Akin Continues Hedge Fund Growth with Ira Kustin Rejoining Firm

(New York) – Akin is pleased to announce that Ira Kustin has rejoined the firm as a partner in its market-leading investment management practice in Akin’s New York office.

Kustin’s practice is focused on the formation and operation of a wide spectrum of private investment fund vehicles and accounts (including hedge, private equity and credit funds), advising a range of market-leading global asset managers, start-ups and mid-size managers. He also advises investment fund managers on securities law and Advisers Act compliance issues, complex fund restructurings, adviser “upper tier” arrangements/succession planning, and fund-related conflict resolution.

“In a landscape where outstanding lawyers who can advise alternative investment management funds on formation, operation and regulatory issues remain in strong demand, we are delighted to welcome Ira back to our premier funds team,” said Akin chairperson Kim Koopersmith. “Ira’s experience with both hedge funds and credit funds will be highly beneficial to our core practices and we’re thrilled to have him at Akin.”

“Akin’s investment management platform has grown significantly in the last few years and Ira’s experience advising funds across investment strategies will prove invaluable to our clients. We’re pleased to welcome him back and look forward to collaborating closely with him to deliver innovative solutions and excellent service to our clients,” said Barbara Niederkofler, co-leader of Akin’s investment management practice.

“I am delighted to return to Akin. The firm’s collaborative culture, superb intellectual capital and client focus are second to none and I look forward to working with new and old colleagues to advise our clients across the private funds spectrum,” said Kustin. “Akin’s reputation in this space and its sustained growth strategy offer exciting opportunities,” he added. 

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

Kustin joins from Paul Hastings, where he was a partner.

About Akin’s Investment Management Practice

Akin’s investment management practice, comprising over 100 lawyers, is a recognized leader in the representation of large institutional and entrepreneurial fund sponsors and managers in the formation across the private funds industry. The firm also serves as lead counsel to some of the world’s premier investors and has helped them access opportunities in markets around the world. Through its representation of a broad range of investment managers and institutional investors, Akin has unique insight on emerging trends in the private equity, credit and hedge fund industries. This knowledge and experience are particularly valuable to clients as convergence across asset classes continues to play out in the marketplace.

Akin is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

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