John V. O'Hanlon
Partner | Boston
John V. O'Hanlon

John V. O’Hanlon represents investment managers, investment funds and their boards of directors, and other financial institutions in corporate, regulatory, compliance, and enforcement matters.

Mr. O’Hanlon has over 30 years of securities legal experience, including five years on the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Investment Management, where he served as an Assistant Chief Counsel of the Division. Mr. O’Hanlon has extensive experience advising U.S. registered funds and their managers on a wide variety of matters, including the development, organization and registration of funds, regulatory and compliance matters, fund reorganizations, affiliated transactions, changes of control and requests for exemptive and no-action relief. Mr. O’Hanlon regularly advises boards of directors on governance matters, fiduciary oversight, and issues relating to advisory fees and distribution arrangements.

Since 2007, Mr. O’Hanlon has been recognized as a leading lawyer for investment funds by Chambers USA. In the most recent edition, clients state that "John is a thoughtful and business-conscious lawyer. His dedication to clients and depth of analysis make him an indispensable asset." Previous editions noted that he is “exceptionally knowledgeable, efficient and effective in rendering legal advice.” Clients commented that he is a “valued partner” and that he “maintains his strong reputation in the registered funds community, with an impressive track record counseling insurance companies, fund managers, independent trustees and major financial institutions.” They also note that he has “a great sense of how regulators will react to various proposals.” He has also been recognized in The Legal 500 (U.S.), a past edition noting that he is “able to act as both advocate and trusted adviser.” For the last several years, Mr. O’Hanlon has also been listed in Best Lawyers in America for his work in mutual funds law.

  • Liquidity Management and Mutual Funds — Presented by the Boston Bar Association, Boston (March 30, 2016)
  • New Developments in Fixed Income — Mutual Fund Directors Forum Policy Conference, Washington, D.C. (April 3, 2014)
  • Navigating the New Regulatory Structure Governing Money Market Funds — Dechert LLP, Webinar (April 8, 2010)
  • Risk Management Concepts and Governance Practices — Dechert LLP, Webinar (January 21, 2010)
  • Amendments to Custody Rule and Pay-to-Play Proposal — Investment Adviser Association 2009 Compliance Workshop, Boston, MA (October 15, 2009)
  • Summary Prospectus and Related Amendments to Form N-1A — Dechert LLP, Webinar (March 12, 2009)
  • Business Continuity and Disclosure and Form ADV Proposal — Investment Adviser Association / Fall 2008 Compliance Workshop, Boston, MA (November 12, 2008)
  • Understanding the Proposed Short-Form Prospectus for Mutual Funds — Dechert LLP, Webinar (January 17, 2008)
  • Challenges to Directors of Investment Companies — Directors Roundtable and National Leadership Institute, Boston, MA (November 8, 2007)
  • Advertising and Best Execution — Investment Adviser Association Compliance Workshop, Boston, MA (September 27, 2007)
  • Mutual Fund Disclosure Reform — Act Attorneys Association of Connecticut, Hartford, CT (June 12, 2007)
Services
    • Georgetown University, BSFS, 1984
    • Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 1989, cum laude
    • Massachusetts
    • Co-Chair, Investment Companies and Investment Advisers Committee, Boston Bar Association, 2010-2012