Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie announced today that Shusmita Chowdhury, a skilled fund formation lawyer, has rejoined the Firm as a Partner in New York.
Shusmita brings extensive experience advising sponsors on all matters related to the formation and ongoing operations of a range of fund products and advising sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and other institutional investors on all matters related to their investments in private funds. That includes traditional private equity buyout funds, real estate funds, infrastructure and hedge funds, and customized investment vehicles such as funds-of-one, co-investments and other special purpose vehicles.
“We are seeing a dynamic increase in activity in our funds practice," said Alan Zoccolillo, Chair of Baker McKenzie's North America Transactional Practice. “Shusmita's deep understanding of the investment management arena and her in-house private equity experience will be a great value to our clients. I look forward to working with her once again.”
Colin Murray, the Firm's North America Chief Executive Officer, added: “We continue to focus on the growth and development of key practice areas in North America, including the Transactional Practice in New York. We are excited to have Shusmita rejoin the team and share her knowledge not only with clients but with the next generation of Baker McKenzie lawyers."
Shusmita is the latest addition to Baker McKenzie in North America since the start of the year focused on transactional matters. She joins veteran M&A lawyer Matthew Jacobson (Palo Alto), technology transactions lawyer Cynthia Cole (Palo Alto), and tax M&A and private equity practitioner Lane Morgan (Dallas).
As a former in-house private equity practitioner, Shusmita understands the unique challenges and pressures investment firms face. Clients turn to Shusmita because of her experience and for her pragmatic, business-focused counsel during negotiations and structuring investment vehicles.
"Shusmita's distinct skillset in fund formation complements our wider transactional offerings not only in North America but also within our global practice as we meet the demands of clients in this ever changing investment environment," noted Karen Guch, Chair of Baker McKenzie's Global Private Equity Practice.
"I am excited to once again be part of the Baker McKenzie team and collaborate with talented, highly-regarded colleagues across the Firm," said Shusmita.
Prior to joining Baker McKenzie, Shusmita was Counsel at Pryor Cashman. She earned her BA and LLB from the University of Sydney.