Leading Retail Products Specialist Blake Estes Joins Gibson Dunn’s Investment Funds Practice
Firm News | January 26, 2026
Gibson Dunn announced today that Blake Estes has joined the firm’s New York office as a partner in its preeminent Investment Funds Practice Group. Blake advises asset managers and broker-dealers through all aspects of the structuring, development and distribution of retail investment products, including interval funds, tender offer funds, Business Development Companies (BDCs), and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
“Blake’s impressive experience with retail investment products, including registered funds, combined with his in-house and private practice background, further strengthens our Investment Funds Practice Group,” said Shukie Grossman, Global Chair of the Investment Funds Practice Group. “As the retailization of private capital markets continues, Blake’s arrival complements our private credit, private equity, and real estate practices and supports the multidimensional needs of our clients.”
“I’m excited to join Gibson Dunn and grow my practice on the firm’s investment funds platform alongside a team known for its incredible bench strength, market knowledge, and collaborative, client-focused approach,” said Blake. “Alternative asset managers are increasingly focused on accessing retail and mass-affluent capital, and I look forward to helping clients navigate the complex structuring, compliance, and operational challenges associated with the rapid growth of evergreen capital vehicles sold through private wealth distribution channels.”
Gibson Dunn’s Investment Funds Practice Group is a top-tier practice advising sponsors across geographies, asset classes, and fund structures. With a deep bench and extensive experience, the team
provides the full scope of fund services needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing investment fund managers in today’s market. From fund formation to fund servicing to fund finance, and tax planning, complex secondaries, management company transactions, and regulatory and compliance matters, the team delivers top-of-the-market knowledge and senior-level, commercial counsel across the lifecycle of a fund. The practice has continued to expand to deliver integrated, full-service support to clients, most recently welcoming Marian Fowler in Washington, D.C., Duncan McKay in New York, James O’Donnell and Hannah Watson Fanin in London, and Carolyn Abram in Dubai.
About Blake Estes
Blake’s practice is focused on retail investment products structured for distribution to noninstitutional investors, primarily through wirehouse wealth management platforms and independent RIA networks. He represents sponsors and distributors of interval funds, tender offer funds, BDCs and REITs, among other retail-focused products. He focuses on product structuring, compliance, operations, fundraising, and distribution within complex regulatory frameworks.
Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Blake served as a partner at an international law firm and General Counsel at CION Investments, an early sponsor of retail alternatives products.