Adrian Duncan

Kirkland & Ellis is advising Clearlake Capital Group on its acquisition of MV Credit, a pan-European private credit specialist, from Natixis Investment Managers, a global multi-strategy asset manager. Read Clearlake Capital’s press release The Kirkland team is led by asset management M&A partners Adrian Duncan and Michael Reeves; investment funds partners Aisling Campbell and Richard Watkins; financial services regulatory partners Ramya Juwadi and Thomas Woodhead; tax partners Anthony Antioch, Michael Alcan and Anne Kim; technology & IP transactions partner Max Harris; and corporate associates Jamie Gordon, Julian Holland and Callum Alder.

Sep 3

1 min

Kirkland & Ellis advised private investment firm Arctos Partners and the management team of Hayfin in connection with Arctos’ majority investment in Hayfin, which is a leading alternative asset management firm with approximately €31 billion in assets under management. A fund managed by Arctos Partners is acquiring British Columbia Investment Management Corporation’s (BCI) majority stake in Hayfin. Financial terms were not disclosed. Arctos, via its Keystone strategy, which provides strategic partnership to leading financial sponsors, through bespoke growth capital and liquidity solutions, will facilitate the Hayfin team becoming the majority owners of the common equity. BCI will remain a strategic limited partner in certain Hayfin funds. The Kirkland team advising the Hayfin management team have advised them from the outset on a new strategic transaction and delivering the right partner for the next growth phase of the business in line with the goals of the Hayfin leadership team. Read the transaction press release The Kirkland team advising Arctos was led by corporate partners Jonathan Benloulou, Carlos Gil Rivas and James Hunn and tax partner Ian Ferreira. The Kirkland team advising the Hayfin management team was led by investment funds and corporate partners Daniel Lavon-Krein, Adrian Duncan and Chris Gandia; and corporate partner Rami Totari and associate Charles Hébert.

Jul 29

1 min

Now in its eighth year, Law.com International's Private Equity Rising Stars remains the U.K. and European legal market's only definitive list of the most impressive talent aged under 40 in the ultra-competitive world of private equity law. Law.com spent months reviewing a large number of submissions from law firms across Europe. Competition for a place on the list has never been more fierce. For the 2025 edition, nominees were assessed on several criteria, including the ability to build and lead key client relationships; the scale and complexity of the deals they've led recently; how others in the market view them, including clients, firm leaders and other industry stakeholders; and their wider contributions to both profession and firm, such as offering mentorships or leading firm-changing initiatives. This year’s honourees represent 17 firms across six countries. Arranged alphabetically by first name, these are the individuals shaping the future of practice in this most exclusive and lucrative of corporate specialisms. Adrian Duncan – Kirkland & Ellis Adrian Duncan Year of Birth: 1988 Position: Partner Location: London Key clients: 17 Capital, Actis, Clearlake Capital Group, Francisco Partners, Five Arrows, Hayfin, IK Partners, Proprium Capital Partners, Summit Partners, TA Associates In Kirkland & Ellis's London office, mentors don't come much better than executive committee members David Higgins and Matthew Elliott, who along with Daniel Lavon-Krein have played a key role in developing Adrian Duncan's career. Duncan now advises many of the world’s premier private capital and asset manager clients on the full spectrum of M&A transactions across sectors and geographies. Among his recent highlights, Adrian describes the sale of Actis to General Atlantic as a career-defining transaction—a highly complex deal involving multiple LP consents, a dual-track GP-stakes and control-deal analysis, and extensive regulatory coordination. “I was incredibly proud to get the deal done,” he says, adding that the team’s “hard work and commitment” over a sustained period made the outcome especially meaningful. He emphasises culture as essential to high performance, noting that, although the environment is “high-octane”, it “never comes at the expense of our principles of collegiality, support and teamwork”. Adrian is also deeply invested in mentoring and contributes to firm-wide initiatives that strengthen talent pipelines. Aleezeh Liaqat – Slaughter and May Aleezeh Liaqat Year of Birth: 1991 Position: Partner Location: London Key clients: Inflexion, GHO Capital, HPS, Corsair Capital, Palamon, Investindustrial Despite only rising to partner in 2024, Aleezeh Liaqat is said to have played a pivotal role in deals and negotiations that involved complex