K&L Gates Strengthens Asset Management And Investment Funds Practice With New York Partner Addition

New York – Global law firm K&L Gates LLP welcomes Robert Leonard as a partner in its Asset Management and Investment Funds (AMIF) practice. Leonard joins the firm’s New York office from Dechert LLP.

Leonard concentrates his practice on the formation, structuring, and representation of domestic and offshore hedge funds, funds of funds, and other private investment vehicles for emerging and established managers. He works closely with family offices, institutional investors, and investment managers, guiding them through the development of master-feeder, side-by-side, and mini-master-feeder fund structures. His insights support a wide range of investment strategies, including long/short equity, multi-strategy, credit, distressed credit, mortgage-backed securities, risk arbitrage, quantitative, emerging markets, global macro, statistical arbitrage, relative value, event-driven, and direct lending. Leonard also has substantial experience with seed deals, anchor investments, and assisting managers joining and spinning out of platforms.

With more than three decades of experience, Leonard has played key roles in navigating complex regulatory and compliance matters. He also represents clients in regulatory examinations, investigations, and disputes involving investors and third parties. In addition, Leonard is at the forefront of legal developments in matters related to alternative data and generative artificial intelligence, advising clients on governance frameworks, due diligence, risk management, and contract negotiations.

Clair Pagnano, a leader of the firm’s AMIF practice, stated: “Robert’s addition reflects our continued commitment to expanding the depth and reach of our global asset management capabilities. His long-standing work with a wide range of fund structures and investment strategies will enhance the support we provide to clients navigating today’s increasingly complex regulatory and market environments.”

John Bicks, managing partner of K&L Gates’ New York office, noted: “Bringing a wealth of insight and a practical, solutions-oriented approach, Robert’s arrival aligns perfectly with the needs of our clients in New York and beyond. His experience further strengthens our ability to advise clients on sophisticated financial matters and reinforces our position as a go-to resource for asset managers and institutional investors.”

Leonard’s arrival follows several partner additions to K&L Gates’ New York office in the last year, including Maria Cáceres-Boneau in its Labor, Employment, and Workplace Safety practice, Todd Fishman to its Commercial Disputes practice, and Derek Lacarrubba to its AMIF practice.

K&L Gates’ AMIF practice has more than 50 years of experience in the financial services industry and comprises more than 150 lawyers throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. These lawyers provide advice to investment companies and advisers, broker-dealers, emerging managers, and institutional investors across a range of areas, including on investment, hedge, private equity, and real estate funds, regulated funds and exchange-traded products, capital markets and derivatives, ERISA, ESG, and global regulation and distribution, among others.