Kirkland & Ellis LLP > Chicago, United States > Firm Profile

Kirkland & Ellis LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 1

Kirkland & Ellis LLP regularly defends pharmaceutical companies in antitrust and competition disputes involving a full spectrum of antitrust claims including pay-for-delay actions, pricing disputes, monopolization, and intellectual property. The team has experience in government-initiated investigations and private antitrust matters against the DOJ, the FTC, state attorney generals, competitors as well as purchaser and consumer classes. Chicago-based Daniel Laytin handles commercial, antitrust and class action litigation with recent matters raising questions of wage fixing and monopolization. Also situated in Chicago, James Mutchnik focuses on disputes surrounding domestic and international cartels and price discrimination claims while Christa Cottrell is involved in complex commercial litigation involving large companies including Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and AbbVie. Olivia Adendorff in Washington DC and Dallas is well-versed in complex commercial class actions. The firm has expanded the team with several hires from the DOJ including Scott Scheele and Elyse Dorsey in Washington DC and Molly Kelley in the firm’s Chicago office. Katherine Rocco departed from the firm in April 2022 and Sean Royall left in February 2022.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

With a deep bench of former senior enforcement officials among its attorneys, Kirkland & Ellis LLP covers the full gamut of corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense. The practice is popular with corporations and their C-suite executives alike, and enjoys a strong market reputation for matters such as securities and futures enforcement, anti-corruption, environmental crimes, and sanctions enforcement. Practice heads Mark Filip and Asheesh Goel split their time between Chicago and Washington DC and are both a popular choice for clients within the financial services sector. In Washington DC, Brigham Cannon‘s strengths lie in FCPA and False Claims Act matters alongside securities law. The firm bolstered its expertise in the first half of 2022 with the arrival of Lindsey Beran and Steve Fahey in Dallas, who both previously served as Assistant US Attorneys for the Northern District of Texas, as well as former Eastern District of New York US Attorney Jacquelyn Kasulis in New York.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 1

Kirkland & Ellis LLP fields a host of civil trial lawyers and appellate specialists, with one of the largest government facing and white-collar practice groups in the US. The team is well-equipped to represent clients in DOJ, SEC, Congressional, and State Attorney General proceedings across the country, and is proficient in securities litigation and class action claims, and bolsters its trial-focused litigation practice with crisis management services. In New York, Sandra Goldstein is well regarded for her expertise in fraud class actions, securities, and commercial disputes. Mark Filip, who splits his time between Chicago and Washington DC, has a strong reputation for handling civil cases for numerous Fortune 100 companies. Chicago-based Diana Watral is regularly trusted by high-value healthcare clients to handle their trade secrets, FCA and contract disputes, while Aaron Marks focuses on financial institutions in New York. Other prominent lawyers include Andrew Kassof in Chicago, Craig Primis and Daniel Donovan in Washington DC, Mark Holscher  in Los Angeles and Anna Rotman in Houston. James Hurst returned to the firm in November 2023, and is based in Chicago.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 1

Kirkland & Ellis LLP's ‘exceptional’ M&A litigators ‘do outstanding work, coordinate well on technical matters, and show great commitment to understanding the facts and the relevant context’. The firm has strong ties to leading private equity houses, as well as acting for a number of blue-chip corporates, and it handles every stage from pre-litigation on deal structures and strategies all the way to trial. Its caseload involves disputes concerning tender offers, LBO and SPAC transactions, as well as poison pill matters, breach of contract claims, books and records demands, appraisal rights and a host of other disputes. Standout partner Sandra Goldstein and up-and-coming partner Stefan Atkinson (‘a trusted advisor to C-suite and board members’) successfully represented Grubhub in numerous individual shareholder lawsuits arising out of its acquisition by Just Eat Takeaway.com for $7.3bn, while Matthew Solum and Yosef Riemer are also active. In addition to the aforementioned, who are all based in New York, emerging partner talent Joshua Rabinovitz in Washington DC also plays a central role in the practice.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 1