structures. According to the firm she is valued for her analytical clarity, client-focused approach and her ability to operate seamlessly in cross-border matters. Known for her strong technical grounding and steady execution, she contributes to training and mentoring within the firm's budding PE practice. Among mandates she is most proud of are advising Palamon Capital Partners on the sale of mydentist to Bridgepoint and advising Inflexion’s Buyout Fund on its investment in Absolute Financial Group. Liaqat says her professional goal is “to work with Filippo [de Falco] and Harry [Bacon] to continue to grow our PE practice” and notes the team has already delivered “very impactful work for a range of brilliant clients”. Beyond her leadership role within her firm, she is a champion for diversity at the firm holds informal mentoring roles and is involved in the 30% Club, aimed at increasing the visibility of women in senior corporate roles. Outside work, Liaqat hopes to travel more—“first on the agenda is to go back to Hong Kong and see more than just the square mile radius around our offices”—and she enjoys boxing, albeit “of the most amateur form”. Alex Lehtinen – Linklaters Alex Lehtinen Year of Birth: 1986 Position: Partner Location: London Key clients: Macquarie, Ara Partners, Digital Bridge, Brookfield, Ardian Alex Lehtinen is the protégé of an impressive list of Linklaters partners: Alex Woodward, Ben Rodham, David Martin and Chris Boycott. He advises leading European private equity sponsors and many of his matters include multiple institutional investors, sometimes during periods of heightened demand for assets. A Linklaters lifer, Lehtinen says he chose private capital because it offers “the best of both worlds; fast-paced and competitive transactions and increasingly complicated deals for the most sophisticated clients.” His technical precision, commercial awareness and ability to manage high-pressure deal timelines have made him a trusted figure within the firm’s private equity practice. Co-leading advising DigitalBridge on the acquisition of Yondr Group and leading the team advising the consortium of Macquarie Asset Management on its £700 million recommended final cash offer for Renewi Plc are among his recent highlights. He also contributes significantly to the firm's mentoring and training programmes. Arijeet Mukherjee – HSF Kramer Arijeet Mukherjee Year of Birth: 1989 Position: Senior associate Location: London Key clients: Waterland Private Equity, International Finance Corporation, Marcol Europe, Everstone Capital, Coca-Cola Hellenic, DWS Asset Management, La Caisse, Audley Capital, Flexpoint Ford NY, Comitis Capital Germany, Korea Investment Corporation HSF Kramer commends Mukherjee's legal acumen as well as his entrepreneurial mindset and say he is “spearheading the firm’s strategy for development finance and multilateral institutions” having led on a wide range of high-profile transactions. Mukherjee led the auction sale of Cooper Parry Waterland Private Equity to Lee Equity Partners. According to the firm, this transaction marked one of the largest deals of its kind in the global accountancy market. Asked about his goals, he said he aims “to lead on marquee deals and develop the mid-market PE practice”, while personally embracing the "la vita lenta" philosophy outside work. His steady demeanour and clarity under pressure have made him a trusted adviser, and he credits “clear communication and strong coffee—they keep deals and ideas flowing” as essential to his process. He is also deeply invested in contributing to internal training programmes. His leadership extends beyond transactions into the cultural development of HSF Kramer’s private equity team. Mukherjee’s balanced approach, international experience and commitment to growth make him one of the firm’s most impactful young partners. Ben McParland – CMS Ben McParland Year of Birth: 1991 Position: Senior Associate Location: London Key clients: Verfield, VisionEdgeOne, CBPE Capital, Horizon Capital According to the firm’s co-head of private equity, Narinder Jugpal, McParland's ability to lead complex transactions "has been nothing short of exceptional”. In certain matters he has acted as the single point of contact where clients required it. He played a central role in advising VisionEdgeOne on its first-ever acquisition and was drafted in as the sole private equity negotiator by CMS which saw Phillips 66 sell a 65% stake in its German and Austrian petrol station business. McParland prides himself on rigorous, pragmatic negotiation and actively prefers face-to-face discussions, saying: “I’d encourage more in-person negotiations… there is no hiding when you are in a boardroom face to face.” He thrives on the intensity of in-room negotiation dynamics, which he describes as having “a buzz and energy” missing from virtual