Delivering full-service, institutional-quality legal and regulatory support to alternative asset managers — combining big-firm expertise with boutique responsiveness.
COMMITMENT
RESPONSIBILITY
EXPERTISE
SERVICE
TRUST
ABOUT US
Florio Leahy LLP ("Florio Leahy") is a full service investment management law firm with over 100 clients in the U.S. and abroad. The top investment management law firm and extensive in-house industry experience of our professionals enables Florio Leahy to provide investment managers with timely, practical advice and hands-on assistance with a unique understanding of the real world issues facing today’s investment managers. Florio Leahy is also the firm of choice for regulatory counsel, fund formation, regulatory registration, audit assistance, internal investigations, fund document review and operational due diligence services related to investment management, private fund and other alternative investments.
Our business model is to provide extremely responsive, practical, and cost-effective expert legal services.
Partners
Gregory Florio
Co-Managing Partner
Gregory L. Florio is a Founding Partner of Florio Leahy LLP and a Founding Member of Orical LLC. With over 25 years of legal and regulatory experience, Greg leads with a foundational philosophy: our clients’ success is our success. He advises investment management clients across the full spectrum of their businesses, including operating company and private fund formation, regulatory registration, compliance, examinations and investigations across state, federal and international jurisdictions.
Greg is recognized for his creative, business-minded approach to complex legal and regulatory challenges, balancing regulatory obligations with commercial objectives and operational realities. He works closely with clients to develop a deep understanding of their businesses and deliver practical, forward-thinking solutions that support their long-term success. Greg also spearheads the firm’s technology initiatives, leveraging cutting-edge technology, automation and artificial intelligence, including emerging superintelligence capabilities, to drive efficiency, strengthen compliance oversight and elevate human judgment and decision-making.
Prior to founding Florio Leahy LLP in 2010, Greg served as Senior Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Marathon Asset Management, LP, a multibillion-dollar global investment manager. In that capacity, he oversaw the firm’s global regulatory compliance program, including its transition to an electronic compliance infrastructure, and managed regulatory examinations, inquiries and filings. He also advised senior management on a broad range of legal, regulatory and operational matters integral to the firm’s business.
Previously, Greg served as a regulatory specialist in the Investment Management Division of Seward & Kissel LLP and as an attorney in the Investment Funds Group of Sidley Austin LLP. During his tenure at these leading international law firms, he represented prominent financial institutions, assisted with hundreds of investment adviser and broker-dealer registrations, and counseled private investment funds on formation, regulatory compliance, governance and operational matters. Greg began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Bronx County, New York.
Greg graduated with honors from Fordham University School of Law in 1995 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Economics from Cornell University. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association.
James Leahy
Co-Managing Partner
James Leahy is a Co-Managing Partner of Florio Leahy LLP and a Member of Orical LLC. With over 30 years of finance, operations and legal experience, Jim combines legal and regulatory knowledge with the perspective of a former chief financial officer and credit analyst. He advises investment managers and broker-dealers on legal, regulatory, transactional and operational matters, with particular experience in valuation, governance, conflicts of interest, financing arrangements and complex investment structures.
Jim approaches each client relationship with a deep sense of ownership and a commitment to going above and beyond. He invests the time to understand clients’ businesses, anticipate their needs and work through challenges alongside them, remaining closely involved from initial analysis through implementation. His ability to connect legal requirements with financial and operational considerations enables him to develop thoughtful, business-minded solutions that support clients’ immediate priorities and long-term success.
Prior to joining Florio Leahy and Orical in 2013, Jim served as Chief Financial Officer of Marathon Asset Management, LP, a multibillion-dollar global investment manager. He led a team of approximately thirty professionals responsible for the firm’s tax, accounting and operations functions across multiple business lines. His responsibilities included monitoring cash and profit and loss, overseeing financing lines, and managing relationships with prime brokers, accountants and fund administrators. Jim regularly participated in institutional investor due diligence meetings, met with the Board of Directors, and served on committees addressing conflicts, trade allocation, expense allocation and best execution.
Previously, Jim was a Vice President, Senior Credit Officer and Team Leader at Moody’s Investors Service, where he also served on the collateralized debt obligation team. He helped establish Moody’s Hedge Fund Operations Quality business, leading a group responsible for assigning Operational Quality Ratings to hedge funds. This experience informs his approach to evaluating investment managers’ operational infrastructure, controls and risk management practices.
