Benson, Nick

Nick Benson

Partner

nick.benson@lw.com
    Benson, Nick

    Nick Benson

    Partner

    nick.benson@lw.com
    "A great technical lawyer with strong knowledge of the industry. He’s very sophisticated."

    Chambers UK 2024

    "A funds guru for structuring and provisions."

    Chambers UK 2024

    "We really feel Nick is an extension of our team. He’s super efficient and very client-oriented. The best you want to get from a lawyer."

    Chambers UK 2024

    Leading Individual – Private Funds

    The Legal 500 UK 2024

    "One of the leading international funds lawyers in London. He is highly respected in the industry and very hands on."

    The Legal 500 UK 2023

    "He understands the issues from the side of the investor, the administrator and the fund manager allowing him to push all parties to a compromise in a very efficient manner."

    The Legal 500 UK 2023

    "Nick is an excellent professional and a clear leader in his field."

    Chambers UK 2023

    "An exceptional partner with extensive experience and deep knowledge of fund operations."

    Chambers UK 2021

    "Considered 'absolutely top quality' by clients when it comes to private equity fund formation."

    Chambers UK 2019

    Profile

    Nick Benson is a member of the firm’s global Investment Funds Group and has more than 20 years’ experience of advising sponsors and investors on the formation and operation of private investment funds and related transactions. He is recognized as a leading lawyer in this field by Chambers, Legal 500, IFLR, and Who’s Who Legal.

    Drawing on more than two decades of funds experience, Mr. Benson advises clients on all aspects of the formation and operation of investment funds. He delivers thoughtful and commercially focused counsel to a variety of market participants, including leading financial institutions, investment firms, and sovereign wealth funds. His work also encompasses a full array of investment areas, including the buyout, venture, technology, infrastructure, and credit spaces.

    Mr. Benson’s practice includes:

    • Fund formation
    • Establishment of bespoke investment mandates and investment managers/advisors
    • Secondary transactions, including GP-led transactions, pre-invested funds, fund restructurings, and LP portfolio sales
    • Ownership transitions and strategic partnerships
    • Fund governance and related matters

    Mr. Benson also maintains an active pro bono practice, including by advising charities on corporate and partnership matters. He also volunteers at legal aid centers, offering advice to individuals.

    Mr. Benson currently serves as the firm’s UK Money Laundering Reporting Officer (AML).

    Experience

    Mr Benson's recent experience includes advising:

    • A European private credit sponsor on the formation of a bespoke fund-of-one for a sovereign wealth fund investor
    • Various European and Asian private equity sponsors on the formation of their buyout funds, co-investment funds and continuation funds
    • A UK-based sponsor on the raising of its private equity funds-of-funds
    • A European venture capital firm on the raising of various venture equity, debt and secondary funds
    • The asset management arm of a global financial institution on its indirect private equity investments and joint ventures
    • A global infrastructure sponsor on the raising of its private infrastructure credit fund and the closings and operations of its flagship open-ended equity fund
    • An investment bank on the structuring and establishment of a private fund platform to invest in pre-IPO companies
    • A sovereign wealth fund on various joint ventures, fund investments and co-investments
    • A European technology firm on the formation of two digital asset investment funds
    • A new UK-based sponsor on the formation of an open-ended sustainable digital infrastructure fund
    • A global private equity sponsor on the formation of a joint venture to invest in asset recovery and litigation claims
    • Various international funds on compliance with AIFMD with respect to their marketing and investment activities

    Qualifications

    Bar Qualification

    • England and Wales (Solicitor)

    Education

    • Law Society Finals, College of Law, Chester, 1993
    • LLB, University of Birmingham, 1992

    Practices

    Industries

    News & Insights

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