Prominent Hedge Fund Duo Joins Proskauer

April 14, 2014 (New York) – Global law firm Proskauer announced today that Robert Leonard and Michael Mavrides have joined the firm’s Hedge Fund Group as partners in the New York office. The addition of these prominent practitioners will significantly enhance the firm’s ability to serve hedge fund clients across the universe of fund types and strategies.

Mr. Leonard’s industry experience spans over 25 years, representing, structuring and organizing domestic and international hedge funds, funds of funds, and other private investment funds and fund managers. He advises on master-feeder, side-by-side and mini-master funds for hedge fund managers across all investment disciplines. He also has substantial experience with seed deals and funds of one. Mr. Leonard also has a wealth of experience with regulatory compliance, including registrations with the SEC, CFTC and state regulators and counseling clients with respect to governmental investigations and examinations as well as investor and third-party actions.

Mr. Mavrides represents domestic and offshore hedge funds, funds of funds and other private investment funds, including private equity and real estate investment funds, with a focus on formation and structuring, seed capital, anchor capital and other strategic arrangements. He also has significant experience representing institutional and entrepreneurial clients in structuring their management companies and advising on a broad range of transactions, including joint ventures, derivative and structured products and credit arrangements.

“Robert and Michael will expand the scope of our robust private investment funds practice and broaden the services we offer to our diverse base of funds, institutional investors and financial services clients,” said Proskauer Chairman Joseph M. Leccese. “Both are outstanding lawyers and enhance our ability to provide clients with top-tier legal services.”

Christopher Wells, head of Proskauer’s Hedge Funds Group, stated, “With their extensive and complementary experience in the hedge funds arena and institutional client base, Robert and Michael will bring additional depth to our already strong practice. Their collective perspective on issues and opportunities in an industry that’s dynamic and complex will be of great benefit to clients. We are thrilled to welcome them to our team.”

“We are thrilled to be joining Proskauer. Our institutional and entrepreneurial clients will benefit greatly from Proskauer's impressive platform,” added Robert Leonard.

Both Mr. Leonard and Mr. Mavrides join Proskauer from Bingham, where they were partners in the New York office.