At Kirkland & Ellis LLP, ‘the depth and breadth of knowledge and experience is exceptional’. Clients remark that the firm is ‘highly strategic and tactical, achieving excellent and practical outcomes’. The team is led by Sandra Goldstein in New York and Mark Filip in Chicago. Goldstein is among the most successful securities litigators in the country, and she is currently handling more than twelve 10b-5 stock drop and derivative suits, as well as a substantial volume of M&A-related cases. The firm’s New York office is home to outstanding talent, including Stefan Atkinson who has been particularly prominent in the wave of SPAC-related cases. Atkinson and Goldstein achieved a major victory for Textron Inc., which was accused of deceiving the market about the growth and earnings prospects of Arctic Cat, a recreational vehicle business that it had acquired. The case settled favourably in 2022. Rachel Fritzler handles a broad range of matters for Fortune 500 companies, including antitrust and securities cases. She worked with Goldstein on numerous cases, among the defense of Honeywell International in a multibillion-dollar securities class action concerning the company’s asbestos-related liabilities. Matthew Solum is ‘highly responsive and even-keeled’. Joshua Rabinovitz in Washington DC acted for Boeing Company in a derivative suit arising out of Boeing’s 737 MAX jet aircraft’s October 2018 Lion Air Flight crash into the Java Sea and the March 2019 Ethiopian Flight crash minutes after takeoff.

Energy > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 1

With lawyers based in Texas and Washington DC, Kirkland & Ellis LLP’s energy litigation department supports oil and gas clients before all federal and state agencies, including testifying to congress, the Department of Energy and FERC. The firm also has considerable experience in international arbitration, supporting multinational energy corporates in regulatory proceedings before the EU. Houston-based Anna Rotman has significant first-chair trial experience in business disputes and restructuring on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants, while Dallas’ Jeremy Fielding handles high-end commercial litigation in state and federal courts. Daniel Donovan acts on a broad range of energy issues and Ragan Naresh litigates civil disputes in the energy and agriculture sectors.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 1

Kirkland & Ellis LLP has a strong energy presence in Texas, New York, California, Washington DC and San Francisco, handling matters related to acquisition and sale of energy and infrastructure assets, alongside private transactions and acquisitions of minority assets. The firm has also been involved in a number of matters involving unique technology in the renewable and alternative power space, such as a recent matter for Gates Frontier, which was led by Kristin Mendoza  and involved advising the company in connection with its additional investment in TerraPower, yielding more finance to further its work in advanced nuclear energy technologies and medicine. Andrew Calder focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and corporate and securities law, while Rhett Van Syoc  has an experienced practice in domestic and international M&A in energy mining and infrastructure, with an emphasis on private equity and complex joint ventures. Rohit Chaudhry specializes in energy and project finance transactions, sales and acquisitions, alongside project restructurings across the energy sector, likewise Allan Kirk stands out for his work in broad matters including power generation, energy services, midstream and refining. Robert Eberhardt and William Nicholson both joined from Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, while Kate Rainey Willson joined from Vinson & Elkins LLP.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 1

The ‘top-notch team’ at Kirkland & Ellis LLP represents major players in the oil and gas market on large-scale transactions, with demonstrable experience advising energy companies and private equity funds and standout expertise in asset-backed deals involving assets located in significant domestic shale and conventional plays, as well as the Gulf of Mexico. Other key areas of focus include M&A, private equity, fund formations, capital markets, project finance and restructuring. Andrew Calder, who advises on high-value M&A, securities law and corporate governance matters, jointly leads the team alongside Anthony Speier, who is an expert in acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures. David Castro handles the purchase and sale of various assets in the midstream and upstream oil and gas sector, while Sean Wheeler’s practice includes securities offerings, M&A and corporate governance work. William Benitez advises on energy transactions related to venture capital investments, leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations and Lindsey Jaquillard focuses on acquisitions and joint ventures in the upstream oil and gas market. All named partners are based in the firm’s Houston office. Rahul Vashi left the firm in May 2023.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 1

