Cozen O’Connor Adds Corporate Attorney Ekwutozia Nwabuzor to its Fund Formation Practice

NEW YORK, January 27, 2025 - With improving macroeconomic trends driving an anticipated rebound in private equity fundraising, Cozen O'Connor today introduced the newest member of its Fund Formation Practice, Ekwutozia Nwabuzor - a leading corporate transaction attorney - as part of its award-winning Corporate Practice. Fund formation attorneys advise fund sponsors on all aspects of the investment fund life cycle, while also serving clients seeking guidance on fund investments, including transactions in the secondary market.

Nwabuzor, who comes to the firm from Lowenstein Sandler LLP, joins the Corporate Practice as a member based in Cozen O'Connor's fast growing New York City office. She brings a proven record of advising financial services clients looking to structure, develop and/or market alternative investment products - including hedge funds, fund of funds, private equity funds, real estate funds, venture funds, liquid alternatives funds, and separately managed accounts.

Her background also includes serving as vice president and assistant general counsel for global investment firm J.P. Morgan Asset Management. In that role, she negotiated complex client agreements, structured and launched new investment products, and ensured all products were in compliance with domestic/international fund regulations.

"Fund Formation addresses the many needs of established hedge fund, venture capital, middle-market private equity, and private real estate investment firms, as well as emerging managers. These clients require top-shelf corporate lawyers who are attuned to their needs and challenges and willing to make a long-term commitment to their growth," said Larry P. Laubach, co-chair of the firm's Corporate Practice Group. "Ekwutozia is an innovative, forward-thinking mover in this space. Her work in both private practice and as inside counsel with a major investment firm gives her the unique ability to anticipate the needs of institutional investors and funds and provide them with pertinent analysis. I'm thrilled to welcome her to Cozen O'Connor."

Nwabuzor's background includes advising on a range of complex fund-related transactions, including management company formation, fund formations, restructurings, business development, investor relations for domestic and offshore private equity and hedge funds (including co-investment vehicles), and ongoing operations.

"Ekwutozia is the perfect fit for Fund Formation because she brings critical, multi-disciplinary knowledge of the many types of funds, as well as experience in fund formation - from common single-fund structures to more complex master-feeder, parallel, and off-shore funds," said Ingrid Welch, a member of the firm's Corporate Practice Group and a leading fund formation lawyer. "Having served as inside counsel, she also understands the complex and constantly evolving regulatory system that affects these funds. She's a major addition to the firm."

An accomplished public speaker, Nwabuzor presents regularly at legal/financial industry events, addressing recent fund developments as well as diversity and inclusion issues within financial services. She takes great pride in her track record of advising both established and emerging investment management firms, including those led by traditionally underrepresented managers.

"Cozen O'Connor is an exciting opportunity for me. It's an entrepreneurial firm with a strong and proven commitment to diversity and inclusion, which matters greatly to me," Nwabuzor said. "Further, joining its growing Fund Formation Practice gives me the opportunity to leverage my skills and help grow both my client base and the practice. I'm very happy to be here and I'm looking forward to working with Larry, Ingrid, and my other new colleagues."

Nwabuzor earned her J.D. from Howard University School of Law and her B.A from the College of the Holy Cross.

About Cozen O'Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O'Connor has over 925 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle market companies, Cozen O'Connor serves its clients' needs through 33 offices across two continents.

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