Akin is pleased to announce that James Munsell has joined the firm as a partner in its market-leading investment management practice in the New York office. He joins from Sidley Austin, where he was a partner.

Munsell’s practice is focused on the formation and operation of hedge funds and other private funds, from start-ups to large global financial institutions. In addition to advising on formation and structuring of funds, he counsels investment advisers and funds in connection with a broad range of corporate, securities, derivatives and regulatory matters. Munsell’s many years of experience across the investment management industry have seen him advising on some of the most innovative private fund products, and he has been recognized as a leading practitioner in the investment management field by numerous publications over the course of his career.

“We continue to see opportunity in the market for hedge funds, with skilled practitioners in fund formation and regulatory advice in high demand,” said Akin chairperson Kim Koopersmith, “Jim is an outstanding addition to our investment management practice and we’re excited to welcome him to the firm.”

“Jim is an outstanding funds lawyer, who will help significantly with the continued growth of our hedge fund practice in New York and London,” said Barbara Niederkofler, co-leader of Akin’s investment management practice.

“We’re really pleased to welcome Jim. We know how well regarded he is among London-based hedge fund managers, many of whom we already work closely with. His counsel will also be highly valuable for other fund managers with a transatlantic footprint, given the increasing convergence we see in the range of strategies that our clients are implementing across the liquidity spectrum” said Daniel Quinn, co-leader of Akin’s investment management practice.

“Akin’s robust investment management practice, with strength in key markets and regions, including New York, London, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Washington, D.C., makes this an ideal platform for my practice,” said Munsell. “I look forward to joining the team and collaborating across offices to meet our clients’ objectives.”

Munsell is the latest in a series of additions to Akin’s investment management practice over the last year, including partners Patrick Dundas and Max Karpel.