Elaine Hughes is a Partner in Lowenstein Sandler’s Investment Management Group, which was selected as one of the preeminent practices in the United States for its representation of hedge funds and other private funds (2011 and 2010) and derivatives/private equity work (2011) by Best Law Firms, published by U.S. News and Best Lawyers. Praised by clients as "excellent" and part of a team that 'always understands the issues at hand, responds very quickly and is able to suggest creative solutions to issues that are often very complicated' (Legal 500, 2012), Elaine advises clients on a broad spectrum of legal issues and considerations relating to the establishment, structuring and operation of domestic and offshore investment vehicles, as well as joint ventures, managed accounts and other alternative investment relationships. Elaine's clients are leading national and international investment managers, funds and investors, all of whom rely on her experience, ingenuity, and consummate legal advice.

Elaine focuses her practice on advising hedge funds, private equity funds, venture funds, funds of funds and other pooled investment vehicles in connection with their structuring, formation and ongoing operational needs, general securities laws matters, and regulatory and compliance issues, as well as the representation of private investors in fund and direct investments. She has extensive experience in fund formation, capital raising and structuring, as well as negotiating seed and strategic investments, fund-related M&A activity and secondary transactions.

Elaine has played a primary role in a number of complex transactions involving a wide variety of structures and assets with values ranging from several million to several billion dollars. Elaine has extensive experience in shareholder and partnership arrangements and in providing regulatory advice to broker-dealers and investment advisors. She has represented issuers and investors in equity and debt financings, shelf registrations, PIPEs deals and other alternative financings and in a number of corporate transactional matters, including technology spin-offs, and strategic alliances.

Elaine regularly speaks on the subject of private funds and investments. She has also been a guest speaker on venture capital law and shareholder relationships, as well as a committee co-chair for the National Venture Capital Association Model Legal Document Working Group. Elaine is involved in a number of community activities and currently serves on the board of trustees for University Heights Charter School.