As Co-Lead of the Investment Management practice group, Michael Saarinen brings a wealth of experience advising U.S. and global fund sponsors and principals on the structuring and formation of funds and related advisory businesses.
Michael’s practice focuses primarily on the establishment and operation of private funds across all major asset classes and strategies, including buyout, growth equity, venture capital, real estate, hedge, credit, distressed debt, fund-of-funds, and venture studio funds. His representations also include specialized arrangements such as separately managed accounts, co-investment vehicles, single-asset funds, exchange funds, rated note feeder funds, evergreen funds, and other cutting-edge products and services.
Michael counsels sponsors and their senior executives on key legal and business matters, including management company M&A, lift-outs, spinouts, seeding arrangements, strategic initiatives, and complex regulatory issues. Additionally, he advises clients on “upper-tier” arrangements involving governance, compensation, talent acquisition, employment, separation, and succession planning.
Michael frequently works with or opposite the full spectrum of private fund investors, including family offices, endowments, foundations, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, and public companies.
Michael is widely recognized as a leading fund formation lawyer, is a frequent conference speaker, and is regularly quoted in the financial press. He is the sole U.S. attorney to win the Lexology Private Funds Client Choice Award each of the past five years. Clients quoted by Lexology say, “Michael has set the standard for what I seek from external counsel.” “We rely on him for pinpoint legal advice on complicated matters, and he always delivers.” “His timeliness and responsiveness is notable even in the context of elite law firm practice.” “He is 100% engaged at all times.” “I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a lot of great lawyers in the industry. None are as attentive and hands-on as Mike.”
Earlier in his career, Michael served as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of SECOR Asset Management, where he advised on strategic matters, including the sale of a minority stake to Barings (formerly Babson).
Experience
- MedTech-focused venture studio on all aspects of its platform, including the formation of a dedicated private fund to capitalize development of cutting-edge medical technologies.*
- Private equity firm in the formation and capitalization of single-asset funds focused on targeted opportunities, primarily in AI-adjacent sectors.*
- Credit-focused manager in the formation of a direct lending fund targeting VC-backed companies.*
- Real estate manager in structuring a platform of vintage-year funds, pairing equity vehicles for multifamily development with affiliated lending vehicles providing platform-level leverage.*
- Global asset manager in the formation of a fund to invest in dual-use national security technologies.*
- Emerging manager in the development of highly specialized funds to provide tax-efficient diversification for investors holding large, concentrated public stock positions.*
*Represents experience with previous employer.
Perspectives
Recognition
Client Choice Award – Private Funds (2020-2025)
Thought Leader – USA - Private Funds – Formation (2023-2025)
Thought Leader – USA - Private Funds – Regulatory (2023-2025)
Recommended – Private Funds – Formation (2018–2025)
Recommended – Thought Leader – Private Funds (2021–2025)
Credentials
Education
- J.D., Harvard Law School, 2003, cum laude
- B.A., Columbia University, 2000, magna cum laude
Admissions
- New York
- Supreme Court of the United States
Activities
- CFA Society New York
- Finlandia Foundation, New York Metropolitan Chapter
- Finnish American Chamber of Commerce-New York
- Affiliate Member, Private Investment Funds Committee, New York City Bar Association (2024-2025)
- Voting Member, Private Investment Funds Committee, New York City Bar Association (2021-2024)