Vedder Price is praised as ‘well-equipped to handle complex and sophisticated matters’ within the private fund formation space. The team handles all aspects of the fund formation process, including the launch of fund-of-one structures, across a variety of asset classes, on both the sponsor and investor side. Chicago based Joseph Mannon leads the practice and covers private equity, venture and real asset funds and he stands out particularly for his regulatory and compliance advice. Todd Lurie  from MetLife and Christine De Pree from Franklin Templeton were welcomed to the team in June and July of 2023 respectively, while Robert Crea left the firm in March 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Vedder's team is well-equipped to handle complex and sophisticated matters. They can quickly assess any situation and provide practical guidance that allows us to meet our goals and objectives. Use them for both fund structuring and related regulatory matters. Solid understanding of legal, regulatory and operational implications for private funds.’

  • ‘Joseph Mannon provides a wealth of experience (SEC, in-house, law firm) which impacts how he approaches matters. He understands the differing perspectives and foresees how to tackle issues that arise in each context.

  • ‘Jeff VonDruska provides candid, practical solutions tailored to fit our needs. He quickly grasps complex matters allowing him to provide timely advice in a cost-efficient manner. Jeff understands how to balance theoretical considerations with the reality of the real world and frankly addresses the practical risks associated with any potential solution.’
  • ‘The Vedder Price team is extraordinary. We have worked with many different members of the private equity team and each person gives 100% plus time and effort to our firm. The team is incredibly knowledgeable and has excellent research capabilities when our firm needed additional clarification on items. Vedder is by far the most sophisticated when it comes to knowledge in the space. The time and attention our firm is given by the team is unmatched.’

  • ‘Adam Goldman and Cody Vitello have been outstanding to work with over the years. They will do whatever it takes to make sure they are now slowing us down. It feels like a partnership all working toward the same goal rather than another client to bill. They both are incredibly hard working and have made themselves available to our team at all hours of the day/weekend. They respond to our communication quickly if not immediately and communication is seamless and organized.’

Key clients

  • Aero Capital Solutions
  • L Squared Capital Partners
  • Kairos Living
  • RCP Advisors
  • Evanston Capital Management
  • ArrowMark Partners
  • Hark Capital
  • Configure Capital
  • Origin Investments

Work highlights

  • Advising on all aspects of private fund formation and acting as M&A deal Counsel for LSCP IV SMA LP, L Squared Capital Partners IV LP, L Squared Capital Partners IV-A LP and L Squared Capital Partners IV-B LP.
  • Advising on aspects of private fund formation for multiple investment vehicles and strategies, including the fifth vintage of a global opportunity fund multiple fund-of-one structures focusing on complex capital relief transactions with North American and European banks.
  • Served as fund formation counsel for all of RCP’s core funds since the second vintage.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Joseph Mannon

Other key lawyers

Todd Lurie, Christine De Pree, Cody Vitello, Adam Goldman, David Soden, Laure Sguario