Kathleen Walsh retired from the partnership in December 2022. She advised private investment fund sponsors and principals on the organization and operation of US and global funds, with a particular focus on fund formation, internal sponsor arrangements, and sponsor-led secondary transactions.
Widely recognized as a preeminent funds lawyer, Kathleen addressed a full spectrum of legal and business challenges that arise throughout the life cycle of a fund. She has advised clients ranging from first-time fund sponsors to large institutional asset managers across a variety of asset classes and investment areas, including buyout funds; infrastructure, power, and energy funds; debt funds; secondary funds; and venture funds.
Kathleen's practice included:
- Fund formation
- Formation of new private equity firms
- Internal sponsor arrangements
- GP-led secondary transactions
- Co-investment arrangements
- Portfolio investments and realizations
- Spin-out and separation arrangements
- Acquisitions of, and investments in, investment managers
Drawing on her significant transactional experience, Kathleen has brought a strong deal mindset to addressing clients’ needs. She has particular experience advising on the formation of new private equity firms. She also regularly advised on cross-border fund investments from around the world.
Kathleen has held a number of firm leadership roles. She served as the Global Chair of the firm’s Associates Committee, which is responsible for managing associate progression and promotion. She previously served as Vice Chair of the firm’s Global Corporate Department and as Global Co-Chair of the firm’s Investment Funds Practice.
Kathleen has received national and international recognition as a leading funds lawyer, including in such publications as Chambers Global, Chambers USA, and The Legal 500. She was the recipient of Fordham Law Women’s inaugural Betty Santangelo Award, and she was named Best in Investment Funds based on peer review by Euromoney Legal Media Group in 2014.
Kathleen teaches a course on private equity fund formation at Fordham Law School, where she serves as an adjunct professor.