Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP announced today that Erica Rozow has joined the Firm as a Partner based in the New York office, where she will focus on ERISA-related aspects of investment fund matters.
“Erica has a unique blend of experience that gives her remarkable insight into both the funds sector and ERISA compliance, and we are very pleased to welcome her to the Firm,” said Alden Millard, Chair of Simpson Thacher’s Executive Committee. “Erica’s addition to our team further enhances our ability to help fund clients navigate the constantly evolving regulatory regime, where ERISA issues are critical.”
“Erica’s deep experience and technical knowledge further deepens our bench of exceptional talent,” said Michael Wolitzer, Head of Simpson Thacher’s Investment Funds Practice. “She is a perfect complement to our preeminent Private Funds Practice that serves as a single source of best-in-class advice for our private funds clients across alternative asset classes and the spectrum of issues they face.”
Erica focuses on ERISA fiduciary matters surrounding the formation and fundraising of investment funds, including plan asset rules and venture capital operating company and real estate operating company structuring, and other exemptions. Her practice also includes ERISA matters in the funds’ related mergers and acquisitions and investment work. Erica joins a team that includes Jeanne Annarumma, a Senior Counsel in the New York office, and George Gerstein, who recently joined as Senior Counsel in the Firm’s Washington, D.C. office. George concentrates on the fiduciary and prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA as they apply to the investment and management of plan assets.
Brian Robbins, Head of the Firm’s Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Practice, said, “Erica and George come to us with distinctive ERISA-related fund formation and Title I experience. They will work hand-in-hand with other members of our broader Private Funds and Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits teams to help us continue to deliver the highest level of client service.”
Simpson Thacher’s Investment Funds and Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Practices work side-by-side to advise the world’s preeminent institutional alternative asset managers, as well as smaller first-time and boutique advisors, on the formation and operation of significant investment vehicles. Drawing upon the Firm’s more than 40 years of experience in the private equity industry, the global team offers deep market knowledge and commercial, bespoke advice on matters ranging from formation to capital raising, M&A and regulatory matters.
“Simpson Thacher is a market-leader and widely known for its prominence and breadth in advising on all aspects of the investment funds industry,” said Erica. “I am excited to join such a highly-regarded team and to aid in advising the Firm’s outstanding roster of clients.”
Erica joins the Firm from Kirkland & Ellis LLP. She received her J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law and her B.S. from the University of Illinois. She was a judicial extern for the Honorable Kay M. Hanlon of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, in 2011 and was previously an Employee Benefits & Federal Tax Consultant at Ernst & Young.
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