The environmental transactional practice group at Kirkland & Ellis LLP is ‘respectful, knowledgeable, and client-focused’ and is led out of San Francisco by Paul Tanaka. It fields practitioners across the US and is well versed in environmental due diligence, pre-deal counseling, risk mitigation, environmental insurance analysis and procurement, and regulatory and enforcement matters. The firm is well known for its representation of top-tier private equity clients and handles deals in the energy, infrastructure, and industrial sectors, among other areas. Tanaka handles the full gamut of transactional issues from compliance and governance to crisis management and is experienced in a wide range of transactions from small venture capital investments to large cross-border deals. Jonathan Kidwell in Dallas is a key name for M&A, bankruptcies, financing transactions and real estate investments hand has considerable experience of deals in heavily regulated sectors. Toby Chun left in January 2022, while Emily Tabak joined in Salt Lake city from Holland & Hart LLP and Sam Dykstra joined from Ballard Spahr LLP in New York.

Environment > Environment: litigation

Kirkland & Ellis LLP fields a strong litigation group which handles a range of environmental enforcement defense and regulatory compliance matters for high-profile clients with a focus on the oil and gas, and chemical sectors. Key areas of focus include civil, criminal and administrative proceedings, mass tort and class actions, and challenges to federal and state rulemakings. Andrew Running is a key practitioner with experience in litigation and arbitration relating to contamination and hazardous waste, product liability and toxic tort, as well as broader commercial issues. Bradley Weidenhammer acts for clients in federal and state trial and appellate courts across the US and handles environmental and commercial disputes, while Nader Boulos is a name for insurance coverage matters in the aerospace, manufacturing, telecoms and energy sectors. Named lawyers are based in Chicago.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings Tier 1

Kirkland & Ellis LLP has an outstanding record in high-yield debt offerings. The firm primarily operates on the issuer side, benefitting from its extensive private equity client base and their portfolio companies; it has a record of advising more sponsor-backed companies in high-yield debt offerings than any other law firm. Private equity clients include Bain Capital, Hellman & Friedman and TPG Capital, while the firm also represents a wide range of public companies, along with a sprinkling of underwriters. It is additionally recognised for its expertise in debt offerings linked to refinancings and restructurings. Joshua Korff is widely regarded as one of the premier names in high-yield debt, while Sophia Hudson and Los Angeles partner Philippa Bond are also rated. Named partners are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 1

The debt finance practice at Kirkland & Ellis LLP has an impressive reputation for advising borrowers in a range of complex leveraged buyouts, stand-alone financings and complicated restructurings, covering senior, subordinated, mezzanine, bridge and preferred equity transactions. The firm’s offering is primarily tailored towards private equity sponsors and their affiliates, with a client portfolio featuring the likes of Ares and Carlyle Group. Key figures at the widespread practice include Melissa Hutson and Jay Ptashek in New York, and Michelle Kilkenney and Maureen Dixon in Chicago. Fredrich Lim joined the firm from Goodwin in January 2022, followed by the arrival of Austin Witt from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in July 2022; Linda Myers retired from practice in February 2022. Eric Wedel left the firm in August 2023.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 1

Kirkland & Ellis LLP’s restructuring group, jointly led by Edward Sassower and Joshua Sussberg in New York, has an outstanding reputation for representing debtors in connection with major Chapter 11 cases, with Sassower leading the Chapter 11 reorganization of Indianapolis-based Aearo Technologies, while Sussberg has recently led teams representing BlockFi, a major provider of cryptocurrency-related products, and Celsius Network LLC, a cryptocurrency-based finance platform, following the collapse of the cryptocurrency market. The practice also represents a broad range of non-debtor clients from a variety of sectors. Anup Sathy, operating from Chicago and New York, has considerable experience representing companies, buyers, boards, investors, and lenders in relation to all aspects of insolvency situations and has restructured more than $100bn of debt obligations in his career. Patrick Nash in Chicago specializes in complex business reorganizations, troubled company M&A, debt restructurings, and distressed asset investment, and has notable cross-border insolvency experience. New York-based Nicole Greenblatt represents high-profile clients, including debtors, creditors, equity holders, and investors, in relation to chapter 11 cases, out-of-court restructurings, and special situation investments or acquisitions, while Chicago-based Ryan Bennett focuses on advising corporate debtors and secured and unsecured creditors on various transactional and litigation-related matters. Christine Okike in New York has experience in various industries, including financial services, sports, retail, energy, technology, and telecommunications. Notably, Ciara Foster, also in New York, has led on several matters, including the Chapter 11 case of Cineworld Group plc.

