Regarded as a ‘market-leading practice in investment management law’, Dechert acts for all key stakeholders in the funds space, from fund managers to broker-dealers and insurers. The firm is highly versed in regulatory and compliance support in the formation and operation of open- and closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds and insurance products. It is also experienced in advising on ESG risks and issues surrounding tax and ERISA matters. Located in Boston and Washington DC respectively, Christopher Christian, who is noted as ’best in the business’ when it comes to offshore funds, and Douglas Dick, who represents investment advisors and independent trustees in litigation and regulatory enforcement, manage the practice. Located in New York, Allison Fumai focuses on exchange-traded fund product lines. Christopher Harvey operates out of the Boston office, supporting clients in their transactions and regulatory matters before the SEC. Also in DC, Megan Johnson represents investment advisors and service providers. The ‘stand-out’ John O’Hanlon brings insights into the SEC to his investment manager and fund clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'John O'Hanlon and David Kotler all stand out.'
- 'Christopher Christian has been an outstanding experience for his knowledge, business savvy and responsiveness.'
- 'Dechert really has the market-leading practice in investment management law. They have continually modernized and adapted to embrace new products, such as ETFs, alternative and hybrid funds.'
- 'Dechert consistently demonstrates a deep bench of experienced attorneys who are highly knowledgeable in our practice areas. They are responsive, practical in their guidance, and familiar with the issues facing a wide range of clients across the industry.'
- 'Christopher Christian's expertise in offshore funds of all types and related distribution arrangements, particularly for US-based managers, is the best in the business and unique.'
Key clients
- Morgan Stanley Funds
- Hashdex
- New York Life Investments Group of Funds
- Aberdeen Investments
- Apollo
Work highlights
Advised Morgan Stanley’s U.S. mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, BDC and CLOs on the development and launch of new funds, compliance and regulatory matters, mergers, liquidations, and the restructuring of funds.
Advised Hashdex Asset Management on the organization and launch of the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF.
Counsel to Apollo in their collaboration with State Street on the launch of a family of ETFs, including the first private credit ETF.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Christopher Christian; Douglas Dick
Other key lawyers
Christopher Harvey; Stephanie Capistron; Adam Teufel; Cynthia Beyea; Megan Johnson; Chris Christian; Allison Fumai; John O'Hanlon; David Kotler