Based within the Financial Services practice, Dechert advises sponsors and institutional investors on forming private funds, setting governance and economics, and managing the regulatory and operational issues that follow launch. The firm is noted for handling complex structures and for coordinating closely with its European offices where fundraising and investor negotiations span multiple jurisdictions. The practice is led in New York by Omoz Osayimwese who has a broad international remit that covers fund formation and operational matters. Gerald Brown is another key figure in the team and has a practice focused on the formation of closed-end funds. Arina Lekhel joined from Akin in July 2025 and is experienced acting on private funds, credit funds, and hedge funds.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘They were fantastic in getting caught up to speed and identified areas in which they could provide value and feedback.’
- ‘The Private Equity team we utilize for our funds are extremely knowledgeable regarding this space. They provide excellent service and explanations for any queries we have. They are timely in their responses. Any time they do not have an answer up front, they are great at collaborating internally to get our questions answered.’
Key clients
- MiddleGround Capital
- Hercules Capital
Work highlights
Continue to represent MiddleGround Capital on multiple matters, including raising a third flagship middle market industrial/manufacturing buyout fund targeting US$ 1.2 billion of capital commitments.
Representing Hercules Capital in establishing Hercules Growth Lending Fund IV, its fourth new private credit fund in its venture lending strategy.
Practice head
Omoz Osayimwese
Other key lawyers
Gerald Brown; Arina Lekhel