Robert Leonard, a partner and a member of the Asset Management and Investment Funds practice, has over 30 years of experience advising on the formation, structuring, and operation of hedge funds, funds of funds, and other private investment vehicles, both domestic and offshore. His clients include fund managers across a broad range of strategies, family offices, institutional investors, and investment advisers.
Robert has deep experience with complex fund structures, including master-feeder, mini-master, and side-by-side arrangements. He regularly counsels managers pursuing strategies such as long/short equity, multi-strategy, credit, distressed debt, mortgage-backed securities, global macro, quantitative, and direct lending.
In addition to fund formation, Robert advises on seed investments, founder and single-investor classes, and placement agreements, and works with clients to develop innovative strategies for capital raising. He also counsels on compensation structures, including equity and phantom equity arrangements, to help managers attract and retain key talent.
Robert is active in regulatory, trading and compliance matters. He regularly represents clients in regulatory examinations and investigations.
A recognized thought leader in alternative data and generative AI, Robert advises on compliance frameworks, risk assessments, due diligence, and contract negotiations in these evolving areas.