settings. His biggest mentor is his dad, whom he remembers as tenacious and resourceful at a time when the family risked losing someone to deportation. His father fought for justice against the odds, a lesson that has stuck with McParland throughout his career. Ben Suen – Linklaters Ben Suen Year of Birth: 1987 Position: Partner Location: London Key clients: EQT, Hg, Centerbridge, Brookfield, Apax Partners, CPP Investments, GIC, iCON Infrastructure Linklaters highlights Ben Suen’s outstanding leadership as well as the pivotal role he has played in some of the firm's most challenging transactions. Suen also plays a leading role in the firm’s innovation efforts: “I am on our GenAI Steerco so my next professional goal is to make GenAI completely integrated within our firm,” he says, noting the transformational impact of the technology on legal workflows. His interest in improving efficiency and strategic thinking makes him a forward-looking voice in the market, which has been recognised by the firm. He co-led the Linklaters team advising Hg on the investment by CPP Investments and Sofina in team.blue and the team advising the Brookfield-led consortium on its preferred instrument investment in GEMS Education. Outside of work, Suen is focused on helping his children find activities they are passionate about, joking that the family has “tried a lot of different sports and extracurriculars lately!” Partners and co-head of the firm's global financial sponsors sector Alex Woodward and Ben Rodham. Carl Sanders – Linklaters Carl Saunders Year of Birth: 1986 Role: Partner Location: Frankfurt Key clients: Allianz Capital Partners, Apax, BlackRock, Brookfield, Coatue, GTCR, iCON Infrastructure, Igneo, Macquarie, Montagu, Nordia Capital, ThirdPoint, Family Offices Sanders credits a particular personality trait for his success: “I ask lots of questions and don’t let go until I get to the real heart of the issue.” He advises prominent U.K. and European private equity sponsors and is recognised by the firm for his disciplined analysis and ability to quickly identify the core commercial drivers of a transaction. He led the team advising GTCR on two of the biggest private equity transactions in Germany and has been closely involved in high-profile and highly complex matters. The firm notes his advanced technical skill, while clients both describe him as proactive and consistently provide positive feedback. He explains that while this approach helps settle disputes between his children, it has also shaped him into a lawyer who seeks to become a true business partner to clients. German head of private equity Dr Ralph Drebes and partners and co-heads of the firm's global financial sponsors sector Alex Woodward and Ben Rodham are his mentors. Cian O’Connor – Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Cian O'Connor Year of Birth: 1989 Position: Partner Location: London Key clients: Apollo, Ares, Bain Capital, EQT, General Atlantic, Investindustrial Cian O’Connor has built a strong roster of complex, high-value transactions, according to the firm. He was handpicked for his role by Neel Sachdev and Roger Johnson to develop Paul Weiss’ London tax practice. O’Connor invests heavily in mentoring associates, formally and informally, contributing to internal training sessions and helping shape the next generation of sponsor-side practitioners. Colleagues describe him as a thoughtful team player with strong analytical instincts. His combination of technical excellence, strategic thinking and grounded demeanour continues to make him a rising force in the private equity market. According to the firm, O’Connor has become a key adviser to Apollo in a very short time, handling more than 20 matters since arriving at Paul Weiss two years ago. Outside work, he enjoys time with his baby daughter and is an avid motorsports fan—“albeit not at the same time!” Chris Gollop – Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton Chris Gollop Year of Birth: 1989 Position: Partner Location: London Key clients: Sixth Street, Cerberus, Exponent, Hillhouse, Oaktree, Hayfin, Brookfield, Monograph, UBS Asset Management Known for his sharp judgment and calm presence on complex, multi-stakeholder deals, partner Chris Gollop has built a practice focused on private equity transactions, including secondaries and sponsor-led processes. He says his entry into the profession happened “entirely by chance” after a successful vacation scheme at Cleary Gottlieb. For him, the standout feature of any transaction is “the characters involved, the human interactions and the tricky negotiations”. He is proudest of supporting clients through difficult situations “with some perspective and hopefully some enjoyment along the way”. According to the firm, his leadership of the VeloBank/Cerberus/Citi Handlowy transaction represents one of the most