Earlier in his career, Jim practiced law at Skadden Arps and Milbank Tweed in New York City, advising on corporate, securities and financing transactions. He also has extensive experience with structured finance transactions, including collateralized loan obligations.
Before entering legal practice, Jim served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy. He served aboard three warships and taught at the Navy’s Gas Turbine Engineering School in Newport, Rhode Island.
Jim earned an honors law degree from Boston College Law School and an undergraduate degree in English from Dartmouth College. He is admitted to practice law in New York and Massachusetts.
Vanessa Sasson
Partner
Vanessa Sasson is a Partner at Florio Leahy LLP and a Principal and Director of Legal at Orical LLC. Her practice focuses on private fund formation and investment management counsel, advising emerging and established managers on launching, structuring and operating private investment funds and their advisory businesses.
Vanessa has broad fund formation experience across hedge funds, private equity funds, private credit funds, venture capital funds, funds of funds and real estate funds. She guides clients from initial structuring through fundraising and ongoing operations, aligning fund terms, adviser structure and regulatory requirements with their investment strategies and commercial objectives. Her work includes drafting and negotiating offering and governing documents, subscription agreements and investor side letters, as well as advising on corporate and transactional matters arising in the formation and operation of clients’ funds and advisory businesses.
She also represents institutional investors and family offices in evaluating and negotiating private fund investments, including conducting legal due diligence, reviewing fund terms and negotiating investor protections. Her experience on both sides of the investment relationship helps clients anticipate and address issues during fund formation, fundraising and investor negotiations.
Vanessa also maintains a substantial regulatory practice, advising on investment adviser structuring, registration and governance, and designing and implementing robust Investment Advisers Act compliance programs tailored to clients’ businesses. She helps managers identify and address potential deficiencies before examinations and articulate and substantiate their compliance practices under regulatory scrutiny, with the goal of mitigating examination findings and reducing regulatory risk. She has led clients through dozens of SEC and CFTC examinations and advises on investigations, guiding managers through document requests, responses and the resolution of identified issues. She also counsels clients on marketing and fundraising strategies, including the application of the SEC Marketing Rule to marketing materials, performance presentations, investor communications and placement agent arrangements.
Vanessa combines rigorous legal analysis with a practical understanding of how investment management businesses operate. Known for her responsiveness and commitment to each client, she develops clear, actionable solutions that balance regulatory obligations with commercial priorities and remains closely involved through implementation. Since joining Florio Leahy in 2014, Vanessa has taken a leadership role in coordinating the firms’ legal and compliance services.
Vanessa received her J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 2014 and her B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Miami in 2011. She is admitted to practice law in New York.
Attorneys
Nico Denise
Legal Associate
Nico Denise is a Legal Associate at Florio Leahy LLP. He has broad experience serving as fund counsel to investment managers across a range of investment strategies, fund structures and asset sizes, including managers of hedge funds, private equity and private credit funds and venture capital funds. He advises clients throughout the fund lifecycle, from initial structuring and formation through fundraising and ongoing fund management, providing practical guidance on legal, regulatory and transactional matters. He also drafts and negotiates investment management agreements for proprietary trading firms and other investment managers, tailoring terms to clients’ trading strategies and commercial objectives. His work emphasizes clear drafting and actionable advice, translating complex legal and regulatory issues into guidance that clients can readily understand and implement.
Nico’s practice also includes structuring and registering investment advisers, advising on governance matters, and assisting clients with SEC examinations. He develops compliance programs and counsels clients on their obligations under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, helping managers apply regulatory requirements to the day-to-day operation of their businesses.
Prior to joining Florio Leahy LLP in August 2021, Nico served as a Judicial Fellow to the Honorable Claire C. Cecchi of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. During law school, Nico served as an Honors Legal Intern in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement and in the Office of General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Defense.
Nico received a J.D., cum laude, from Fordham University School of Law in 2020, with a concentration in Business and Financial Law, and served as Notes and Articles Editor of the Fordham Journal of Corporate & Financial Law. Nico received a B.A., magna cum laude, in Law and Society from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 2017. Nico is admitted to practice law in New York.
