John V. O'Hanlon

John V. O’Hanlon represents investment managers, investment funds and their boards of directors, and other financial institutions in corporate, regulatory, compliance, and enforcement matters.

Mr. O’Hanlon has over 30 years of securities legal experience, including five years on the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Investment Management, where he served as an Assistant Chief Counsel of the Division. Mr. O’Hanlon has extensive experience advising U.S. registered funds and their managers on a wide variety of matters, including the development, organization and registration of funds, regulatory and compliance matters, fund reorganizations, affiliated transactions, changes of control and requests for exemptive and no-action relief. Mr. O’Hanlon regularly advises boards of directors on governance matters, fiduciary oversight, and issues relating to advisory fees and distribution arrangements.

Since 2007, Mr. O’Hanlon has been recognized as a leading lawyer for investment funds by Chambers USA. In the most recent edition, a client stated that he is “reliable, knowledgeable and responsive. I have great confidence in the legal advice he provides.” Previous editions noted that he is “a thoughtful and business-conscious lawyer. His dedication to clients and depth of analysis make him an indispensable asset.” He is “exceptionally knowledgeable, efficient and effective in rendering legal advice.” Clients commented that he is a “valued partner” and that he “maintains his strong reputation in the registered funds community, with an impressive track record counseling insurance companies, fund managers, independent trustees and major financial institutions.” They also note that he has “a great sense of how regulators will react to various proposals.” He has also been recognized in The Legal 500 (U.S.), a past edition noting that he is “able to act as both advocate and trusted adviser.” For the last several years, Mr. O’Hanlon has also been listed in Best Lawyers in America and in the 2025 edition, he was named “Lawyer of the Year” for Mutual Funds Law in Boston.