YOUR STRATEGIC OUTSOURCED LEGAL PARTNER
A true extension of your in-house legal team for investment managers and pension funds. We help clients across financial services, from banks to service providers and trade associations.
£9.0tn+
combined AUM represented
200+
clients
15+ years
advising the industry
Firms like yours
Whichever side of the deal you are on, whether you are seeking investment, or want to invest, our experienced team have helped businesses like yours.
Across private and public funds, and all asset classes, we offer senior legal support without adding headcount.
Asset Allocators
Asset Owners
Service Providers
Trade Associations
We cover
- Public Funds
Advice on the full product life cycle of authorised funds, from launch to closure, in key jurisdictions.
- Private Funds
Fund structuring across all asset classes, LP fund due diligence, side letters and co-investments.
- Investments & Capital Markets
Segregated account mandates, trading, derivatives, securities lending, prime brokerage and loan agreements.
- Regulatory & Compliance
Perimeter guidance, governance and global frameworks: ESG, MiFID, UCITS, AIFMD, FCA authorisations and waivers.
- Commercial & Corporate
Commercial contracts, IP, data privacy, employment matters, M&A, governance and company documentation.
Why firms choose us
We sit at the intersection of the legal industry’s core delivery models, combining the strengths of each. This structure is built for modern investment firms seeking continuity, commerciality, and control.
Traditional law firm
In-house legal team
Legal secondee
Legal contractors
Meet the teambehind your legal function
Most legal questions in finance are also business questions. We answer both, because this is the only sector we work in and the two are rarely separate.
Beyond our core jurisdictions, a global consultant network extends our reach.
Emma Cleveland
CEO, Global General Counsel
Latest insights
See all insightsCleveland & Co Promotes Caroline Donald to General Counsel, Governance & Trading
Cleveland & Co is delighted to announce the promotion of Caroline Donald to General Counsel, Governance & Trading, recognising her distinguished career in financial services law and growing contribution to the firm and its clients.
23 July 2026Industry NewsCleveland & Co Appoints Louise Howard as General Counsel, Pension Funds & Institutional Investors
Cleveland & Co is pleased to announce that Louise Howard will be joining the firm as General Counsel, Pension Funds & Institutional Investors. Louise joins Cleveland & Co following more than a decade at Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), the UK’s largest private sector pension scheme, where she most recently served as Chief Legal Officer. Widely […]
1 June 2026AwardsCleveland & Co Highly Commended for Best Use of Technology at the Modern Law Awards 2026
Cleveland & Co has been Highly Commended for Best Use of Technology at the Modern Law Awards 2026, recognising organisations that have successfully harnessed technology to deliver measurable impact across client service, efficiency and performance. This recognition reflects the firm’s continued focus on embedding technology into the way legal services are delivered, rather than treating […]
30 April 2026AwardsCleveland & Co wins Law Firm of the Year (0–49) at the Modern Law Awards 2026
Cleveland & Co has been awarded Law Firm of the Year (0–49) at the Modern Law Awards, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s continued growth and development. Selected from a highly competitive field, this award celebrates firms that combine quality of work, strong client relationships and a distinctive approach to growth. Cleveland & Co’s […]
30 April 2026Talk with Cordelia, Chief Growth Officer
Cordelia Hughes Chief Growth Officer
Hi, I would be glad to explore how we can support your business.