Willkie adds Hogan Lovells Cadwalader PE head in five-partner transatlantic raid

Willkie Farr & Gallagher is adding a five-partner team from Hogan Lovells Cadwalader, including its global head of private equity and funds Ed Harris, to strengthen its transatlantic secondaries practice.

London-based Harris and Charlotte Monk are joining alongside Washington DC partners Adam Brown, Caitlin Piper and Michael Rogers. The team advises on secondaries, GP-led transactions, co-investments and liquidity solutions.

Harris and Brown move again

Harris previously co-led Hogan Lovells’ London private equity practice before moving to Paul Hastings alongside Brown and Leanne Moezi in 2019. The trio returned to Hogan Lovells less than a year later, with Harris subsequently serving as global head of private equity and funds.

Willkie chairman Matthew Feldman said the team’s arrival would significantly enhance its transatlantic capabilities as growth in secondaries and GP-led liquidity solutions drives demand for advice across private markets.

The hires bolster an asset management practice comprising approximately 150 lawyers across eight US and European offices.

Partner promotions

Willkie also announced a 24-strong partner promotion round last month with two asset managers making the cut - Anthony Civico in Paris and Devin Ralston in Houston.

One London lawyer got the nod: litigator Giles Harvey, while the New York office was the most represented with six lawyers elevated. Willkie made up seven London lawyers to partner in last year's round, the largest intake of any of its offices.