significant transactions in the Polish banking sector in 2025 to date, where he successfully coordinated a team of 25 lawyers at Cleary Gottlieb across multiple jurisdictions and practice areas. His work includes advising major global sponsors on structured liquidity solutions, continuation funds and acquisitions across Europe. Internally, he contributes to training programmes and associate development, and is the staffing partner for the M&A practice in London. Claudia van Rappard-Priem – De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek Claudia Van Rappard Year of Birth: 1989 Position: Partner Location: Amsterdam Key clients: Parcom, Inflexion, Bain Capital, KLAR Partners, Pollen Street Capital, Waterland Amsterdam-based partner Claudia van Rappard-Priem is valued for her strategic perspective and her ability to maintain efficiency and clarity across multi-jurisdictional teams, according to the firm. She has an track record advising international private equity clients on mid-market and large-cap deals across multiple sectors including a series of high-profile transactions. This includes advising Inflexion on its investment in Baker Tilly Netherlands, Bain Capital on the acquisition of HSO, Pollen Street Capital on the acquisition of Keylane and Parcom on the acquisition of Robin Radar. A strong advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, she leads and contributes to DEI initiatives within the firm and the wider legal market. Outside work, she enjoys skiing, pilates and spending time with her children on the hockey field. For downtime, she turns to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul and The White Lotus. Dan Clarke – Kirkland & Ellis Dan Clarke Year of Birth: 1989 Position: Partner Location: London Key clients: Advent International, Warburg Pincus, Parthenon Capital Clarke has advised on deals such as Warburg Pincus on its acquisition of Health Partners Group and Advent International on its $4.8 billion acquisition of majority stake in Reckitt’s Essential Home portfolio. He says he is “most proud of becoming a trusted adviser to clients”, noting that it takes time to build relationships where clients rely on both judgment and technical ability. This trust has positioned him as a key contributor to major sponsor mandates. His practice spans a broad spectrum of public and private transactions for financial investors and corporates and he regularly provides clients with tailored training and know-how sessions on key topics. He also mentors junior associates, supports internal knowledge initiatives and contributes to thought leadership within his firm. Partner and member of the firm's executive committee David Higgins, and corporate partner Adrian Maguire are mentors. Outside work, Clarke enjoys time with his wife and dogs and has “reached the age where I have to settle for listening to podcasts about football rather than playing it”. Electra Callan – Mayer Brown Electra Callan Year of Birth: 1990 Role: Partner Location: London Key clients: Epiris, Sullivan Street Partners, Marlin Equity Partners, Vitruvian Partners, Sun European Partners, STAR Capital Partnership Specialising in sponsor-led cross-border M&A and private equity transactions, Electra Callan has introduced new clients to the firm. She is recognised for her strategic approach to managing multi-office teams and navigating complex deal structures under tight timelines. Callan attributes her success to “a lot of late nights, takeaways… resilience training and the support of some incredible people”. As well as other deals, in just eight days from exclusivity to signing, she led the Mayer Brown team that advised long-term client and global investment heavyweight Marlin Equity Partners on acquiring U.K.-headquartered Napier AI. Her clients value her clarity and ability to maintain cohesion across complex processes. She is also a strong advocate for returning to in-person meetings, believing they foster more effective communication and negotiation. Callan is deeply committed to mentoring younger lawyers, and much of her spare time is spent with her family, who she describes as “amazing”. Edd Hampson – Simpson Thacher & Bartlett Edd Hampson Year of Birth: 1986 Position: Partner Location: London Key clients: Blackstone, iQ, Sage Homes, FORA, Sponda Oy, Mileway Edd Hampson took the lead advising Blackstone on financing its £4.7 billion acquisition of the student accommodation business in 2020—the largest ever private real estate transaction in the U.K. He plays a central role in mentoring junior colleagues and contributing to training initiatives across Simpson Thacher’s private equity practice. The firm recognise him for his precision, commercial awareness and ability to manage demanding multi-jurisdictional transactions with calm efficiency. Outside work, he devotes his time to family—“an amazing