Cleary Gottlieb Continues London Private Capital Expansion with New Funds Partner Hire

Cleary Gottlieb announced today that Nathan McKinnon has joined the firm’s London office as a partner in its top-tier Global Funds practice.

Nathan’s appointment follows the recent arrival of David Christmas, further strengthening the firm’s funds and private capital capabilities in London and reinforcing its continued commitment to the global platform.

Nathan’s practice focuses on fund formation across a range of alternative strategies, including private credit, private equity, infrastructure, and other asset classes. Nathan also advises on secondaries, co-investments, and GP stakes transactions.

“Strengthening our global funds and private capital platform has been a key strategic priority for the firm. With Nathan joining and working alongside Mike James and David Christmas, we now have a London funds team with the breadth, capacity, and ambition to build on our position at the highest level of the market,” said London partner and Executive Committee member Tihir Sarkar. “Nathan’s extensive experience advising sponsors on primary fund formation and secondary transactions across private credit, private equity, and other asset classes significantly strengthens our funds offering.”

Cleary’s Global Funds team is ranked Band 1 for Fund Formation in the U.S. by Chambers, having advised on funds with commitments exceeding $500 billion worldwide in its 30-year history.

“Our Global Funds team remains at the forefront of advising on the most sophisticated, complex, and high-value funds and transactions in the market,” said Managing Partner Jeff Karpf. “Nathan’s breadth of experience advising both fund managers and investors broadens our capabilities and complements David’s recent arrival. Together, they significantly strengthen our London funds offering and deepen the transatlantic, Asian, and bicoastal U.S. connectivity that positions us to respond to the evolving needs and opportunities of our clients.”

On joining Cleary, Nathan commented, “What stood out to me was the strength and ambition of the firm’s global funds and private capital platform. With a growing London team and depth across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, the global platform is well positioned for continued growth, and I’m excited to be part of it.” 

Nathan’s arrival continues a period of sustained investment in the firm’s Global Funds team, which has added five lateral partners and promoted one partner since fall 2025.