Overview

Joshua Deringer is a nationally recognized leader in the registered alternative investment fund space, known for his innovative approach to expanding retail access to alternative investments and structuring complex fund products. He has developed a strong and loyal client following for his ability to design and implement cutting-edge structures for private and registered alternative funds. Josh regularly advises US and international financial services firms across all aspects of the investment management industry, and he is widely regarded as one of the leading attorneys and innovators in the rapidly growing nontraded closed-end fund and retail alternatives market.

Josh serves as the team leader of the firm’s retail alternatives fund team and is a member of the firm’s management board, reflecting his leadership both within the firm and across the industry.

Fund Operations & Structuring

Josh advises registered investment companies, private funds, investment advisers, and other alternative investment vehicles. He establishes the legal and regulatory framework for a broad range of products, including interval funds, tender offer funds, business development companies (BDCs), funds of funds, multiclass funds, and master-feeder structures. He counsels clients on product development, launches, reorganizations, and ongoing operational and regulatory matters. Josh’s deep knowledge of the federal securities rulemaking process positions him to provide strategic guidance on proposed regulations, industry initiatives, and federal policymaking affecting registered and private funds.

Regulatory Counsel & Governance

Boards of directors, officers, and senior management rely on Josh for guidance on fund governance, fiduciary duties, compliance programs, and regulatory best practices. He helps investment advisers manage risk and regulatory exposure by drafting and enhancing compliance policies and procedures; reviewing advisory, distribution, and service provider agreements; and advising on advertising and marketing, soft dollars, trade allocation, and valuation matters. Josh also represents and coaches clients through SEC examinations, investigations, and enforcement proceedings.

Credentials

Bar Admissions

New York
Pennsylvania

Education

Fordham University School of Law
J.D. Fordham Law Review (2000)

University of Pennsylvania
B.A. (1996)

Insights & Events

Leadership & Community

Professional Associations

  • Hedge Fund Association
  • Managed Funds Association
  • Mid-Atlantic Hedge Fund Association

Civic Activities

  • Philadelphia Fund Alliance — Steering Committee Member, 2016-present
  • Philadelphia Financial Scholars — Board of Directors, 2021-present

Firm Leadership

  • Board Member, 2024-present
  • Leader, Investment Management Practice Group, 2020-23
  • Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP — Chair, Investment Management Group; Managing Partner, 2017-20

Honors

  • Chambers Global — Registered Funds, Band 2, 2023-26
  • The Legal 500 — Investment Fund Formation and Management (US) – Mutual/Registered/Exchange-Traded Funds: Leading Lawyer, 2019-22
  • Chambers USA — Nationwide, Investment Funds: Registered Funds, 2019-23, 2025
  • Chambers USA — Nationwide, Investment Funds: Registered Funds, "Recognised Practitioner," 2012-13, 2017-18
  • The Legal Intelligencer — "Pennsylvania Lawyer on the Fast Track," 2013