Barnes & Thornburg Adds Private Funds Tax Partner Philip Cooke in NYC

March 27, 2026 — Barnes & Thornburg continues its strategic corporate practice expansion with the addition of New York-based Philip Cooke in the Tax practice. Cooke’s move follows the addition of six other corporate partners this year in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York.

“We are pleased to welcome Phil to the firm,” said Corporate Department Chair Jahan Sharifi. “Phil brings deep experience advising investment managers and private equity fund sponsors, and his arrival strengthens our ability to deliver sophisticated tax and fund formation advice to institutional clients."

Cooke focuses his practice on federal income tax considerations applicable to investment managers in relation to the formation of private investment funds, including private equity funds, credit funds, and hedge funds. He further advises fund managers on the federal income tax implications of acquiring and divesting portfolio investments.

He previously was a partner at Greenberg Traurig. His representative work includes several multibillion-dollar private equity, venture capital, and credit funds across diverse sectors such as technology, healthcare, real estate, food and agriculture and energy.

“Phil’s arrival further enhances the depth of our New York corporate and tax platform,” said Robert Boller, managing partner of the firm’s New York office. “His private funds experience aligns perfectly with the needs of our clients and underscores our commitment to continued growth in this key market.”

Cooke earned his law degree, cum laude, from George Mason University, where he served as a member of the George Mason Law Review. He received his bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College.

"I'm excited to join Barnes & Thornburg and contribute to the firm's growing Private Funds and Asset Management and Tax practices," said Cooke. "The firm's collaborative platform, sophisticated client base and national reach provide an ideal environment to serve investment managers on their most complex fund formation and tax structuring matters.”

Barnes & Thornburg operates 26 offices across the United States, enabling more than 850 lawyers to serve clients nationwide. As one of the 100 largest law firms in the country, we provide seamless coast-to-coast coverage for high-stakes litigation, complex transactions and innovative IP matters. Our national reach and knowledge of local markets help clients conduct business confidently wherever opportunities arise.