Hannah Shpeen
Legal Associate
Hannah Shpeen is a Legal Associate at Florio Leahy LLP. Her practice focuses on advising alternative asset managers on a broad range of legal and regulatory matters relating to their investment management businesses, including adviser formation, structuring and registration; private fund formation and fundraising; SEC regulatory filings, examinations, investigations, and other inquiries; contractual and transactional matters; and Investment Advisers Act compliance programs and their practical application to day-to-day operations. Hannah works with both emerging and established managers across a variety of investment strategies and structures, including hedge funds, private equity funds, venture capital funds and private credit funds. Hannah has substantial experience representing investment managers in SEC investigations, managing responses to subpoenas and regulatory inquiries, and developing strategies that strive to resolve matters without enforcement action.
During her five years with the firm, Hannah has built meaningful, long-term client relationships through responsive service, sound judgment and a practical approach to problem-solving. She works closely with clients to develop a thorough understanding of their businesses, investment strategies and operational considerations, allowing her to identify and address legal and regulatory issues in a manner tailored to their specific circumstances. Recognizing that complex situations do not always lend themselves to conventional solutions, Hannah brings a thoughtful and adaptable approach to navigating unique challenges, balancing regulatory requirements with commercial and operational realities. Her emphasis on clear communication and actionable guidance enables clients to make informed decisions as their businesses evolve.
Hannah received her J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 2020 and her B.A. in Business Administration, cum laude, from the University of Florida in 2017. She is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida.
Danielle Tuluca
Legal Associate
Danielle Tuluca is a Legal Associate at Florio Leahy LLP. She advises investment managers on regulatory and compliance matters throughout the development of their businesses, from formation and SEC registration to ongoing compliance with the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Her practice includes preparing and coordinating Form ADV filings and amendments. She also advises on the application of the SEC Marketing Rule, including reviewing marketing materials, performance presentations and investor communications, and developing policies and procedures to support compliance. Danielle has extensive experience guiding investment advisers through SEC examinations, working with SEC regional offices and private funds examination units on document requests, examination responses and the resolution of identified deficiencies. She also leads mock SEC examinations, helping advisers evaluate their compliance programs, identify potential deficiencies and prepare for regulatory scrutiny.
Danielle also provides legal advice to investment managers, proprietary trading firms and investment clubs, on governance and other ongoing legal matters. Her work includes drafting private fund offering documents, conducting legal due diligence on private funds on behalf of institutional investors, and advising on specialized projects requiring guidance tailored to clients’ investment structures and business needs.
Danielle received her J.D. from the Cardozo School of Law in 2020 and her B.A., magna cum laude, from The George Washington University in 2017. She is admitted to practice law in New York.
Simran Ahuja
Legal Associate
Simran Ahuja is a Legal Associate at Florio Leahy LLP. Her regulatory practice encompasses adviser registration, ongoing reporting obligations, marketing compliance and examination preparedness for alternative investment managers. She prepares and coordinates Form ADV filings and amendments, filings under Sections 13 and 16 of the Securities Exchange Act, Form D filings and state Blue Sky notice filings, helping managers navigate their reporting obligations as their businesses evolve. She advises on the application of the SEC Marketing Rule, including reviewing marketing materials, performance presentations and investor communications, and developing policies and procedures to support compliance. Simran also leads mock SEC examinations, helping managers assess their compliance programs, identify potential deficiencies and prepare for regulatory scrutiny, and guides clients through SEC examinations with a practical understanding of how regulatory requirements apply to their operations.
Simran also advises alternative investment managers on a broad range of corporate and contractual matters arising in the formation and day-to-day operation of their investment management businesses. Her corporate practice includes drafting, reviewing and negotiating nondisclosure agreements, service provider agreements, investment management agreements and other commercial contracts; preparing governance documents; and advising on ongoing corporate matters. She also conducts legal due diligence on private funds on behalf of institutional investors.
Previously, Simran served as a Compliance Associate at Orical, where she advised investment managers on regulatory obligations and compliance programs. She continues to work closely with the Orical team on compliance matters, drawing on that experience to provide coordinated legal and regulatory guidance.
Simran holds an LL.M. from Georgetown University Law Center and a B.A. LL.B. (J.D. equivalent) from Symbiosis International University. She is admitted to practice law in New York.
