Particular focus on private equity and other closed-end fund formations and their related investments.
Represents one of the most prominent private equity and credit fund sponsors in the sector in fund formation, investment, and employee compensation matters.

Dennis focuses his practice on the domestic and international fund industry. He represents fund sponsors in the formation, structuring and operation of private investment funds, including private equity and hedge funds that employ groundbreaking investment strategies.

Dennis has strong, detailed knowledge of how his biggest client does business. He is known as a problem-solver who remains calm in the midst of high-stakes deals. He is frequently called upon to educate new hires, other outside counsel and regulators regarding his client’s operations. He is particularly mindful of changes to the U.S. Tax Code and the ways in which they impact fund structuring.

Dennis handles funds matters involving:

Fund formation
Capital-raising activities
Ongoing operational activities
Fund investment
Carried interest programs.

Representative Work

Represented a leading global alternative asset management firm in connection with the structuring, formation and negotiation of the largest private equity fund in the world. Handled fund offering, operating documentation and negotiations with fund investors. The transaction involved complex regulatory, structuring and tax issues, both in the United States and internationally.
Advised a leading global alternative asset management firm in connection with the structuring, formation and negotiation of an approximately $3.5 billion private equity fund focused on natural resources, one of the largest raised in the past decade.
Assisted a leading global alternative asset management firm in connection with the structuring, formation and negotiation of an approximately $4.5 billion closed-end fund focused on European distressed opportunities.
Counseled a leading global alternative asset management firm in connection with the structuring, formation and negotiation of an approximately $1.5 billion closed-end fund focused on insurance-linked securities.

Education
J.D., University of Connecticut School of Law, with honors, 2007
B.A., Bates College, 2001

Bar Admissions
Connecticut
District of Columbia
New York

Recognitions

The Legal 500, Private Equity Funds (including Venture Capital), 2022-2024.
The Legal 500, Investment Fund Formation and Management: Private Equity Funds and Alternative/Hedge Funds, 2018.
Chambers USA, Next Generation Lawyer, 2018; Investment Funds: Private Equity: Fund Formation, 2024.

Affiliations and Public Service

Committee Member, Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice.

Speeches and Publications

“Challenges in Global Marketing of Private Funds,” 22nd Annual International Conference on Private Investment Funds, March 2024.
“New Challenges for Private Fund Managers,” Akin AI Summit, February 2024.