Leading asset managers and alternative sponsors entering the retail market recognize Kirkland & Ellis LLP‘s growing practice in the registered funds and BDC space, the latter being a particularly strong suit for the firm. Nicole Runyan leads the New York-based team, working with the team’s major clients including 26North, Apollo and Blue Owl. The team grew significantly in February of 2024, when Goodwin’s entire registered funds team joined the firm, namely Paul Delligatti, Christopher Palmer and Jason Monfort, all of whom substantially bolster the firms offering in the areas of open-end and closed-end funds, exchange traded funds, interval funds and BDCs as well as Andrew Zutz and Nicole Griffin, who handle regulatory, compliance and governance issues.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Breadth of talent and knowledge.'
- 'K&E is in my view among the leading global law firms, to be trusted with the most important client matters. They provide the highest level of client service. They are knowledgeable and at the cusp of all leading trends. They do a great job of training their younger attorneys.'
- 'Nicole Runyan - business-minded, practical.'
- 'Pamela Chen embodies K&E’s “can do” ethos. Knowledgeable but practical as well in helping clients achieve their business objectives. Super engaged as outside counsel and I felt as if they were part of our internal team with the same motivation to achieve business success.'
Key clients
- 26North Partners LP / 26North BDC, Inc.
- Alger Family of Funds and ETFs / Fred Alger Management
- Ares Management / Ares BDCs / Ares Private Markets Fund
- ARK Investment Management
- BBR Partners / BBR ALO Fund, LLC
- Blue Owl Capital / Blue Owl BDCs
- Cliffwater LLC
- Crescent Capital / Crescent Capital BDCs
- Eagle Point Credit Management
- Engine No. 1
- First Eagle Investment Management
- Gladstone BDCs / The Gladstone Companies
- Lord Abbett & Co.
- Neuberger Berman Registered Private Equity Funds
- Oaktree Capital Management / Oaktree BDCs
Work highlights
- Advised Vista Equity Partners in connection with a first-of-its kind, multi-manager direct access vehicle sponsored and managed by iCapital—iDirect Private Markets Fund.
- Represented Engine No. 1 in the acquisition by The TCW Group of Engine No. 1’s Transform ETF business and infrastructure, which manages more than $600 million in U.S. equity ETFs focused on supply chain onshoring and energy transition.
- Advised BBR and the Fund in ongoing operations of the Fund, including coming into compliance with new Rules 2a-5 and 18f-4 under the Investment Company Act.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Nicole Runyan