Akerman today announced that Christopher Mendez has joined the firm as a partner in the Corporate Practice Group in New York. He joins from another AmLaw 100 law firm. A former general counsel and chief compliance officer for institutional investment firms, Chris advises investment managers and institutional investors on complex fund formation, transactional, and regulatory matters across the alternative investment landscape.
Chris regularly advises global and U.S.-based investment advisers on the launch and management of complex fund platforms spanning credit, hedge fund, private equity, and real estate strategies. His experience includes guiding clients through the formation and structuring of a wide range of investment vehicles, including open- and closed-end, drawdown, evergreen, and series fund structures, as well as bespoke co-investment, joint venture, and managed account arrangements.
He is adept at navigating the intricacies of fund-related transactions, including LP- and GP-led secondaries, fund restructurings and continuation vehicles, seeding and anchor investments, spinouts, lift-outs, and investment management M&A. His work also extends to advising on management company and GP structuring, ownership and profit-sharing arrangements, and day-to-day governance and operational matters.
With a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, Chris provides strategic counsel on SEC and CFTC/NFA compliance, including the Advisers Act, the Investment Company Act, and related regulatory filings and governance matters. He has significant experience managing legal and compliance teams, building compliance programs, and leading clients through SEC examinations and enforcement matters.
“Chris is a highly regarded practitioner in the alternative investments space, and his arrival deepens our capabilities serving fund managers and investors in New York and beyond,” said David Birke, co-chair of Akerman’s Corporate Practice Group. “His experience both in private practice and as in-house counsel will be a tremendous asset to our clients navigating increasingly complex regulatory and transactional environments.”
Before returning to private practice, Chris served as general counsel and chief compliance officer at investment management firms focused on global macro, real estate private equity, and credit strategies, where he led legal and compliance teams across multiple asset classes and fund structures.
Chris serves on the Board of Directors for Volunteers of Legal Services (VOLS) and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
About Akerman
Founded in 1920, Akerman is recognized as one of the country’s premier law firms, with more than 700 lawyers throughout the United States.