Big Law partners are leveraging massive private equity pay packages — some exceeding $20mn annually — to fund luxury side projects. Neel Sachdev, a London private equity lawyer who moved from Kirkland & Ellis to Paul Weiss in 2021, is developing an 11-villa resort near Faro airport in Portugal's Algarve region. The 51-year-old arrived for his Financial Times interview in a red 1977 Mercedes 450 SL and matching outfit, showcasing his "toxically positive" persona.

Sachdev describes his role as a "consigliere" to clients, handling everything from divorce lawyers to liability management exercises for overleveraged European businesses. His social circle includes TV chef Ainsley Harriott as a regular tennis partner. Despite Paul Weiss facing challenges — including its deal with President Donald Trump and former chair ties to Jeffrey Epstein — Sachdev has cultivated a upbeat London office culture.

He even invited the FT photographer to his birthday party featuring champagne from his birth year. When asked about retirement, Sachdev revealed political ambitions: "I've always wanted to run for London mayor." Meanwhile, Mark Walter and Todd Boehly agreed to sell their 25 per cent stake in Chelsea FC to Clearlake Capital at a £5bn valuation.