International legal practice, Norton Rose LLP, today announced that Michael Newell has joined the investment funds team as a partner. He joins from DLA Piper where he was a partner in their investment funds group.
Prior to becoming a partner at DLA, Mike spent 4 years at Freshfields where he concentrated primarily on hedge and other alternative investment funds and structured products. Before joining Freshfields he was a corporate broker for closed-ended investment funds at Merrill Lynch International.
Mike Newell commented:
“Norton Rose LLP is one of the leading practices for investment funds work. I could not wish for a better platform on which to build a hedge and alternative investment funds practice. In addition to its highly rated investment funds team, Norton Rose LLP has first class regulatory and tax teams to provide clients with the highest quality service right across its international network.”
James Bateson, head of financial institutions, Norton Rose LLP commented:
“Mike is a great hire for us. His experience will further strengthen our offering in all the principal sectors of investment funds and in particular hedge funds and alternative investment products, open ended retail funds and private equity funds. Despite the economic slow down we remain committed to building our business in key strategic areas such as this.”
Ian Fox, head of investment funds, Norton Rose LLP commented:
“Since working on the establishment of the first UK investment trust over 140 years ago, Norton Rose LLP has been committed to the investment funds sector. In the current economic environment, fund managers and independent boards are highly selective about who they instruct to advise them. Mike has a great pedigree and we are confident that he will hit the ground running.”
Cathy Pitt, investment funds partner Norton Rose LLP commented:
“Mike has an excellent reputation amongst his clients and his joining the Norton Rose LLP investment fund team will further enhance our offering. His investment funds experience is not limited to alternative investment funds and hedge funds. It also includes advising on broader corporate transactions concerning asset management and broker related deals.”
Legal directory Chambers and Partners 2008 edition describes Mike as “practical and effective” and praises “his super-responsive service and project management abilities.” Newell also brings valuable experience in onshore and offshore collective investment vehicles, particularly in relation to private equity and real estate matters, and clients appreciate “his terrific assistance with negotiating FSA requirements.”