#United States #New York #Dechert LLP #Arina Lekhel #Megha Kalbag

Dechert LLP Strengthens Private Funds Department with New Partners

In a significant development for its financial services practice, Dechert LLP has announced the addition of two new partners, Arina Lekhel and Megha Kalbag, at its New York office. This strategic recruitment is set to enhance the firm's capabilities, particularly in the domains of private funds, rated notes, and derivatives transactions.

A Vision for Growth

David Forti, co-chair at Dechert, expressed enthusiasm over the new arrivals, stating, "Arina and Megha's arrival marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to expand and deepen our private funds capabilities and leading financial services practice." He added that their diverse expertise would be essential in delivering innovative solutions tailored specifically for clients engaged in asset management.

Chris Christian, co-chair of the firm's financial services group, highlighted the impact these additions will have on the firm's service offerings. "The addition of Arina and Megha greatly enhances our ability to expand our service offerings to financial institutions and asset managers worldwide," he noted. Christian emphasized that their vast knowledge and experience would be invaluable for navigating the increasingly complex realms of fund formation and derivatives transactions, which continue to evolve rapidly.

Profiles of the New Partners

Arina Lekhel arrives at Dechert with over 20 years of experience in managing a broad spectrum of asset-backed private funds, which include credit and private equity funds, rated funds, and more. Her focus lies in providing advisory services to fund sponsors concerning fund formation and ongoing operational requirements. She stated, "Joining Dechert is an exciting opportunity to work with a dynamic team and contribute to the growth of the private funds group. I am eager to leverage my experience to help our clients achieve their investment goals and navigate the complexities of fund management."

Megha Kalbag specializes in securities and commodities regulation encompassing digital asset regulations, trading platforms, and derivatives. Her thorough knowledge extends into regulatory frameworks such as the Dodd-Frank Act and the Commodity Exchange Act. Kalbag articulates her excitement about joining Dechert, citing the firm’s global platform as a perfect match for her career aspirations. "I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to help our clients navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and develop effective trading strategies," she stated.

The addition of Lekhel and Kalbag comes soon after Dechert welcomed Joseph Dennis, another esteemed private equity lawyer, to its London office. The firm, with nearly 200 attorneys, possesses one of the largest financial services and investment management teams and boasts a strong presence in all key global fund domiciles, enhancing its position as a leader in investment funds law.

Commitment to Innovation and Leadership

Dechert's legacy of over 150 years in the legal field underscores its commitment to adapting to market changes and providing cutting-edge legal solutions. The firm represents a variety of critical sectors, including financial services, real estate, and technology, and aims to support its clients through complex regulatory hurdles and transactional challenges.

By strategically hiring partners like Lekhel and Kalbag, Dechert is reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a pulse on industry changes and delivering unparalleled results to its clients. As the company navigates the complexities of modern finance, it stresses the importance of a robust legal backbone in achieving successful outcomes in today’s dynamic market landscape.

In summary, the recruitment of Arina Lekhel and Megha Kalbag is a robust step forward for Dechert LLP as it continues to solidify its expertise in private funds and financial services, setting the stage for innovative solutions tailored to the needs of clients worldwide.