Cooley Expands Fund Formation Capabilities With Regulatory Hire

Chicago – February 9, 2026 – Corey Zarse has joined Cooley’s Chicago office as a partner in the firm’s fund formation practice, expanding the regulatory offerings of the group, with extensive experience advising private investment funds and other financial services firms.

Zarse strengthens Cooley’s market‑leading fund formation platform, reinforcing the firm’s top‑tier regulatory offering for private equity sponsors, as well as venture capital and registered fund managers. He advises clients on the regulatory aspects of investment fund formation, operation and structure, and regularly counsels on complex frameworks for investment advisers and investment companies, including securities offerings and transactions. He joins Cooley from Jones Day.

“We are delighted to welcome Corey to Cooley and to our Chicago office,” said John Clendenin, Cooley partner and chair of the firm’s fund formation practice. “As our private equity and venture capital clients continue to expand and diversify their investment strategies, having deep regulatory insight is critical. Corey’s experience strengthens our fund formation and regulatory platform across the firm, positioning us to better support clients as their businesses evolve.” 

Zarse’s practice includes advising on US Securities and Exchange Commission regulatory and examination matters, investment adviser registration and compliance, and the organization and operation of investment funds, such as issues related to marketing, conflicts of interest and adviser regulation under the Advisers Act, with a particular focus on the needs of private equity sponsors and their management companies. 

“I was drawn to Cooley’s collaborative culture and its long-standing reputation as a trusted advisor to investment funds,” said Zarse. “As private equity managers expand their strategies and fund structures, Cooley’s integrated platform and deep bench of talent stand out. I’m excited to join the Chicago team and work alongside colleagues across the firm to help clients navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.” 

Cooley’s fund formation practice provides primary counsel to more than 800 investment fund organizations. The deep bench of 60+ lawyers has helped collate $100 billion+ in committed capital in closings in the last three years alone. Its client investments span the US, China, Europe, India, Vietnam, Singapore, Israel, South America and elsewhere. The group formed the first venture capital limited partnership in the western US – active in China for four decades and in India for three. The team advises on every type of fund formation, including private equity, venture capital, fund of funds, evergreen, growth equity and other managers at all states and sizes, from individual angel funds to billion-dollar investment funds.

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