Drawing upon ‘deep expertise of the local market and regulations’, coupled with the ability to ’leverage off the expertise and experience from its international offices’, Sidley Austin is a popular choice among international managers on the formation of their Asia-based funds, as well as for regional institutional investors in their capacity as LPs. The balanced nature of the practice, which includes a myriad closed end funds, as well as work for hedge funds, across a variety of asset classes and geographies, has ensured that the team has maintained a vibrant practice in spite of challenging economic conditions and geopolitical headwinds. Team head Effie Vasilopoulos is ‘deeply knowledgeable on Hong Kong regulatory and fund matters’, and is particularly adept at advising on innovative investment fund structures and financial products, including private equity, infrastructure, hedge and credit funds.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'They are able to leverage off the expertise and experience from its international offices while offering deep expertise on the local market and regulations.'
  • 'Effie Vasilopoulos is deeply knowledgeable on Hong Kong regulatory and fund matters.'
  • 'Dominic James has an exceptional financial services practice. He is very pleasant and easy to work with, and has a great knowledge of financial regulations.'
  • 'Very professional, good coordination between the China and HK team.'
  • 'Dominic James is the go-to, stand out performer. Immensely bright, responsive and great with clients.'
  • 'David Lee is commercial and responsible.'

Key clients

  • BlackRock
  • EQT
  • Canyon Partners
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Ward Ferry
  • Dignari Capital
  • PineBridge Investments
  • The March Group
  • Mirae Asset Management

Work highlights

  • Advised EQT on the $7.5bn agreement to acquire Baring Private Equity Asia.
  • Advised Morgan Stanley on the establishment of their first Hong Kong Limited Partnership Fund, which closed in December 2021.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Effie Vasilopoulos

Other key lawyers

David Lee, Dominic James