David Layden

David Layden advises on the structuring, establishment, management and marketing of a variety of investment funds and fund platforms domiciled in a range of onshore and offshore jurisdictions for UK, U.S. and European asset managers.

Mr. Layden’s practice is focused on the formation and structuring of private funds, including open-ended, hybrid and closed-ended funds. He has experience across a range of asset classes including private debt, private equity, real estate and hedge. A particular emphasis of Mr. Layden’s practice is the establishment of evergreen funds investing in illiquid assets.  

Mr. Layden also provides ongoing advice on general corporate, compliance and UK, Irish and EU regulatory issues as well as on the implementation of carried interest and other incentive schemes. In addition, he provides investor-side advice in connection with investments into a range of fund structures and asset classes.

Mr. Layden is a member of Dechert’s ESG task force and advises clients on this developing area. He is recognized in The Legal 500 Global Green Guide: EMEA (2022) which spotlights "key firms in the EMEA region contributing to a green transition." He is highlighted for having "advised various clients on the regulatory obligations associated with their ESG activities, particularly in regards to the SFDR."

Mr. Layden co-authored the "Ireland" chapter of Sweet & Maxwell’s Law and Regulation of Investment Management, third edition. Mr. Layden also co-authored the "Ireland" chapter and the "Hybrid Funds" chapter of Sweet & Maxwell’s Hedge Funds and the Law, third edition.

Mr. Layden is closely involved with a number of industry bodies including the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA).

Mr. Layden worked in Dechert’s London office from 2017-2024 before relocating to the Dublin office to help grow Dechert's Irish private funds team.