Ropes & Gray adds private funds partner in DC

Law firm Ropes & Gray has hired Jonathan Rash as a partner in its global asset management practice.

Rash is based in Washington, DC, where the firm said it is growing its asset management team. He was previously with Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson, where he was a partner.

Rash advises alternative asset managers on complex matters with a focus on customized private fund structures, cross-border offerings and special strategic projects. He represents sponsors of private funds across alternative asset classes including buyouts, growth, infrastructure, credit, energy and real estate.

Ropes & Gray said it is expanding its fund practice, which it considers a strategic priority.

The firm also recently promoted three asset management group attorneys to partner. Covering private fund formation, Ropes & Gray promoted Catherine Skulan, who has been with the firm more than seven years and is based in San Francisco.

Skulan guides sponsors in fund formation and other key aspects of their businesses. She works primarily with West Coast-based managers pursuing a range of strategies including growth, venture, hedge and fund of funds investments.

In London, the firm promoted Chris Townsend and Alex Chauvin.

Townsend has been with the firm for more than two years. He acts for private fund sponsors and investors throughout Europe, the US and globally. He has deep experience with closed-end fund formations, separately managed accounts, co-investments, secondaries and carried interest schemes across asset classes.

Chauvin leads secondaries deals in Europe and the US. She advises asset managers and institutional investors, including fund of funds, secondary buyers and sovereign wealth funds. She has been with the firm for two years.

Both Townsend and Chauvin joined from Kirkland & Ellis.