Debevoise & Plimpton LLP maintains its excellent reputation for private funds, advising on traditional fund formation mandates for major fund sponsors, alongside alternative capital raising. The team is highly skilled across the full breadth of fund-related issues, covering tax and regulatory aspects across the UK, Europe and the US. Leading the team is Geoffrey Kittredge who draws on two decades of experience to advise on fundraisings with multijurisdictional elements. Shawn D’Aguiar, who joined from Goodwin in July 2024, is well-versed in a broad scope of investment fund matters, from capital raising and carry planning to continuation vehicles and coinvestments. Matthew Dickman regularly assists international sponsors. John Rife is particularly active, leading a number of the team’s marquee transactions. Splitting her time between the London, Paris and Frankfurt offices, Patricia Volhard is lauded for her ‘excellent commercial support’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The firm has a unique fund formation team in terms of technical skills and market knowledge, allowing them to fit the best solution to clients' needs.’
‘I have been working with Shawn D'Aguiar and his team. He has shown a unique expertise and positive attitude. He has a long-standing niche experience.’
‘Very strong senior associate level across the teams. Good communication and collaboration between teams means a seamless service is provided through one contact point. Market knowledge is swiftly gathered.’
‘Kay Hunter is excellent - fully involved on our matters, very knowledgeable and on top of multiple workstreams, willing to make decisions where appropriate. Matt Dickman is good, reliable and available and has useful solutions-led suggestions but is sometimes a step removed from the action. Within the tax team, Veronika Polakova provides excellent, commercial support.’
Key clients
- LCM Capital LLP
- Tishman Speyer
- Glendower Capital, LLP
- Wafra Inc.
- LGT Capital
- Cerberus Capital Management, L.P.
- Park Square Capital
- Apera Asset Management LLP
- Metric Capital
- FitzWalter Capital Limited
- Exponent Private Equity LLP
- LeapFrog Investments
Work highlights
Advised FitzWalter Capital in connection with the raising of FitzWalter’s second fund, FitzWalter Capital Partners II, at c.$1.4bn, exceeding the target of $1.25bn.
Representing LeapFrog Investments in raising its fourth Emerging Consumer Fund, which will make equity and equity related investments in businesses that provide financial services (including insurance and adjacent products) or health care products and services to primarily low income and under-served people.
Advised LGT Capital Partners in connection with the fundraising of their latest secondaries flagship, Crown Global Secondaries VI, which has held a final close at more than $7 billion of capital commitments, exceeding the target size of $6 billion.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Geoffrey Kittredge
Other key lawyers
Shawn D’Aguiar; Matthew Dickman; John Rife; Patricia Volhard; Kay Hunter