James Hays joins Gibson Dunn as Investment Funds partner in Houston

James Hays joins Gibson Dunn as Investment Funds partner in Houston

James M. Hays will take a position as a partner in the Houston office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. In his role he will continue to provide private fund sponsors with guidance on the creation and administration of private investment funds using a range of asset classes and approaches.

Michael P. Darden, the managing partner of Gibson Dunn's Houston office, expressed his excitement at the addition of James. "We are excited to have James join our superior investment funds practice because of his extensive knowledge of the market and his in-house expertise at Blackstone," he mentioned.

According to Shukie Grossman, Co-Chair of the firm's Investment Funds Practice Group, James's talent is particularly beneficial for investment fund sponsors navigating today's highly competitive fundraising climate and strengthens our pool of practitioners with similar backgrounds. "James has vast experience with European fund distribution and the construction of investment funds in Luxembourg, both of which are prominent players in the market. He also advises on fund formation problems pertaining to all important asset classes. He will be an invaluable contributor to our prestigious international practise and a tremendous boon to our expanding presence in the Texas market," he further stated.

In his own words, Hays is "thrilled" to be joining Gibson Dunn. For the benefit of my clients and the growth of my practise, the firm's sophisticated investment funds platform and depth of capabilities are invaluable. I'm excited to work with my new co-workers to assist our customers in reaching their fundraising goals, as the firm has a well-deserved reputation for having a truly collaborative culture," he expressed.

Among the many asset classes and investment techniques in which Hays excels is the management of private investment funds for real estate, energy and infrastructure. Moreover, he regularly counsel's asset managers on matters pertaining to the launch and marketing of alternative investment funds in Europe and Luxembourg.

Hays oversaw a different international law firm's Houston private funds division before joining Gibson Dunn. He has extensive experience in the real estate sector, having served as vice president at Blackstone Inc. His responsibilities included providing counsel on regulatory and strategic initiatives, as well as raising capital for and co-investing in Blackstone's global real estate portfolio. Hays was also pivotal in launching Blackstone Europe Fund Management, a fund management firm that specializes in alternative investments and is headquartered in Luxembourg. His professional life started off in New York City, at the law firm Simpson Thacher.

Hays received the highest possible grade point average and graduated as valedictorian from Brooklyn Law School in 2010. After earning his law degree, Hays clerked for Eastern District of New York United States District Judge Edward R. Korman.