Government > Government relations Tier 1

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 1

Leveraging the deep bench strength of locations across the US, Europe and Asia, the team at Kirkland & Ellis LLP remains a leader in the copyright space, advising multinational corporates across the tech, video games, aerospace, software, publishing and media sectors, including Epic Games, Riot Games and Take-Two Interactive. Intellectual property authority Dale Cendali, who represented Oracle in the Supreme Court and throughout the long-running Google v Oracle case, heads the practice, bringing experience to high-stakes infringement matters. Claudia Ray litigates complex combined copyright and competition law matters, while Joshua Simmons supports Cendali in assisting clients in tech and medical devices. All lawyers mentioned are in New York.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 1

The intellectual property practice at Kirkland & Ellis LLP has extensive experience representing clients across the country in front of the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the International Trade Commission, and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. The team maintains a focus on trial strategy from the beginning to the end of a case, regularly protecting clients’ IP interests at the appellate level, and acts on precedent-setting cases for high-profile cases. Adam Alper is a notable member of the team, acting out of the team’s San Francisco office. Based in Los Angeles, Michael De Vries is another key name, with experience representing clients in a wide range of high-value intellectual property-related matters. Gregory Arovas and Gregg LoCascio are both key names in the group; the former, the practice head out of the New York office, and the latter, a leader of the Washington DC office.

Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 1

The ‘A-team’ at Kirkland & Ellis LLP offers a number of expert practitioners spanning the US, with significant experience across the offering in representing both plaintiff and defendant clients across a range of industry sectors, including automotive, pharmaceutical, chemical, real estate, aviation, energy and electronics, in complex trade secret disputes. A significant example of such work is the $40m victory the firm achieved in favor of Comet Technologies USA Inc, finding that its competitor, XP, wilfully misappropriated technologies owned and developed by the plaintiff. San Francisco’s Adam Alper, who is adept at litigating high-stakes, and the experienced Michael De Vries in Los Angeles were key representatives in the case. Other key names to note are the ‘creative-thinking’ LA-based Diana Torres, who is noted as going ‘above and beyond’ for her clients, experienced litigator Joshua Simmons, and Dale Cendali, who frequently co-leads renowned clients on complex and high-value matters; both are New York-based.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 1

Led in New York by IP litigation authority Dale Cendali, the market-leading team at Kirkland & Ellis LLP acts in high-stakes trademark litigation on behalf of household names such as PepsiCo and Delta Airlines. At the Los Angeles and Silicon Valley offices, Diana Torres brings strength to disputes involving consumer product manufacturers, entertainment and media companies, fitness service providers, and Internet service providers. Allison Buchner, also in LA, acts in complex matters brought by consumers, competitors, and regulators, across sectors ranging from software and consumer goods to apparel, medical devices, and e-commerce. In New York, Claudia Ray, handles unfair competition claims for clients in tech, aviation, entertainment, and financial services, and Shanti Sadtler Conway specializes in right of publicity, social media, and licensing. Yungmoon Chang in Los Angeles was promoted to partner in October 2022.

