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David Christmas

David Christmas

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Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

England - London • Investment fund formation and management

1

Private funds

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
Phone
+44.20.7972.9222
Email
[email protected]
Profile
friedfrank.com

Profile

Work Department
Asset Management
Position

David Christmas advises fund managers, sponsors, financial institutions, family offices, and investors on the structuring and establishment of alternative investment funds.

David’s practice encompasses a broad range of asset classes including private equity, credit, infrastructure, venture and growth, and real estate funds, with a particular emphasis on structuring complex and multi-jurisdictional funds.

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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.’

    ‘Fried Frank's asset management team is distinguished by their exceptional expertise and commercial acumen, particularly in supporting private equity firms with fund formation, raises, and operations. They provide high-quality, loyal service.’

    ‘The team at Fried Frank, led by partner Kate Downey, is exceptional in their high availability, skill, and commercial acumen. Kate Downey stands out for her outstanding leadership and expertise, consistently delivering top-tier legal advice that is both strategic and practical.'

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 CVC Credit Partners Danske Private Equity Goldman Sachs Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) iCON Infrastructure Kennet Partners Morgan Stanley Neuberger Berman Norvestor Oakley Capital Palatine Private Equity Pemberton Asset Management Permira / Permira Credit Pioneer Point Partners Schroders Greencoat Vitol SA

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.