Paul Hastings Further Strengthens Funds Focus with Addition of Asset Management Partner in New York

November 27, 2018

New York—Paul Hastings LLP, a leading global law firm, announced today that Ira Kustin, a highly recognized asset management lawyer, concentrating in the representation of private funds, has joined the firm as a partner in the Investment Management practice in New York from Akin Gump. Ira’s arrival represents a continuation of the firm’s recent acquisitions in, and growth of, its credit, hedge, and private equity funds practice within its market-leading Investment Management practice.

“We are addressing the stay-awake issues our investment management clients are facing and are committed to helping them navigate growing regulation, seek new capital sources and form new strategic partnerships,” said Seth Zachary, chair of Paul Hastings. “Ira is well-positioned to help our clients with new risks and opportunities and is highly respected by his clients and peers,” he added.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to have the trust of wonderful clients, who are supportive of my move and see numerous benefits to having access to the global reach of the practices at Paul Hastings,” said Kustin.

Kustin has extensive experience working with private fund sponsors, including hedge and private equity fund managers, as well as innovative hybrid investment vehicles. His clients range from market-leading global asset managers, to startups, mid-sized and larger managers. Ira brings a particular expertise in advising sponsors of, and investors in, complex credit funds, and regularly counsels private fund advisers on international investment platforms including in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

The Investment Management practice at Paul Hastings was recently commended for its fund structuring work by the Financial Times in its Innovative Lawyers Report for Europe. The firm is also regularly ranked by Chambers for individual and practice excellence in Registered Funds, Fund Formation and Private Equity.

Kustin’s arrival follows the addition of Kfir Abutbul, Private Equity partner in Houston, and several recent partner additions in London, including Regulatory and Fintech partner Arun Srivastava, Private Equity partner Anu Balasubramanian and Privacy and Cybersecurity partner Sarah Pearce. In the last year, the firm has also added a number of high-profile Finance and Restructuring partners including Andres Mena and Pedro Jimenez in New York, Rich Davis in Washington, DC, and David Manson in London.

At Paul Hastings, our purpose is clear — to help our clients and people navigate new paths to growth. With a strong presence throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the U.S., Paul Hastings is recognized as one of the world’s most innovative global law firms.