Big Law investment funds practices have not seen the downturn that has afflicted mergers and acquisitions in 2022, with attorneys from top fund law firms saying things are as busy and competitive as ever. 

Practice leaders at three leading funds practices—Debevoise & Plimpton, Kirkland & Ellis, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett—have all said they see hours increasing, an active lateral market, and no real reason to think things might change any time soon. And the firms are observing high interest from rising talent, with Kirkland seeing a record number of summer associates wanting to focus on investment funds.