James O’Donnell And Hannah Watson Fanin Join Gibson Dunn In London

James O’Donnell And Hannah Watson Fanin Join Gibson Dunn In London

Market-Leading Investment Funds Team: James O’Donnell and Hannah Watson Fanin Join Gibson Dunn in London (use down image)

Gibson Dunn is pleased to announce that James O’Donnell has joined the firm’s London office as a partner in its Investment Funds Practice Group.

Commenting on James’ arrival, Shukie Grossman, Global Chair of Gibson Dunn’s Investment Funds Practice Group, said, “The firm has been expanding its elite Investment Funds Practice, and James, as one of London’s leading investment funds practitioners, is a natural fit. His extensive experience in fund formation and strategic arrangements with institutional investors makes him a valuable addition to the team.”

James expressed enthusiasm about his new role, saide, “Gibson Dunn’s prestigious global platform and fast-growing transactional practices in London present an exciting opportunity. The firm has ambitious plans for its London funds team, and I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues in London and internationally.”

James is joined by Hannah Watson Fanin, with whom he has worked for many years. Recognized as ‘Up and Coming’ by Chambers UK 2025 for Investment Funds — Investor Representation, Hannah will join the firm as Of Counsel.

The addition of James and Hannah reinforces Gibson Dunn’s commitment to expanding its transactional practices in London. Other recent high-profile arrivals include M&A Partner Will McDonald, Private Equity Partner Will Summers, and Finance Partners Kavita Davis and David Irvine. The London office has also welcomed leading transactional partners such as Isabel Berger, Alice Brogi, Wim de Vlieger, Robert Dixon, Federico Fruhbeck, and Till Lefranc in recent years.

About James O’Donnell

James O’Donnell is a highly regarded legal expert advising sponsors and investors in private investment funds. His extensive experience spans fund establishment, managed accounts, and joint ventures, making him a sought-after authority in the field. He also specializes in carried interest arrangements, management spin-outs, secondary transactions, and co-investments, providing strategic guidance to a diverse range of clients.

His clientele includes fund managers, sovereign wealth funds, banks, pension plans, insurance companies, and development finance institutions, reflecting the depth and breadth of his industry expertise. His ability to navigate complex fund structures and strategic investment arrangements has earned him widespread recognition.

Rankings & Recognition James has received multiple accolades for his outstanding contributions to the investment funds sector:

• Legal 500 United Kingdom 2025 – Recommended for Investment Fund Formation and Management: Private Funds
• Chambers UK 2025 – Ranked Band 1 for UK-wide Investment Funds: Investor Representation
• Chambers UK 2025 – Ranked for Africa-wide Investment Funds

Clients have praised James as “absolutely top of the class, top in his field” and a “shining star of the funds sector.” His expertise and leadership continue to shape the investment funds landscape.

James holds a BA Honours in History from the University of Durham, bringing a strong academic foundation to his distinguished legal career.

About Hannah Watson Fanin

Hannah Watson Fanin brings extensive experience in fund-related transactions, offering invaluable insights into fund formation, co-investments, and secondary transactions. She has played a key role in advising on GP and LP-led restructurings, enforcement actions, and end-of-life fund issues, helping clients navigate complex investment structures with confidence.

Her in-house experience before joining private practice provides her with first-hand knowledge of institutional investors' unique needs and objectives. This perspective allows her to craft tailored legal strategies that align with investors' priorities and market trends.

Rankings & Recognition Hannah is widely recognized for her expertise and strategic approach:

• Chambers UK 2025 – Recognized as a “fantastic lawyer” who “consistently provides expert advice, leads negotiations, and represents clients with aplomb.”

Her ability to deliver practical, results-driven legal solutions has made her a trusted advisor in the investment funds space.

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