Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP caters to leading sponsors embarking on complex strategic fundraisings, across the full range of asset classes. The team’s strength and depth puts it at the forefront of some key market trends, including sustainability funds, SFDR and EU Taxonomy Regulation, and the retailisation of public wealth. From key strategic acquisitions to the formation and fundraising of high-value credit and infrastructure funds, Kate Downey continues to lead some of the team’s most significant transactions. Mark Mifsud is a recognised authority on the structuring and establishing of private investment funds across asset classes and secondaries. David Christmas assumes a key role in matters relating to managed accounts, carried interest and co-investment schemes, and secondary transactions. Recent standout engagements for Karen Henderson include the formation and fundraising of a perpetual, open-ended infrastructure equity fund for the firm’s key clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Mark Mifsud's experience is second to none; he is commercial, technical and pragmatic. Karen Henderson has become a key point of contact and has run our transactions very well.'
‘The team at Fried Frank are very collaborative and work closely with us, helping to manage the different scenarios and providing the legal solutions for some of the unusual structures and ideas that we have. Everyone you work with is knowledgeable and the team works seamlessly.'
‘Mark Mifsud is incredibly knowledgeable and a great person to work with. He helps us think through the implications of the many ideas we come up with and will help to find a solution. He is always on hand and will go the extra mile to help meet some tight deadlines.'
'Karen Henderson is very knowledgeable and a great person to work with, she will deal with the many queries and questions I have! The same goes for Ethan Chionh.'
‘FF is one of the most efficient law firms I have worked with. They are focused on providing a value-added service and not focused on inflating their billable hours.’
‘Kate Downey really is exceptional. In terms of knowledge, engagement and leadership of her team, Kate is unrivalled in the London market.'
- 'Piers Harris is a very strong up-and-coming partner. Piers is dedicated and commercial.'
- 'Athena Tan is a rising star in Fried’s fund formation practice, has great project management skills and is a determined negotiator.'
Key clients
- APG
- Arcmont Asset Management
- Aztiq
- Bain Capital
- Balderton Capital
- BlackRock
- BlueBay Asset Management
- Cairngorm Capital
- Cambridge Innovation Capital
- Castik Capital
Work highlights
- Advising BlackRock on several matters including the formation and fundraising for its first perpetual, open-ended infrastructure equity fund.
- Advising Arcmont Asset Management on several matters including the final closing of its €10 billion fundraise for Direct Lending Fund IV.
- Advising on the formation and fundraising of Norvestor IX SCSp which closed at its hard cap of €1.5 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.
David Christmas
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
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.
Karen Henderson
Athena Tan
Practice head
Kate Downey; Mark Mifsud
Other key lawyers
David Christmas; Sam Wilson; Piers Harris; Nathan McKinnon; Athena Tan; Robert MacVicar; Karen Henderson; Ethan Chionh