Brexit.
- Advised REIA Capital on the establishment of an Irish master investment limited partnership fund and feeder ICAV, both structured as umbrella funds and targeted predominantly at German high net-worth individuals.
- Advised the Julius Baer group on the migration of 22 sub-funds from Luxembourg into Ireland under the UCITS merger process.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Gayle Bowen; Michael Caccese
Other key lawyers
Hazel Doyle; Shane Geraghty; Michelle Lloyd; Lucy Deane