Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP’s private funds team is instructed by a stellar roster of clients, including major private equity and buyout funds. The team stands out for its strength across a diverse range of private funds, from high-value buyout and credit funds, to venture capital and energy funds. Kate Downey and Mark Mifsud jointly lead the team. Downey is a go-to for significant transactions covering the structuring, formation, and raising of funds. Mifsud maintains his reputation for advising on the establishment of major multi-jurisdictional European funds. Alternative investment funds are core to David Christmas‘ practice, who is increasingly active in the growing Evergreen fund market. Another highlighted individual is Sam Wilson, who regularly handles matters related to co-investment schemes and secondary transactions. Other notable individuals include Karen Henderson and Athena Tan, who were promoted to partner and special counsel, respectively, in March 2025. Aranpreet Randhawa joined the team from Proskauer Rose LLP in January 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very high EQ to match top class IQ….an unusually thoughtful mix of technical legal excellence and deal savvy. Also, very innovative and creative when they see opportunity. Good people throughout the team and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Mark Mifsud - most effective lawyer I have worked with in my 36-year professional career. Patient, innovative, and builds trust on both sides of every deal. Right up to date on the latest ideas/best practice in funds management.’
‘A team that has built a real pedigree in private funds across different asset classes, enabling them to identify and harness broader trends for the benefit of their clients.’
‘Very impressed with Mark Mifsud. Personable, engaged, proactive, diligent and market-savvy.’
‘The level of technical knowledge and commercial acumen as well as the ability to get things done was very impressive. Piers Harris is a true superstar in the asset management industry - exceptionally knowledgeable on asset management and fiercely protective of his clients.'
‘I have worked with David Christmas for many years and will continue to as he fosters the relationship well and always provides value to us beyond active matters.’
Key clients
- APG
- Arcmont Asset Management
- Balderton Capital (UK) LLP
- BlackRock
- BlueBay Asset Management
- Cairngorm Capital
- Cambridge Innovation Capital
- Castik Capital
- CataCap
- Cerberus Capital Management
- Corten Capital
- Crescent Capital Europe
Work highlights
Advised Norvestor on the formation and fundraising of Norvestor Nova I SCSp (“Norvestor Nova”), which closed over-subscribed at EUR 500 million, significantly ahead of its targeted commitments of at least EUR 350 million.
Advised Balderton Capital’s ninth early-stage fund (“Balderton Capital IX”) closed in USD 615 million of commitments and follows the firm’s largest ever early-stage fundraise in October 2021 and Balderton Capital’s second ‘early growth’ fund (“Balderton Growth II”) closed in USD 685 million of commitments.
Advised CVC Credit Partners on the formation and fundraising of CVC Credit Partners Capital Solutions III (CS III), a junior capital debt fund primarily targeting European sponsors and corporates, which held its final closing with more than EUR 1.6 billion of investable capital.
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.
David Christmas
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Karen Henderson
Aranpreet Randhawa
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Athena Tan
Practice head
Kate Downey; Mark Mifsud
Other key lawyers
Sam Wilson; David Christmas; Aranpreet Randhawa;Karen Henderson; Athena Tan