wife, two little boys… and five other siblings”. He is part of a running club with childhood friends and is a passionate Welsh rugby fan, following Scrum V for “a nice dose of home, hwyl and Welsh humor!” George Gray – Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom George Gray Year of Birth: 1987 Position: Partner Location: London Key clients: Hg, Castik Capital, BlackRock, BMS, FC Group, Radian, BPL, Sixth Street, Preservation Capital, Radius Group Since joining the firm as an associate, George Gray has achieved a series of “rapid promotion” and is one of Skadden’s youngest partners, according to the firm. One of his proudest recent mandates involved acting for BPL on the sale of a significant stake to Preservation Capital Partners—a fast-moving deal requiring minimal sleep and maximum precision. “It’s not about over-lawyering things… it’s about creating something great to help an already-fantastic business launch into another phase of growth.” He credits his team at Skadden for “absolutely acing it”. He was the leading London partner advising Radian, on the acquisition of U.K.-based Lloyd's specialty insurer Inigo Limited from a consortium of institutional investors. Mentors include Richard Youle, head of Skadden’s London office and co-head of the firm’s private equity group, and Katja Butler, partner and co-head of the U.K. corporate practice. Beyond his practice, he serves as one of the two London Training Principals, overseeing trainee development, seat rotations, international secondments and qualification processes. George is also deeply committed to social mobility and was appointed to the board of PRIME, an alliance dedicated to improving access and socio-economic diversity within the legal profession. He mentors students from disadvantaged backgrounds at Queen Mary University, serving as the firm’s liaison. Outside work, he is a passionate music fan and DJ. Giulia Elisabetta Uboldi – Chiomenti Studio Legale Giulia Uboldi Year of Birth: 1988 Position: Managing Associate Location: Milan Key clients: Ares Alternative Credit Management, IFM Investors, Ardian Infrastructure, APG Asset Management Based in Milan, Giulia Uboldi advises Ares, IFM Investors, Ardian Infrastructure and APG on cross-border private equity and M&A matters. Known for her analytical precision, she frequently leads multi-jurisdictional teams and complex structuring efforts. According to the firm, she played a pivotal role in several landmark transactions that significantly reshaped the Italian landscape in 2025. Among these, her involvement in Italgas S.p.A.’s acquisition of a stake in 2i Rete Gas S.p.A. from APG Asset Management and Ardian Infrastructure, as well as the high-profile Ares acquisition of a strategic stake in Plenitude. Uboldi has also become a cultural anchor within Chiomenti, contributing extensively to training and mentoring. “I have built a team of around ten professionals who have become like a family,” she says. She is heavily involved in mentoring junior and senior lawyers while coordinating departments to ensure delivery. Mentors include Mario Roli, co-head of the private equity practice, and partner Elena Busson. Malin Svanberg Larsson – Freeths Malin Svanberg Larsson Year of Birth: 1988 Position: Partner Location: Oxford Key clients: Substantial Group, BTomorrow Ventures, private investors The firm describes Malin Svanberg Larsson as “calm, loyal and most knowledgeable”. She quickly formed a “powerful client base” at Freeths, advising high-profile clients on major international deals. She led the Freeths team in advising the Substantial Group management team, the ultra-fast full fibre broadband provider, on its merger with Brsk in a deal that marks the largest consolidation of alternative network providers She is ardent about “leaving the ladder down” for other women in the profession, giving younger team members opportunities to take the lead on high-value matters. Head of corporate at Freeths, Leon Arnold, says clients often ask “is Malin available?” describing her as a “true inspiration” and one of the firm’s “brightest, most talented lawyers”. Asked what gets her through demanding days: “A brilliant team and a good cup of coffee, both are completely non-negotiable!” Outside work she is devoted to her two children and the outdoors. Matt Friedman – Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Matt Friedman Year of Birth: 1988 Position: Partner Location: London Key clients: Apollo Global Management Friedman describes his career foundation as “a mixture of hard work and luck”—including joining Paul Weiss in New York and later returning to London to help build its European practice. His meticulous deal management and cross-border experience make him a trusted adviser. He said that much like in his favourite musical, Hamilton, he wants to be “in the room where it