Basil V. Godellas - Winston & Strawn LLP

Are you in Illinois and seeking expert legal counsel, particularly in the complex realm of financial services or asset management? Navigating the intricate landscape of legal regulations, transactions, and business development can be a daunting task for individuals and corporations alike. That's where experienced legal professionals become indispensable. In the heart of Chicago, you'll find a highly regarded attorney, Basil V. Godellas, a partner at the prestigious Winston & Strawn LLP, who offers comprehensive legal services designed to address a wide array of financial and transactional needs. This article is your guide to understanding the expertise and value that Basil V. Godellas brings to the Illinois community, ensuring you have the information you need to make informed legal decisions.

Basil V. Godellas and Winston & Strawn LLP stand as a beacon of legal excellence in Chicago. This overview aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual insight into the services and expertise offered by this prominent legal professional. With a focus on local relevance for those in Illinois, we'll delve into the specifics of their practice, their commitment to clients, and why they might be the ideal legal partner for your financial and business endeavors. From the formation of complex investment funds to navigating the nuances of digital assets, Basil V. Godellas brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape to every client engagement.

For those in Illinois, convenient access to top-tier legal services is crucial. Basil V. Godellas operates from the Chicago office of Winston & Strawn LLP, strategically located at 35 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA. This prime downtown Chicago address places them in a central and easily accessible location for clients throughout the metropolitan area and beyond.

The office on Wacker Drive is situated in a vibrant business district, making it convenient for business meetings and consultations. Chicago's robust public transportation network, including CTA 'L' trains and numerous bus routes, provides excellent connectivity to the firm's location. For those driving, various parking garages are available in the vicinity. This accessibility ensures that clients, whether based in downtown Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, or even other parts of Illinois, can easily reach the firm for their legal needs. The central location also speaks to the firm's prominence within the Illinois legal landscape, allowing them to serve a diverse clientele with efficiency and professionalism.

Basil V. Godellas specializes in a comprehensive range of legal services primarily focused on the asset management industry and financial services. His expertise covers both regulatory and transactional matters, providing clients with a holistic approach to their legal challenges.

• Formation of Private Investment Funds: This includes structuring and forming various types of funds such as hedge funds, private equity funds, commodity pools, commingled funds, alternative investments, credit funds, group trusts, and collective investment trusts. He has extensive experience with both onshore and offshore funds, including "master feeder" funds, multi-class funds, and series funds.

• New Product Development: Advising clients on the legal and regulatory aspects of developing new financial products within the asset management space.

• Securities Offerings: Providing counsel on the legal requirements and procedures for various securities offerings, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.

• Acquisitions and Divestitures: Representing clients in complex mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures within the financial services industry, including significant transactions involving investment banks and asset management firms.

• Regulatory and Compliance Matters: Guiding clients through the intricate web of financial regulations, helping them maintain compliance with relevant laws and avoid potential pitfalls. This includes advice on federal and state laws, self-regulatory rules, and responses to regulatory inquiries and examinations.

• Digital Assets and Blockchain Technology: Advising clients on the evolving legal landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies, digital assets, and blockchain technology, an increasingly vital area for many financial entities.

• Fund Finance: Addressing the legal aspects of financing for funds.

• Tax: Providing tax-related legal advice relevant to financial transactions and fund structures.

• Financial Crimes Compliance: Assisting clients with matters related to anti-money laundering (AML), including drafting and filing suspicious activity reports, and compliance with regulations of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Basil V. Godellas's practice is marked by several key features and highlights that underscore his standing as a leading legal professional in the financial services sector.

• Extensive Experience: With over 30 years of experience, Basil V. Godellas brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in representing asset management clients. His long tenure in the field ensures a deep understanding of market trends, regulatory shifts, and best practices.

• Co-Chair of Financial Services Practice: As co-chair of Winston & Strawn's financial services practice, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the firm's strategic direction and maintaining its reputation for excellence in this specialized area. This leadership position reflects his expertise and influence within the firm and the broader legal community.

• Recognized Expertise: Basil has received significant recognition for his work. He was recognized in the 2025 and 2024 Lexology Client Choice Awards in the “Private Funds in USA, Illinois” category and named to Lawdragon's 2025 500 Leading Dealmakers in America. He was also recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® in the area of Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law and by The Legal 500 US for his regulatory work within the asset management industry.

• Thought Leadership: Basil V. Godellas is a frequent author and speaker on legal and compliance matters affecting the financial services industry. His contributions to various publications and his participation in industry events demonstrate his commitment to thought leadership and staying at the forefront of legal developments. He frequently speaks on topics related to private investment funds and investment manager compliance issues.

• Comprehensive Client Representation: His ability to represent clients in both regulatory and transactional matters provides a comprehensive and integrated approach to legal issues, ensuring that all aspects of a client's needs are addressed.

• Membership in Key Associations: Basil is a member of prominent industry organizations such as the Managed Funds Association, the Futures Industry Association, the American Bar Association, and the Chicago Bar Association, further cementing his connections and insights within the legal and financial communities.

As a highly reputable and established legal professional within a large, international law firm like Winston & Strawn LLP, Basil V. Godellas and the firm typically do not engage in "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional consumer sense. Their value proposition is built on their unparalleled expertise, extensive experience, and the high-quality legal services they provide. Clients engage Basil V. Godellas and Winston & Strawn LLP based on their proven track record, reputation, and the intricate, high-stakes nature of the legal matters they handle.

Their focus is on delivering exceptional legal outcomes and strategic guidance, which in itself is the most valuable "offer" for clients facing complex financial and regulatory challenges. For specific engagement terms or to discuss potential legal needs, direct consultation is always recommended.

Connecting with Basil V. Godellas and the team at Winston & Strawn LLP is straightforward. For inquiries, consultations, or to learn more about how their legal expertise can benefit you or your organization, you can reach them through the following contact details:

• Address: 35 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

• Phone: (312) 558-7237

• Mobile Phone: +1 312-558-7237

These contact points ensure direct access to the firm's Chicago office, allowing you to initiate discussions about your legal needs with a highly skilled and responsive team.

For individuals and businesses across Illinois, Basil V. Godellas at Winston & Strawn LLP represents a prime choice for sophisticated legal services, particularly within the financial sector. His deep specialization in asset management, private investment funds, and complex regulatory and transactional matters makes him an invaluable resource for anyone navigating these intricate legal landscapes. The firm's prominent Chicago location ensures accessibility for clients throughout the state, making in-person consultations convenient.

Beyond the geographical convenience, the suitability for locals stems from the profound level of expertise and dedication that Basil V. Godellas brings to his practice. His decades of experience mean that clients in Illinois have access to legal counsel that is not only knowledgeable but also attuned to the specific nuances of both national and local financial regulations and market dynamics. Whether you are forming a new investment fund, navigating a complex acquisition, or seeking guidance on emerging areas like digital assets, having a lawyer with his caliber ensures that your interests are protected and your objectives are met with precision and strategic foresight. The consistent recognition he receives within the legal industry further solidifies his standing as a trusted advisor. For any significant legal undertaking within the financial services realm, Basil V. Godellas and Winston & Strawn LLP offer the peace of mind that comes from partnering with a true leader in the field, right here in Illinois.