A&O Shearman’s funds and asset management group sits as part of a globally integrated team and, as such, is well placed to advise on the full gamut of issues pertaining to cross-border real estate, private equity, infrastructure, credit and sovereign wealth funds. With asset management, tax and regulatory practitioners in-house, the firm provides a rounded approach to real estate funds mandates, acting for some of the top funds in the market on the establishment of open-ended and closed-ended vehicles, joint ventures and co-investments. Matt Huggett heads the team and advises alternative investment fund managers on public and private funds and related regulatory matters, while Nick Williams is a name for fund establishment, joint ventures, secondaries and restructurings. Dominic Von Wulffen is another key practitioner who focuses on regulatory and structuring matters, while Emma Danforth is recommended for real estate and debt investments. In October 2022, Pavel Shevtsov retired and moved into a consultancy role, and Paul Sampson left for Kirkland & Ellis International LLP.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Responsive and fun to work with.’
‘Emma Danforth and Alexander Barry make a great team. They are a young team but very experienced and have a great way of helping deals through without aggravating the other side on difficult points.’
‘Deeply knowledgeable, fully committed to our business and able to draw on a global team to deliver seamless service.’
‘Matt Huggett continues to provide fantastic service - smart, responsive and able to handle all aspects of fund work.’
‘The A&O team was engaged as our Fund Counsel and demonstrated utmost professionalism from the start. Nuveen has worked with A&O for many years, and repeat business has been testament to their responsiveness, proactivity, commercial awareness and general pleasant attitude to partner with.’
‘The team we work with possesses an approachable and friendly attitude, and demonstrate precision with all advice and recommendations given. They always have time to explain intricacies and explain concepts which are not necessarily easy to follow for those from a non-legal background. The real difference is having a commercial mind. Stand out examples are Dominic Von Wulffen and Zoe Chui in the London office.’
‘The Funds team at A&O are fantastic. They have a very comprehensive understanding of our business which gives them an edge in providing advice. They are also very commercial, providing suggestions and solutions to legal issues which are both practical and robust. The team has great depth of knowledge and is very responsive.’
‘Dominic Von Wulffen, Matt Huggett - exceptional knowledge, and commercial acumen.’
‘The funds practice displays an unwavering commitment to protecting the client's position. From the client side, we trust the team completely.’
‘Matt Huggett is dedicated to servicing the client's position and doesn't leave a stone unturned. Described in 3 words - committed, holistic and technically brilliant.'
'Emma Danforth is measured, pragmatic and thorough in her advice.'