McDermott Will & Schulte is widely recognised for its focus on hedge funds and hybrid structures, offering market-leading expertise to both institutional and entrepreneurial investment managers. The team is known for advising on fund formation, restructuring, regulatory compliance, and investor negotiations, with strong capabilities in both UK and US regulatory frameworks. Josh Dambacher specialises in structuring hedge funds, private equity funds, hybrid funds, and funds of funds, as well as advising on seeding arrangements and regulatory issues. Christopher Hilditch advises high-profile hedge fund managers on fund structuring, operations, and compliance. Lee Smith focuses on the setup and management of hedge and hybrid funds, offering guidance on corporate structuring, managed accounts, and regulatory matters. Amy MacDonagh, who was promoted to partner in 2025, advises on the formation, restructuring, and ongoing management of hedge and hybrid funds, alongside general regulatory support.

Simmons & Simmons maintains a top-tier hedge fund practice offering end-to-end support across fund structuring, regulation, investor terms, ESG, digital assets, tax, trading, and fund marketing. Practice head Devarshi Saksena is recognised as a market-leading expert in structuring hedge funds and managed accounts, with further expertise in regulatory issues, co-investment structures, and cryptocurrency. Lucian Firth focuses on hedge fund launches, seed deals, and complex managed accounts. Sarah Crabb advises on the structuring, maintenance, and restructuring of open-ended funds and SMAs across strategies and jurisdictions. Iain Cullen is known for advising prominent UK hedge fund managers on fund establishment and structuring. Tom Pointer is a specialist in hedge and hybrid funds, supporting clients on formation, restructuring, and cross-border strategies using various fund vehicles. Kate Tracey focuses on advising asset managers on the full lifecycle of hedge funds.

Akin’s hedge fund practice, led by Ian Meade and Tim Pearce, is highly respected across the market, advising traditional managers, start-ups, and institutional asset managers. Boasting an integrated fund formation and financial restructuring offering, the team is known for its expertise in macro and systematic trading strategies, credit fund structures, and cross-border regulatory matters. Pearce and Hamish Annandale advise on the formation and operation of hedge, credit, and hybrid funds, while Danny Quinn is noted for his capabilities in fund formation matters and secondary transactions.

Dechert LLP is a leading adviser to hedge funds, with particular strength in credit strategies, regularly advising on fund launches, regulatory matters, and seed investments. The firm handles cross-border structuring and has offices in Luxembourg and Dublin, both major European fund domiciliation centres. Gus Black leads the hedge fund team. Abigail Bell has a broad practice focused on hedge and hybrid fund structures. Craig Borthwick acts for institutional clients on high-value hedge fund mandates and launches. Mikhaelle Schiappacasse advises both first-time and established managers on fund formation matters. Dona Treska supports clients with hedge fund platforms across major fund jurisdictions and is particularly active in launch and formation work.

Haynes and Boone CDG, LLP specialises in supporting start-up and small to mid-sized hedge fund managers, advising across fund formation, structuring, and compliance matters. The team also has a strong reputation for navigating complex frameworks such as AIFMD and PRIIPs. James Tinworth has a deep focus on investment management and funds, advising on the formation and regulation of hedge funds in multiple jurisdictions. Christopher Orford works with a range of financial services clients, including asset managers and corporate finance houses, providing strategic advice on fund-related and corporate transactions.

A&O Shearman advises on the formation and operation of a broad range of investment funds, including hedge, private equity, credit, real estate, infrastructure and sovereign wealth funds. John Adams specialises in fund formation and UK/EU regulation, including AIFMD. Matt Huggett leads the global group.

Arnold & Porter advises on the formation, structuring, and regulation of alternative investment funds, supporting clients across fund creation, investment manager formation, regulatory compliance, and managed account arrangements. The firm handles UK and EU regulatory matters, including AIFMD, MiFID, SFDR, and CBDD, and works with its U.S. offices on cross-border issues. Simon Firth specialises in advising investment firms on fund establishment, promotion, and regulatory matters, with a strong focus on alternative funds and managed accounts.