Debevoise Bolsters Private Funds Practice with Hire of Karen Chao
Event summary
- Karen Chao joined Debevoise & Plimpton LLP as a partner in its Investment Management Group on August 10, 2026.
- Chao advises private equity firms and alternative asset managers on fund formation, structuring, and governance.
- Debevoise has advised over 3,700 private investment funds with committed capital exceeding $6.3 trillion.
- Chao previously served as a partner at another international law firm's New York office.
The big picture
Debevoise's hire of Karen Chao underscores the growing complexity and demand for specialized legal advice in the private capital sector. As fund sponsors navigate increasingly intricate fundraising dynamics and investor needs, law firms with deep expertise in fund structuring and governance are positioning themselves as critical partners. This move highlights Debevoise's strategic focus on maintaining its leadership position in a highly competitive market.
What we're watching
- Competitive Positioning
- How Debevoise's expanded Investment Management Group will affect its market share against other top-tier law firms in the private funds space.
- Client Acquisition
- Whether Karen Chao's arrival will accelerate Debevoise's ability to attract new private equity and alternative asset management clients.
- Regulatory Adaptation
- The pace at which Debevoise can integrate Chao's expertise into its existing framework to address evolving regulatory challenges in the private funds industry.