Barnes & Thornburg Expands Private Funds and Asset Management, Corporate Bench in Chicago with Additions

CHICAGO (April 24, 2025) – In an exciting expansion of its corporate capabilities, Barnes & Thornburg has welcomed partner Mark Kromkowski and counsel Matthew Kriege to the Chicago office.

Kromkowski, a leading private funds and asset management practitioner, represents investment funds and portfolio companies across a range of private equity and corporate M&A transactions. Kriege guides fund sponsors, portfolio companies, and institutional investors through the complexities of private capital transactions.

“We’ve been focused on strategically growing our transactional bench in Chicago, and Mark and Matt bring deep experience and knowledge in this critical area,” said Michael Carrillo, managing partner of the firm’s Chicago office.

Both Kromkowski and Kriege counsel fund managers on the creation, administration, and regulatory compliance of Rural Business Investment Companies (RBIC Funds), Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC Funds), and other private investment funds.

“In addition to their all-encompassing funds practices, Mark and Matt are among a small group of elite lawyers with substantial experience in SBIC and RBIC funds – unique experience that will be invaluable to our clients,”  said Corporate Department Chair Jahan Sharifi.

With extensive experience in complex transactions, Kromkowski serves both private and public companies and provides comprehensive counsel to fund managers on all aspects of fund formation, administration, and compliance. He also advises financial institutions on matters related to private equity subscription lines of credit, along with net asset value and other hybrid credit facilities.

Kriege brings a broad corporate background and advises on fund formation, entity structuring, side letter negotiations, and operational compliance, with a focus on delivering practical, strategic counsel.

Kromkowski earned his J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School and his B.A., cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame. Kriege earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law and his B.S. from Northern Kentucky University.

With more than 800 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Atlanta, Boston, California, Chicago, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, South Florida, Texas and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit us at www.btlaw.com.