Dechert has announced that M. Holland West, a private funds and derivatives lawyer, has joined the firm as a partner in the financial services practice group in the New York office. West was previously at Shearman & Sterling, where he was the head of its global hedge fund, private equity, derivatives, and structured finance practices. He was also previously a partner at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, where he was the head of its asset management and derivatives practices, and an assistant general counsel at Goldman, Sachs & Co. advising its capital markets, derivatives, and commodity businesses.

“Holland’s three decades of experience as a Wall Street lawyer adds to our already deep bench of talent in numerous financial services disciplines,” Dechert Chairman Barton J. Winokur said. “This is a historic time for the financial services industry, which is facing unprecedented changes, challenges, and opportunities. Holland’s capabilities and background will be of great benefit to our clients as we assist them in adapting their businesses to the evolving structural and regulatory framework.”

West is recognised for his experience in diverse investment management matters, representing an international clientele in organizing, operating, and managing a wide range of private investment funds and accounts for traditional and alternative assets (including hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, buy out, and real estate funds, funds-of-funds, and CDO and other securitization vehicles).

West also has significant experience in derivative, structured product, capital market, and commodity matters, including development, structuring, and execution of complex financing, derivative, and securitization products. West additionally provides clients with product development and transaction assistance and regulatory, risk management, and compliance counselling.