Akin Continues Growth in Chicago with Addition of Tax Partner Christopher Odell
Contact:
(Chicago) – Akin announced today that Christopher “Chris” Odell has joined the firm as a tax partner in Chicago, bolstering the firm’s global market‑leading tax and funds capabilities and advancing its strategic expansion in the Chicago market.
Chris brings more than a decade of experience across M&A and fund formation, handling sophisticated tax matters. His practice primarily focuses on the tax aspects of planning and structuring business transactions, including private fund formation, M&A and joint ventures, as well as GP stakes transactions and secondaries transactions, including sponsor‑led continuation fund transactions. Ranging from established sponsors to new fund sponsors, Chris’s experience spans a wide range of industries and asset classes, regularly advising and working with private equity funds, real estate funds, infrastructure funds, credit funds and funds focused on GP stakes transactions and sponsor liquidity solutions.
“Chris’s distinguished reputation, depth of M&A and fund formation experience, and insight into complex tax matters make him a strong addition to our market-leading global platform,” said Akin co-chair Abid Qureshi. “He will be an important asset to our continued expansion in Chicago and a valued resource for clients navigating sophisticated legal and business solutions.”
“Chris is a key addition as we continue to advance our strategic growth and build a full‑service presence in Chicago,” said Stuart Leblang, head of Akin’s tax practice. “His collaborative approach and cross‑practice integration with our real estate funds, infrastructure M&A, private equity and capital solutions teams create new opportunities to expand our work with clients in the region and deliver comprehensive support on complex tax matters.”
“I’m excited to join Akin and reunite with former colleagues as the firm continues to build out its capabilities in Chicago,” said Chris on his move to the firm. “Akin’s full-service platform and global footprint provide the right environment for me to continue helping clients navigate complex, cross-border tax issues. I look forward to contributing to the team’s growth and supporting clients across a range of complex legal and business challenges.”
Chris’s arrival follows a series of recent additions to the Chicago office, including investment management partner and partner in charge of the Chicago office Wendy Dodson Gallegos, infrastructure M&A partner Jason Wagenmaker, M&A partner Joshua La Vigne and investment management partner Jessica Pan.
Chris joins Akin from Kirkland & Ellis where he was a partner.
Every decision a business makes—from choice of entity through daily operations to ultimate dissolution—has complex and critical tax implications. By providing experienced guidance to help limit liability through sound planning, meticulous preparation and creative solutions to tax challenges, Akin supports clients in making the right decisions and planning for the future. Our global team of recognized leaders helps guide clients through even their most daunting circumstances. Our tax team offers multidisciplinary services to ensure that no consideration is neglected in even the most complex transactions.
About Akin’s Investment Management Practice
Akin’s investment management practice, comprising over 100 lawyers, is a recognized leader in the representation of large institutional and entrepreneurial fund sponsors and managers. We also serve as lead counsel to the world’s premier investors and help them access opportunities in markets worldwide. Through its representation of a broad range of investment managers and institutional investors, Akin has unique insight on emerging trends across the private equity, credit and hedge fund industries. This knowledge and experience are particularly valuable to clients as convergence across asset classes continues to play out in the marketplace.
Akin is a leading international law firm with more than 1,000 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
###
