Vault Law Resource Center

Private Equity

Overview

Attorneys working in private equity generally focus on one of two areas: M&A or investment management, though some do both. Private Equity M&A attorneys represent investment funds in acquiring and disposing of “portfolio” companies or minority ownership interests in such companies. Investment management attorneys assist in the formation of private investment funds and advise funds on complying with applicable regulations. The day-to-day work of funds attorneys includes preparing offering materials, negotiating with prospective investors, preparing partnership and LLC agreements, advising on and documenting management and compensation arrangements, and closing fund formation transactions.

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Practice Area Q&A’s

Q&A company Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
Q&A Maxwell Yim
Q&A Alison McCormick

Maxwell Yim & Alison McCormick

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Goodwin firm logoQ&A Katherine Baudistel

Katherine Baudistel

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Q&A company Paul, Weiss
Q&A Marco Masotti
Q&A Anusha Simha

Marco Masotti & Anusha Simha

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Ropes & Gray firm logoElizabeth Galluci headshot

Elizabeth Gallucci

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Weil firm logoQ&A Christopher Machera

Christopher Machera

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Q&A company Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLPQ&A Brittany Klinger

Brittany Klinger

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Goodwin firm logo
Amy Keller
Jennifer Necas

Amy Keller & Jennifer Necas

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Paul, Weiss firm logo
Jeffrey Marell headshot
N Sachdev headshot

Jeff Marell & Neel Sachdev

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Sullivan & Cromwell LLPKaran Dinamani headshot

Karan Dinamani

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Weil LogoMei Dan headshot

Mei Dan

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White & Case firm logoShive Sandill headshot

Shiva Sandill

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Any stereotype about the type of person or personality who will succeed in this practice area is a misconception. … It is not a one-size-fits-all model, and each lawyer needs to find the style that best suits them.

— Brittany Klinger , Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

You have immediate and regular face time with high-profile clients, as well as with investors, counterparties, and lawyers at other firms, as you work together to find creative solutions to business problems. These are the people who will work beside or across from you for years to come, so we encourage associates to foster and grow their relationships from the beginning.

— Marco Masotti , Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Although negotiations can sometimes be hard-fought, ultimately, all parties are working toward a common goal: They want to be able to reach a business agreement and close the deal.

— Katherine Baudistel , Goodwin Procter LLP

My practice has evolved with my clients’ practices, which means that, in addition to leveraged buyouts (which still take a majority of my time), I now work on structured equity, growth equity investments, co-control deals, and infrastructure transactions.

— Christopher Machera , Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

When it comes to deal work, on-the-job training is the best training. Any opportunity to brainstorm, create client-facing solutions, lead calls and conversations, collaborate with colleagues, and practice communication is highly beneficial. Learning by doing will help you get in the rhythm of the deal life cycle and sharpen your ability to exercise good judgment when working with clients.

— Elizabeth Gallucci , Ropes & Gray LLP

Getting a complex transaction to closing is extremely rewarding. Each transaction presents a unique set of circumstances, challenges, and problems. There is immense satisfaction that comes from effectively navigating the issues that arise in a transaction to achieve a desired result for the client.

— Maxwell Yim , Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

Advice from Vault Law

Advice card Practice Area Insights: Private Equity

Practice Area Insights: Private Equity

By Vault Law Editors

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