International Trade > CFIUS Tier 1

Kirkland & Ellis LLP’s formidable offerings in cross-border M&A and private equity translate into a thriving national security practice, which engages with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) across the full transaction lifecycle. Sources highlight the Washington DC-based team’s ‘exceptional relationship with the CFIUS administration’, with department co-chair Mario Mancuso standing out for his experience as a former senior CFIUS decision-maker in his previous role as Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security at the Department of Commerce (DOC). Mancuso recently teamed up with next-generation partner Lucille Hague to advise BDP International on the CFIUS aspects of its sale to Singapore-based PSA International. A ‘down-to-earth expert’, department co-chair Ivan Schlager is widely recognized as a market leader in CFIUS work, with particular experience in the private equity sphere on behalf of clients such as Blackstone, Bain Capital and Warburg Pincus. The group also draws on Nathan Mitchell, who has a focus on CFIUS and national security matters, and Daniel Gerkin, whose practice takes in a wide range of export controls and sanctions, customs and CFIUS-related issues.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 1

Characterized by an ‘incredible depth of knowledge and expertise’, Kirkland & Ellis LLP is one of the foremost names in the private equity and closed-end funds market. Its team acts in some of the most innovative and lucrative fundraises and deals internationally, as well as in the domestic market. John O’Neil heads the firm’s wider funds department from the New York office, alongside several of the firm’s key practitioners, including Andrew Wright, Erica Berthou, Daniel Lavon-Krein, Nicole Washington and Katrina Rowe. In Chicago, Kelly Ryan is the name to note for real estate funds work, Jeffrey Kaplan has long-standing experience acting for private equity firms, and Katie St. Peters stands out for her work with women-led private equity sponsors. Sean Hill is a key contact in Boston, and the team is also well represented in California and Texas. David Sherman rejoined the firm from Latham & Watkins LLP in November 2023.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 1

Kirkland & Ellis LLP remains a leading firm in the market, with strong expertise in the technology, energy, and gas industries. The team represents domestic and global corporations in all aspects of compensation arising from M&A, recapitalizations, spin-offs, and IPOs, as well as supporting clients on complex employee benefits issues including ESOPs and non-qualified retirement plans. From the Chicago office, Matthew Antinossi focuses on all ERISA-related areas, Alexandra Mihalas handles transactional ERISA matters for private and public entities, and Michael Falk assists clients with qualified and non-qualified retirement plans and equity compensation. New York-based Scott Price is highly experienced at handling executive compensation matters in leveraged buyouts and acquisitions, while Kate Vera deals with Chapter 11 filings and corporate transactions. Jared Whalen operates out of Houston, regularly advising private equity funds on the employee benefits elements of business transactions, and Stephanie Jeane deals with IPOs.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 1

Boasting an extensive, cross-border M&A platform, Kirkland & Ellis LLP is at the helm of several of the highest-profile and most cutting-edge transactions in the US. The practice routinely handles a significant volume of large-cap deals in a variety of industries on behalf of major global public corporations, privately-held companies, financial sponsors and boards of directors. Contested M&A, activism defense and governance matters feature on Daniel Wolf's diverse workload; he is the counsel of choice for several heavyweights operating in the private equity, telecoms, technology and chemicals sectors, among others. In addition to his knowledge of public and private M&A, Jonathan Davis is a key name to note for business combination transactions involving special-purpose acquisition companies. Edward Lee – a respected M&A and public company boardroom advisor – has recently worked on multi-billion dollar deals in the technology and media spaces. All named practitioners are based in the New York office.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: large deals ($500m+) Tier 1

Kirkland & Ellis LLP maintains its dominant presence in the private equity space, involved in the most high-value and market defining transactions in both the bulge-bracket and middle-market, regularly representing giant funds and sponsors including the likes of Blackstone, Carlyle, Ares, and Warburg Pincus. A defining strength of the practice is the seamless synergy between the PE transactional and investment funds practice’s, with the firm establishing itself as a critical advisor to sponsors considering consolidation, minority investments or change-of-control transactions. Global chairman Jon Ballis is a key figure in Chicago, widely recognized as one the leading PE M&A attorneys in the US, while Peter Martelli is highly regarded for his skill handling significant leveraged buyouts, strategic mergers and other cross-border transactions. Eunu Chun is adept regarding a wide range of transactions, primarily buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth equity investments. Jennifer Perkins represented KKR-backed C.H.I. Overhead Doors in its $3bn sale to Nucor Corp., while Jonathan Benloulou is a key contact for Ares, splitting his time between Los Angeles and Dallas. Also in LA, Damon Fisher brings specialist knowledge of SPAC transactions across a broad range of industries including manufacturing, tech, and healthcare. All lawyers are New York-based unless otherwise stated.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Shareholder activism Tier 1

