Investment Funds: Hedge Funds: USA

Stephanie Breslow co-heads the investment management group and is highlighted by market sources as "an industry leader." Of late she has worked closely with The Blackstone Group in its launch of several funds of hedge funds for a broad range of investors. 

Fellow co-head Steven Fredman is much admired by peers, and is acknowledged as a leader within the practice for investment advisory M&A. He assisted Credit Suisse with its acquisition of a minority stake in York Capital Management.

David Nissenbaum focuses on bank regulation and securities issues, and advises investors on both an institutional and entrepreneurial level.

Paul Roth has more than 40 years' experience in the field and receives accolades for his "long contribution to the industry." His practice covers the gamut of hedge funds-related matters. 

William Kerr is a highly experienced attorney who "exemplifies the qualities of the firm," say clients. He has handled several matters for key client Deutsche Bank during the past year, including the formation of a capital fund to seed managers of hedge funds. "He is fabulous and he does a nice job of managing the practice," said one interviewee.

David Sawyier is "extremely hard-working and smart," and has a tremendous reputation in the market. One peer noted: "He's head and shoulders above the rest of us mortals – he sees things that no one else sees."

Clients admire Michael Schmidtberger's ability to remain calm under pressure, and that he gives "clear and concise opinions on difficult matters." He has a "tremendous amount of experience" in the hedge funds world, specialising in securities-related matters.

Stephen Vine co-heads the investment funds and private equity practice, and is skilled in all aspects of hedge funds, including formation, fund-raising and regulatory concerns. Market sources praise him as being "obviously very strong, very good at what he does."

Eliot Raffkind's commercial abilities are highly valued by clients: "He really gets the business side of it, risk analysis and business analysis." Start-up ventures regularly seek his advice and expertise on fund formation and investing matters. 

John Holton has been leading the team's hedge fund work on behalf of ICICI India Dynamic Fund. He divides his time between private equity and hedge funds, and has particular expertise in international and emerging markets funds.

Richard Goldman is popular and well known within the market, and regularly represents hedge funds and funds of funds, both domestic and international. "He is technically very proficient but I appreciate his timeliness and responsiveness as well," said one interviewee.

George Mazin maintains an impressively diverse practice and has recently handled the creation of business development companies and SPVs, and advised clients on hybrid structures.

Lawrence Barshay heads the asset management group and is held in the highest esteem by peers and clients alike. He is highlighted for his "solution-oriented" approach, client service and wealth of experience. "His knowledge level is far superior to anyone else's," said one interviewee; another added: "He's always my first phone call because he never panics and he is an extremely hard worker."

Fund of funds expert Walid Khuri inspires confidence in clients with his highly commercial approach. "He understands what the client is looking for; he's driven and really works his way to getting goals achieved within a framework."

Sarah Davidoff has a wide client base and is highlighted for her ability to work seamlessly with the businesses she advises. She has worked closely with UBS Wealth Management Americas of late, designing new products and advising on fee and liquidity terms.

Laurel FitzPatrick is noted for establishing long-lasting relationships with clients, who describe her as "excellent, terrific and great!" She has recently advised PIMCO on a variety of new funds, including one focusing on distressed debt, a real asset fund and a leveraged loan fund.

John Tavss is highly regarded in the industry and covers a broad range of private funds matters. He is able to advise on tax, securities and business law matters relating to investment management.

John Cleary receives excellent feedback for his big-picture attitude to offering advice: "Where he shines is that he won't only give you comments regarding technical details but he will take a much broader approach; thinking outside the box is one of his exceptional skills."

Philip Harris is widely renowned for his "clear and practical advice," and is said to be something of a "powerhouse" in the field. He advises investors, issuers and underwriters on a variety of fund structures.  

Daniel Schloendorn is highlighted for his "broad experience and familiarity with the issues." He handles all aspects of the formation and continuing operation of hedge funds, and is praised by clients for "thinking things through in a sophisticated and capable way."

According to sources, Barry Barbash is "super smart and very diligent." His depth of experience makes him an attractive choice for clients, one of whom said: "To him, the rules are living, breathing things – he understands the reasoning behind them and how they interact with our business."

Several interviewees praised Leor Landa's "incredible knowledge of the area and ability to be solutions-oriented." He counts Morgan Stanley and Citadel amongst his clients, and is praised for his "real business instincts – something that is rare in lawyers."

Hedge fund clients benefit from Nora Jordan's strong regulatory experience and knowledge when it comes to Dodd-Frank matters. She is also skilled in handling M&A transactions involving hedge fund managers. One enthusiastic source summarises: "Fantastic – she is very knowledgeable and has a broad range of experience covering this area."

Elizabeth Fries chairs the hedge funds practice and is able to work closely with members of the firm's wider financial services group to provide stellar advice to a broad range of clients. She is particularly noted for her strength on the fund development side.

Interviewees describe Henry Bregstein as "one of the strongest points of the whole firm." He is admired for his strong grasp of issues surrounding domestic and offshore securities and commodities hedge funds.

Jedd Wider has devoted a great deal of time to South Carolina Retirement Investment Commission funds over the past year, forming a total of eight global funds, each valued between USD500 million and USD1 billion. "He's excellent. He has had a lot of exposure and knows his stuff really well," say interviewees.

Marco Masotti has a strong reputation amongst peers and clients alike, and maintains a broad alternative asset management practice. He regularly advises a number of significant hedge funds players, and also handles M&A transactions within the investment management sphere.

The "incredibly dedicated" Udi Grofman recently joined the firm from Schulte Roth and earns resounding praise for his business acumen and client service. "His experience and judgement are close to unmatched and you get instant responsiveness," said one interviewee. Another source highlighted Grofman's commercial perspective, saying: "He helps you intelligently pick the right option."

Christopher Wells heads the hedge funds group and is described as a "first-rate business lawyer, both technically and practically." He has overseen a significant number of new fund launches during the past year, on behalf of clients including Firebird and Euphrates Advisers, and also advised long-term client Alpine Investors on an offshore fund.

Amanda Nussbaum focuses on the structuring of various private investment funds. She is a member of the firm's tax department as well as the private investment funds group, and is able to advise hedge fund clients on a wide range of tax-related matters.

New York-based Azam Aziz is a key partner in the firm's asset management group.

Stuart Coleman is co-managing partner of the firm, and a key contact in the investment management practice.