International law firm Debevoise & Plimpton LLP today announced the opening of an office in Luxembourg, focused on assisting private equity clients with the establishment of funds and related regulatory matters. By adding on-the-ground capabilities in Luxembourg, an increasingly important jurisdiction for private equity firms, the new office strengthens Debevoise’s position as a leading advisor for private funds.
The office, which is the firm’s tenth, will trade under the name Debevoise & Plimpton (Luxembourg) SCS. It will be led by Christopher Dortschy, who joins Debevoise as a partner in Debevoise & Plimpton Luxembourg S.à r.l. and an international counsel in Debevoise & Plimpton LLP. For more than 10 years, Mr. Dortschy has advised international asset management firms in establishing, administering and winding-up all types of Luxembourg regulated and unregulated investment vehicles, with a specific focus on alternative investment funds investing in illiquid asset classes. He has extensive experience advising clients on the regulatory aspects of establishing, operating and investing in Luxembourg fund management companies. Prior to joining Debevoise, Mr. Dortschy served in the Luxembourg office of a magic circle firm.
Debevoise’s Luxembourg office will be further supported by London and Frankfurt partner Patricia Volhard, who expects to devote significant time to the Luxembourg office. Ms. Volhard is one of Europe’s leading private funds lawyers, and has played a prominent role in the development of the industry in recent years.
“Even in this current environment, Debevoise remains focused on strategically growing our key practices to improve our offering to clients,” said Michael Blair, Presiding Partner at Debevoise. “Luxembourg has become an increasingly important jurisdiction for our private equity clients. Having on-the-ground capabilities in the country will help us better meet their needs, and we welcome Christopher’s experience in this important jurisdiction.”
Patricia Volhard, partner at Debevoise, added, “The regulatory sands for private funds in Europe have been shifting for some time, accelerated by the advent of Brexit and all of its implications. As a result, we have made some bold moves in recent years to strengthen our European funds offering. It is one of the reasons I joined the firm in 2017, and we have continued to grow the team since. The arrival of Christopher, and the opening of our Luxembourg office, are the latest steps in that growth, and ones which we are sure will be to the benefit of our clients.”
Mr. Dortschy said, “Debevoise has a stellar reputation advising private funds, and has seen impressive growth in Europe in recent years. The firm is well positioned to help private equity clients across any economic climate, and I look forward to helping grow the firm’s capabilities in Luxembourg. In the coming months and years, our intention is to continue growing the office with high caliber hires, as well as drawing on the support of the wider Debevoise team.”
Debevoise’s Private Equity Group is one of the most respected in the field, and has been a recognized leader for more than 40 years. Its regulatory capability is one of its defining characteristics. Lawyers working in the group possess in-depth experience managing regulatory environments in Europe, North America, and Asia, and advising private equity firms on the nuances of regulation in virtually every corner of the globe. Earlier this year, Debevoise added partner Marc Ponchione to the firm’s Washington, DC office, to strengthen the Group’s focus on regulatory matters.
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a premier law firm with market-leading practices, a global perspective and strong New York roots. We deliver effective solutions to our clients’ most important legal challenges, applying clear commercial judgment and a distinctively collaborative approach.