Baker McKenzie LLP launched its investment funds practice with the relocation of James Burdett from London in March 2024. Burdett has a strong track record advising sovereign wealth funds and financial sponsors in the Middle East on fund formation, operation and investments across a range of asset classes. Jacopo Crivellaro joined in 2025 with experience advising family offices, while Ben Phillips and Patrick McGregor focus on M&A and investment transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very collaborative team, knowledgeable and capable of working under extreme pressure.'
- 'Understanding of organisation's needs, able to deliver on time and to consider special requests.'
- 'Baker has a worldwide footprint like no other law firm.'
- 'The partners are senior professionals with global M&A and private funds experience in multiple jurisdictions. They work as team and have known each other for years.'
- 'The team is very knowledgeable and provides very good advice in structuring. They listen to the clients needs and as such provide custom and professional advice that meets clients’ requirement.'
- 'Well versed in the subject area with deep knowledge of local market.'
Key clients
- Africa Export-Import Bank and AfCFTA Adjustment Fund Corporation
- AlBilad Capital
- Aldar Properties PJSC
- Alrajhi Capital
- Arcapita
- Chatham Financial
- ERM (Environmental Resources Management)
- GFH Partners
- GIB Capital
- Kuwait Investment Authority / Kuwait Investment Office
- Sackville Capital Partners
- Saudi Venture Capital Company
Work highlights
Advise Olayan Group on an ongoing basis on a wide variety of fund investments, co-investments and direct investments.
Advised Aldar Properties (Aldar), an Abu Dhabi-based real estate developer, investor andmanager, on its USD 400 million investment in two European private real estate creditplatforms alongside an Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund.
Advised Townsend Group on the investment by its two discretionary clients, Townsend Real Estate Capital Solutions IV and the Environment Agency Active Pension Fund into Areim Fastigheter DC (D) AB, a Swedish investment fund investing in Data Centres.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
James Burdett
Other key lawyers
Jacopo Crivellaro; Ben Phillips; Patrick McGregor