Brianna Fradin
Law Clerk
Brianna Fradin is a Law Clerk at Florio Leahy LLP. She joined the firm in September 2026 after previously serving as a legal intern during law school. Her work focuses primarily on the firm’s investment adviser regulatory practice, including ongoing compliance matters, regulatory filings, and the development and implementation of compliance policies and procedures. She also supports the firm’s corporate practice through drafting and reviewing nondisclosure agreements, assisting with entity and private fund formation, and addressing other general corporate matters.
Brianna’s prior experience includes a judicial internship with the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Brianna received her J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 2026 and her B.A. in Cognitive Science, with distinction, from the University of Michigan in 2023. While at Fordham, she competed on the Dispute Resolution Society’s negotiation and mediation teams and won the NYSBA Best Mediation Statement Award. She also received the Archibald R. Murray Public Service Award and was a member of the Fordham Intellectual Property, Media & Entertainment Law Journal.
Brianna sat for the July 2026 New York Bar Examination and is awaiting results.
Professional Leadership
Mekyas Moges joined Florio Leahy in 2017 and is the Chief Operating Officer, where he leads firm-wide efforts to maintain a strong culture of compliance and ensure adherence to the Investment Advisers Act. He oversees the design and execution of compliance policies, risk assessments, and training programs, as well as quarterly and annual reviews. Mekyas also drives the development of proprietary compliance technology and regulatory filing tools to enhance operational efficiency and regulatory readiness.
A graduate of New York University Stern School of Business, Mekyas began his career at Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP.
Mekyas Moges
Chief Operating Officer
Nicole Amitrano
Director of Operations
Nicole Amitrano joined Florio Leahy in 2015 as the Office Manager, Nicole has been a cornerstone of the firm's daily operations, providing critical support to its associates and partners. With over fifteen years of experience in administrative roles within the legal industry, Nicole now serves as the Director of Operations, overseeing a wide range of functions essential to the firm’s success. In addition to her leadership in administrative and operational management, she plays a key role in the firm’s financial health - handling accounting, managing billing processes, and ensuring that day-to-day business operations run efficiently and accurately. Her attention to detail and dedication make her an indispensable part of the Orical team.
Nicole graduated from Mount Saint Mary College with a B.A. in Psychology.
Michael Makovoz
Chief Technology Officer
Michael Makovoz is a Member of Florio Leahy with over 26 years of technology experience. His expertise includes design of the high performance and high throughput data processing engines, trading systems, cloud and blockchain development, and AI innovation. Michael is leading the firm’s technology and modernization strategy.
Prior to joining Florio Leahy, Michael was a Chief Technology Officer and Lead Data Scientist at NYC Cyber Command. As one of the founding members of the newly created NYC government agency, Michael was responsible for the development of the city-wide cybersecurity collection and processing data pipeline as well as adaptation of AI and cloud-first practices. Prior to NYC Cyber Command, Michael was leading Equity Program Trading Technology at JPMorgan, Chase and Barclays Capital where he had chance to re-design and modernize the legacy trading systems and applications.
Michael holds PhD in Computer Information Systems from Nova Southeastern University and Master’s degree in Quantitative Risk Management from NYU.
Mike Norris
Director of Information Security
Mike Norris joined the Florio Leahy team in 2017 and plays an integral role in the Information Security and Software Operations for the firm. Mike is a valued partner across all areas of the business, providing cross functional leadership by working with clients and business unit leaders. Prior to Orical, Mike was an Assistant Vice President responsible for Life Cycle Management and Governance of electronic and physical records at MBIA, Inc. where he worked for 21 years. His professional strengths include IT Security Governance, Project Management, Risk Management, Strategic Planning, Budget and Cost Control, SOX Compliance, Change Management, Vendor Negotiations, Vulnerability Management, Disaster Recovery, Business Continuity, System Integration, Technology Deployment and Customer Relationship Management.
Mike is a graduate of Manhattanville College where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management.
CONTACT
FLORIO LEAHY
OUR ADDRESS
641 Lexington Avenue
17th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Tel: 212.257.5790
Fax: 212.257.5788
Email: info@florioleahy.com
For any general inquiries, please email info@florioleahy.com.
