Dechert expands fund formation practice

Dechert has appointed Sam Kay, formerly head of Travers Smith’s investment funds group, as a partner in its financial services and investment management practice, based in London.

Kay had worked at Travers for 25 years. He came to the firm as an associate and made partner in 2008.

In his practice he focuses on fund formation for private funds and asset managers across private equity, private debt/credit, infrastructure and real estate. Additionally, he counsels clients on GP-leds and secondaries transactions both on the buy and sell side, carried interest and co-investment arrangements.

“We have worked across from Sam for a very long time and are thrilled to have him join us,” commented Gus Black, co-chair of Dechert’s global financial services group and chair of Dechert’s London management committee. “His reputation and experience will help shape our continued growth in the London private equity fund formation market, amongst others.”

“I am excited to be joining Dechert and to be able to work with such a talented and experienced team of lawyers,” added Kay. “The breadth and depth of the platform will provide tremendous opportunities as the private funds market (and private equity in particular) continues to develop in its size, scale and sophistication. I look forward to contributing to the growth of the practice.”

According to Dechert, no exact starting date for Kay has been confirmed.