Krishna Skandakumar Strengthens Debevoise's Private Fund Group
In a notable move within the legal industry, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP announces the arrival of a new powerhouse to their Investment Management and Private Fund Transactions Groups. Krishna Skandakumar, a highly respected partner known for his expertise in secondaries law, joins alongside his colleague Natalia Kubik, further enhancing the firm’s capabilities in this complex sector.
Significance of Their Expertise
As co-chair of the Private Fund Transactions Group, Mr. Skandakumar will lend his significant knowledge and insight, focusing on intricate secondaries transactions. This includes advising private equity sponsors and investors on liquidity solutions that are essential in today's dynamic financial landscape. With their experience in various secondaries forms—including continuation vehicles, LP portfolio sales, and recapitalizations—both lawyers are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of clients.
What Clients Can Expect
Debevoise prides itself on being a leader in the private equity sector, having advised clients for over four decades on every stage of the fund lifecycle. Partner Peter Furci remarked on the firm's long-standing tradition of excellence and its highly regarded position in the secondaries transactions space. Adding Mr. Skandakumar and Ms. Kubik to this esteemed group is a strategic move that underscores Debevoise's commitment to providing top-notch legal support in this specialized area.
A Look at Their Backgrounds
Both Mr. Skandakumar and Ms. Kubik bring a wealth of international experience from their previous roles at a prominent law firm in New York. Mr. Skandakumar holds degrees in Actuarial Studies and Law from The Australian National University, along with an LLM from the University of Melbourne. Ms. Kubik's academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Law from the University of Cambridge. This combination of educational pedigree and professional experience positions them as valuable assets to Debevoise.
Growth Opportunities for Debevoise
The addition of these two talented lawyers comes at a time when the demand for expert guidance in secondaries transactions continues to rise. With clients increasingly turning to Debevoise for their multidisciplinary approach to complex deals, the firm anticipates significant growth in this area. Kevin Schmidt, co-chair of the Private Equity Group, expressed confidence that their presence will effectively support the firm’s growth strategy and enhance client services.
Recognized Leadership in Private Funds
The Private Fund Transactions Group at Debevoise is renowned for its global reach and expertise across diverse client needs, serving a variety of stakeholders including sponsors, investors, and institutional funds. Known for its innovative approaches, the group is recognized in the industry for facilitating nearly 350 secondaries transactions valued at over $33.2 billion in 2024 alone. Their extensive market knowledge and tailored solutions drive success for the clients they serve.
As part of the broader Private Equity Group, Debevoise unites over 500 lawyers from varied disciplines to deliver comprehensive support across the private equity lifecycle. With consistently high rankings from respected legal directories, Debevoise is acknowledged for its effective teamwork and unwavering focus on delivering superior results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Krishna Skandakumar?
Krishna Skandakumar is a partner joining Debevoise & Plimpton LLP and is named co-chair of the Private Fund Transactions Group.
What will Mr. Skandakumar and Ms. Kubik do at Debevoise?
They will advise private equity sponsors and investors on complex secondaries transactions and provide related liquidity solutions.
What is the significance of the Private Fund Transactions Group?
This group provides specialized legal services in the secondaries market, helping clients navigate complex transactions effectively.
How does Debevoise support its clients?
Debevoise offers holistic and market-informed guidance, leveraging their extensive experience in fund management and transactions.
What is Debevoise known for in the legal industry?
Debevoise is recognized for its leadership in the private equity space, providing expert advice across the entire lifecycle of funds.
