Christopher Gardner’s practice focuses on the structuring and establishment of private funds domiciled in a range of onshore and offshore jurisdictions and across a range of asset classes, with a focus on liquid and illiquid debt and credit, hedge, hybrid, real estate, buyout, listed equity, and renewable energy funds. Mr. Gardner has acted for sponsors and investors from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, the USA and the CIS.

Mr. Gardner also advises on Brexit strategy, M&A transactions in the financial services sector, on the spin outs and establishment of new asset management businesses and on the sale and purchase of fund interests, fund and co-investment restructurings as well as providing advice on portfolio company corporate and commercial and general financial services regulatory matters.

In the 2019 - 2020 editions of The Legal 500 UK, Mr. Gardner is noted for his dual specialism in debt and credit funds and private equity buyout funds as well as being highly recommended for investment funds, specifically private and hedge funds. The guide describes him as "an established and high-performing private equity and private credit partner". The 2017 - 2018 editions of The Legal 500 UK also recommends Mr. Gardner in the area of investment funds. The 2017 edition notes that he is "responsive and has a can-do attitude: he knows the market so can advise on what is actual practice". The 2016 edition also noted that he has a "burgeoning reputation in hedge funds and private funds", with the 2015 guide providing client testimony that he is 'excellent at providing tailor-made advice'. He is also recommended for investment funds in the UAE by The Legal 500 in its 2015 Europe, Middle East and Asia guide which notes that he is "excellent at fund structuring." Chambers UK 2014 describes Mr. Gardner as an experienced private funds practitioner who is "lauded for his technical ability." In Chambers UK 2013 he is described by clients as a “very sensible practitioner” who “understands the business.” Chambers UK 2012 highlights Mr. Gardner as “positive and constructive.” 

Mr. Gardner co-authored the “Private Equity Funds” chapter of Sweet & Maxwell’s Law and Regulation of Investment Management.  He is a regular speaker at industry events.