T: 704.377.8394
F: 704.373.3994
  • 101 North Tryon Street
    Suite 1900
    Charlotte, NC 28246

Richard S. Starling

Mr. Starling practices primarily in the areas of private equity, mergers and acquisitions, investment management, and general corporate and commercial law. He co-heads the firm’s Fund Formation and Investment Management practice group and has extensive experience in the formation and representation of, and the representation of investors in, private investment funds, including buyout, venture capital, secondary, hedge, hybrid, real estate, and funds of funds.

Mr. Starling’s work in the Fund Formation and Investment Management area also includes advising clients with respect to registration under and compliance with the Investment Advisers Act and similar state laws, along with other regulatory and compliance matters such as compliance with the Investment Company Act, the Securities Act of 1933 and other federal and state securities laws. Mr. Starling also works extensively with clients on internal governance and structural issues unique to the private investment industry.

Mr. Starling also represents funds and private companies in connection with a wide variety of investment and other transactions, including venture capital transactions, private equity buyouts and other financings, and strategic merger and acquisition transactions. As an extension of his transactional work, Mr. Starling regularly advises clients in relation to significant commercial contracts and other general legal matters.

Professional Affiliations

  • North Carolina Bar Association, Business Law Section, Dodd-Frank Investment Advisory Task Force, Organizer and Chairman, 2011
  • North Carolina Bar Association, Business Law Section, Securities Regulation Committee, Chairman, 2011-present
  • Law Clerk, The Honorable Richard L. Williams, Eastern District, Virginia, 1996-97

Community Involvement

  • Jefferson Scholars Regional Selection Committee, Member, 2003-present; Chairman, 2011-present
  • Charlotte Museum of History, Board of Trustees, 2008-present
  • Inventors’ Network of the Carolinas, Steering Committee and Board Member, 2004-2008
  • Cultural Leadership Training Program, 2007-08
  • Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Leadership School, Fall 2004

Professional Recognition