Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has announced the addition of Debra Franzese as a partner in its Asset Management Department. Based in New York, Franzese is recognized for her expertise in private funds.
“Debra is recognized as a trusted adviser in the private funds space and we are delighted to welcome her to Willkie,” stated Phil Isom, Chair of Willkie’s Private Funds practice group. “She brings diverse transactional and regulatory experience and a results-oriented approach to addressing day-to-day as well as complex issues for clients that align well with our global team’s growing capabilities.”
Franzese’s practice covers fund formation across various asset classes and strategies. She advises sponsors and managers of different private investment funds, including hedge funds, private equity funds, and commodity pools. Her focus areas include fund formation, structuring, interest offerings, investments, and partnerships. Additionally, she provides guidance on regulatory compliance matters such as SEC registration for U.S. and non-U.S. advisers.
Commenting on her new role, Franzese said: “Willkie has a top-ranked global private funds practice that aligns well with the broad transactional and regulatory needs of my investment adviser and fund manager clients. I’m excited to further extend the Firm’s private funds capabilities and grow my practice within a world-class platform.”
Franzese joins approximately 25 partners in Willkie’s Private Funds practice group who specialize in fund formation and liquidity solutions across multiple offices worldwide. Previously, she was a partner at Seward & Kissel.
Willkie’s Asset Management team is noted by Chambers USA 2025 for excellence in several categories related to investment funds. The firm also holds recognition from Chambers France and Chambers UK for its work in investment funds.