happens”. He advised funds and affiliates managed by Apollo on the financing of their acquisition of Evri, one of the UK’s largest parcel delivery companies, from Advent International, but outside the office, his young children “don’t care about what I did at the office but whether [he'll] read to them.” “Matt is a brilliant lawyer with an unparalleled standard for client service as well as culturing mentoring values,” says David Carmona, co-head of the Paul Weiss European sponsor finance and alternative credit practice. Friedman’s humility, technical capability and leadership continue to shape Paul Weiss’s London strategy. Matthew Hearn – Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Matthew Hearn Year of Birth: 1989 Position: Partner Location: London Key clients: General Atlantic, Oaktree Capital Management, Oak Hill Advisors Being “a great project manager” is what Hearn emphasises that success in M&A requires. His blended expertise in advising on public-markets-focused transactions for both sponsor and corporate clients gives him an unusual edge among peers, according to the firm. He led the Paul, Weiss team on General Atlantic’s (and certain of its managed funds, including Atlantic Park) take-private acquisition of Learning Technologies Group plc. He says being “a bit neurotic” about organisation helps, and he credits his “outstanding” associate team as central to successful execution. Outside work, he is a news junkie and podcast devotee. Hearn has been at the firm for under a year and has gained rapid momentum and deal flow with sponsor clients. Key mentors include Dan Schuster, Roger Johnson, David Holdsworth and Nicole Kar. Parisa Clovis – A&O Shearman Parisa Clovis Year of Birth: 1986 Position: Partner Location: London Key clients: Partners Group, CVC DIF, Charterhouse Capital Partners, Norvestor, ICG Parisa Clovis joined A&O Shearman in 2024 to lead the sponsor-side fund finance practice after making partner at Kirkland at 35. In her first year she secured more than ten new clients, including Partners Group, CVC DIF, Charterhouse, Norvestor and ICG. She aims to “win another 10 new clients over the next 12 months” and credits her “highly motivated, smart and personable” team. Clovis mentors widely and contributes to thought leadership. She also leads the Women in Private Equity Network, which brings together female clients at PE houses across all levels to build an association of women who can share experiences, expertise and collaborate within the industry. Her blend of strategic vision, client trust and team leadership has positioned her as one of the market’s most dynamic rising partners. Paula Pérez-Ardá Precioso – HSF Kramer Paula Pérez-Ardá Year of Birth: 1987 Position: Senior Associate Location: Madrid Key clients: Asterion Industrial Partners, Blantyre Capital, Magnum Capital Partners, Igneo Infrastructure Partners, Peninsula Capital The mandates Madrid-based Paula Pérez-Ardá Precioso has worked on demonstrate her ability to bridge technical expertise with business objectives under time pressure, including being the leading senior associate advising Igneo Infrastructure Partners on the acquisition of ENSO Group from Tikehau Capital. She is proud of moments where “teamwork, creativity and good humour carry us through to closing”. Known for her pragmatic style and positivity under pressure, she remains a key figure in HSF Kramer’s Iberian practice. She has been with HSF Kramer since her trainee days, saying the early “rush” of solving complex problems “made it an easy decision to stay”. She is passionate about supporting the next generation of lawyers and has led on multiple pro bono projects. Outside work she spends time cycling with her children and playing tennis. Piers Harris – Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson Piers Harris Year of Birth: 1989 Position: Partner Location: London Key clients: APG, BlackRock, CataCap, CVC, GIC, ICG, iCON, Kennet, Morrison, Park Square, Vitol Piers Harris helped build Fried Frank’s London Asset Management team. He describes joining the firm as entering a “start-up” within a Wall Street institution. He was one of the eight founding members of the London asset management team in 2015, which now has more than 50 lawyers. Examples of his mandates include work involving unusual structures and complex problem solving, which clients value for the ability to identify solutions and coordinate challenging tax and regulatory issues. He helped lead Fried Frank’s representation of CVC Secondary Partners in multiple transactions, including as co-lead investor in a single-asset continuation fund transaction (sponsored by Lindsay Goldberg) for Aspire Bakeries, a U.S. baking company focused on specialty frozen baked goods. “If you ask my wife, I’m a lawyer because I’m a nerd. If you ask my colleagues, I’m a good lawyer because I’m