Global law firm K&L Gates has expanded its hedge fund advisory capabilities with the hire of Robert Leonard, a seasoned attorney from Dechert LLP, as a Partner in its Asset Management and Investment Funds (AMIF) practice in New York.

Leonard brings more than 30 years of experience advising hedge fund managers on fund formation, structuring, and regulatory compliance. His practice spans the full spectrum of domestic and offshore vehicles, including master-feeder, side-by-side, and mini-master-feeder fund structures. He regularly counsels both emerging and established managers, as well as institutional investors and family offices.

Leonard has advised clients across a wide range of hedge fund strategies, including long-short equity, multi-strategy, credit, distressed debt, global macro, quant, relative value, and event-driven investing. He also brings valuable expertise in seed deals, anchor capital arrangements, and spin-outs from hedge fund platforms.

Beyond formation and structuring, Leonard has a strong background in regulatory exams and investigations, offering hedge funds and asset managers practical legal guidance in navigating compliance and investor disputes. He has recently been active in advising clients on alternative data use and generative AI, particularly around governance, due diligence, and contractual risk.