Debevoise and Plimpton has expanded its London private funds practice with the appointment of Mary Lavelle as partner, as it strengthens its offering in private equity secondaries and liquidity transactions.
Lavelle joins the law firm’s private fund transactions and investment management practices in London, where she will advise sponsors and investors on complex secondary transactions.
Her work will include continuation funds, LP portfolio sales, co-investments and recapitalisations, which can provide investors with routes to liquidity when traditional exit opportunities are limited.
She joins from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, where she was global co-head of the firm’s private funds and secondaries practice. Lavelle has built a reputation within the secondaries market and is a regular commentator on European market trends and developments.
Peter Furci, presiding partner, said: “Debevoise is committed to maintaining our decade-long position as a trusted advisor to private capital sponsors and investors across the full cycle of private fund investing, including secondaries. Mary counsels many of the market’s most sophisticated participants, and she will enhance our ability to advise clients on their most complex liquidity transactions.”
Rebecca Silberstein, global chair of the Investment Management Group, added: “Our client relationships are global and Mary’s arrival will further enhance our ability to offer integrated, market-informed advice across geographies. She possesses a unique combination of experience and judgment that her clients understandably hold in high regard and we welcome her to the firm.”
Kevin Schmidt, co-chair of the Private Equity Group, said: “The ongoing strategic growth and expansion of our multi-disciplinary Private Fund Transactions practice is greatly enhanced by Mary’s arrival. Her standing in the industry is truly impressive, and we are delighted that this experienced lawyer will be joining our London team.”
Lavelle concluded: “Debevoise has an outstanding global secondaries practice. I look forward to working with my new colleagues in London and globally to help clients navigate the commercial and legal issues presented by liquidity transactions in an ever-evolving market.”
