Bolstering its global private investment funds practice, Morgan Lewis is adding Leonora Shalet as a partner resident in New York. She joins from Schulte Roth & Zabel and will continue her focus on advising investment funds and investment advisers in connection with fund structuring, formation, and ongoing operational and compliance needs.
“The private investment funds sector presents both opportunities and challenges for even the savviest industry players who look to us to help navigate the market and regulatory shifts,” said Firm Chair Jami McKeon. “Adding Leonora in New York is another demonstration of our commitment to guiding our clients in this sector and helping them achieve their business goals.”
Leonora’s broad-based investment management practice spans US and offshore credit funds, private equity funds, growth equity funds, hedge funds, perpetual funds, hybrid funds, funds-of-funds, and managed accounts. She also counsels clients on general securities laws and regulatory matters. In 2023, Leonora was named among the “50 Leading Women in Hedge Funds” by The Hedge Fund Journal. She is fluent in French and English and is licensed in New York as well as England and Wales.
“Whether the newest fund structures like hybrid funds or more traditional private equity and hedge funds, Leonora’s skillset will be a great addition in areas where we’re seeing an uptick in client activity,” said Timothy Levin, leader of the firm’s investment management practice. “Additionally, Leonora’s recent continuation fund formation experience will provide a boost to our client offerings in our secondaries practice.”
Building on the firm’s 170-lawyer-strong investment management practice, Leonora’s arrival follows that of partner trio Mark Parise, Todd Zerega, and Betselot Zeleke who joined in March 2024, and Christine Ayako Schleppegrell, who served as branch chief at the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Investment Management until joining the firm in April 2023.