not too much of a nerd,” he says. He is deeply involved in mentorship and plays a key role in recruiting and retaining talent. Sharon Skipper – Addleshaw Goddard Sharon Skipper Year of Birth: 1992 Position: Partner Location: London Key clients: TDR Capital, Sigla Capital After quickly become central to mandates such as TDR’s David Lloyd continuation vehicle, Addleshaw Goddard recgonised Sharon Skipper's blend of technical excellence and cultural leadership makes her one of the most influential young partners at Addleshaw Goddard. She joined Addleshaw Goddard in October 2024 as a strategic hire to support the firm’s private equity growth. Previously, she was a partner at Kirkland & Ellis, achieving partnership at 31 years old. According to the firm upon arrival, her key client, TDR Capital, invited her back for a second secondment. Emma Gilks, GC of TDR Capital, described her as: “a trusted adviser with a strong commitment to providing top commercial advice that is both pragmatic and tailored to our business needs. Her positive attitude and commitment set her apart and I have no doubt she is a rising star in private equity.” She is actively involved in training, recruitment and women’s initiatives at the firm. One client described her as “exactly the kind of trusted advisor you want in your corner”. Sharon aims to “be a visible advocate for working parents” and champions women’s initiatives in private equity. Outside work, she recharges by chasing after her toddler and cocker spaniel. Shimin Lee – Clifford Chance Shimin Lee Year of Birth: 1990 Position: Partner Location: London Key clients: Cinven, CVC, Elliott, BlackRock Shimin Lee acts for top-tier clients such as Cinven, CVC, Elliott and BlackRock. Her leadership was pivotal on transactions such as NewDay’s sale of receivables to KKR and Cinven’s acquisition of Smart Communications, according to insiders. She values “human dynamics” in negotiations and supports the firm’s Women in Private Equity Forum. Mentored by global head of private equity, Jonny Myers and London head of private capital Spencer Baylin, she is a highly respected dealmaker. Myers said she is in a “class of her own” and that he has been inspired by her. Her combination of technical excellence and collaborative leadership continues to elevate Clifford Chance’s sponsor practice. Tommaso Caciolli – Chiomenti Studio Legale Tommaso Caciolli Year of Birth: 1989 Role: Managing Associate Location: Milan Key clients: Investindustrial, Lone Star, Silver Lake, Nextalia, GIC Chiomenti's Tommaso Caciolli has been at the helm of landmark transactions—including the largest private equity take-private in Italy of 2025, Advent and Nextalia’s acquisition of Tinexta. His blend of technical excellence and approachability continues to drive his influence in the market, with negotiations that align sponsor priorities and result in successful outcomes. According to the firm he combines technical execution with active negotiation, aligning sponsors’ priorities and persuading stakeholders through a mix of commercial insight and innovation. More broadly, his practice in the last year has been defined by the ability to anticipate and address the challenges faced by sponsors investing in Italy, helping clients deliver innovative, market-defining transactions. According Chiomenti’s he is the driving force behind the firm's ability to attract and grow its private equity client base. Outside work he enjoys skiing, tennis and swimming. Victoria Ho – Clifford Chance Victoria Ho Year of Birth: 1989 Position: Senior Associate Location: London Key clients: Permira, EQT, Infracapital Senior associate Victoria Ho advises major names including Permira, EQT, Infracapital, Blackstone Strategic Partners, Partners Group and others. A key member of the Secondaries Steering Group, she co-authored Decoding the Secondary Market and is involved in inclusion networks. Her mentor, and London head of private equity, Spencer Baylin, said she “has played critical roles in stand-out mandates”. He cites examples such as EQT’s acquisition of a majority stake in AMCS and Permira’s acquisition of WestBridge, noting that she “combines sector expertise and execution skills to deliver real value for clients”. A personal goal of hers is to ski red and black runs “without being petrified”.

Nov 24

21 min

Kirkland & Ellis advised Francisco Partners’ portfolio company EG Group, a leading supplier of industry-specific software in the Nordics, on its capital raise and stake sale to various institutional investors to join majority shareholder Francisco Partners as owners of EG. Read EG’s press release The Kirkland team was led by corporate partners Carlos Gil Rivas, Adrian Duncan and Michele Cumpston and associates Jamie Spring, Toshi Mahapatra and Arun Sohan-Pall; and tax partners Anthony Antioch and Devin Heckman.

Nov 17

1 min