Public companies as well as boards of directors targeted by activists and unsolicited corporate bidders are key clients for the team at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, based out of the firm’s New York office. The multidisciplinary team draws on expertise from many of the firm’s other areas of practice, including M&A, capital markets, ESG, litigation and restructuring, allowing clients to adapt their strategic and defense communication to important market players. Shaun Mathew, Daniel Wolf, and Sarkis Jebejian are among the standout team members whose individual strengths add to the team’s versatility - Mathew is a member of the firm’s crisis response practice group and is therefore well placed to assist clients with high-profile crisis situations including cyber-attacks and short-term activist attacks. An especially noteworthy recent matter of Mathew’s was advising Huntsman Corporation, together with Wolf, on its successful proxy contest defense against prominent activist Starboard Value LP.

Media, technology and telecoms > Advertising and marketing: litigation Tier 1

Kirkland & Ellis LLP has a strong track record in handling high-profile matters, covering prosecuting and defending against false and misleading advertising claims, as well as defending against agency actions. It is particularly adept at handling claims in front of the NAD and the National Advertising Review Board. Practice head Ross Weisman, based in Chicago, has broad advertising and promotions law expertise, with significant experience defending and challenging advertising claims in the federal court under the Lanham Act. Also in Chicago, Robin McCue focuses on intellectual property litigation, with particular expertise on trademark and false advertising matters, including in the context of requests for expedited relief. In Washington DC, key practitioners include Gregg LoCascio, who has substantial IP and false advertising disputes expertise, as well as Richard Cunningham and Olivia Adendorff, both of whom are noted for their experience in consumer protection and antitrust matters, with particular expertise handling FTC-related matters. Meanwhile, Los Angeles-based Robyn Bladow focuses on defending against consumer class actions and false advertising claims.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 1

The transactions group at Kirkland & Ellis LLP is best known for its support on high value technology-related corporate and private equity M&A deals, particularly those where IP assets are a key driver. This transactional expertise extends to distressed situations, including company restructurings and insolvencies.  The highly experienced team also does a considerable amount of standalone technology work, including IP licensing, collaboration agreements, strategic alliances and technology outsourcing deals. Recent examples include assisting Firefly Aerospace on a collaboration with Northrop Grumman Corporation for an upgrade to Northrop’s Antares rocket and a new medium launch vehicle. The firm has a deep bench of specialist partners, including Chicago’s Seth Traxler, Neil Hirshman and Matthew Lovell, all of whom have a strong focus on IP and technology transactions. The San Francisco-based partner John Lynn has also developed extremely good credentials in this area.

Real estate Tier 1

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is best known for its expertise in asset and portfolio acquisitions and dispositions, debt restructuring, and its extensive track record representing REITs in complex transactions. New York based Jonathan Schechter and Christopher Hartmann act for private equity investors on many of Manhattan’s top joint venture formations and preferred equity investments, for example, advising Access Industries in its joint venture with Witkoff Group for the loan-to-own acquisition of The XI, two mixed-use luxury towers located on the High Line in New York. In Chicago, Andrew Small and Rachel Brown advise funds, lenders and sponsors on private equity capital raising, investment and development of commercial real estate. Robert Keane, Jr. and Kevin Ehrhart in Los Angeles specialize in representing investment banks, commercial banks, non-regulated lenders and pension funds in real estate-related equity investments.      

Tax > International tax Tier 1

Kirkland & Ellis LLP advises on US and foreign tax issues in addition to representing clients in disputes worldwide. On the transactional front, the team advises clients in connection with M&A, acquisitions, buyouts, fund formations and restructurings. The firm is also well-versed in issues relating to investment fund sponsors and the formation of offshore private equity funds, as well as advocating on behalf of companies at every stage of the tax controversy process from pre-audit planning to administrative appeals. Chicago-based Todd Maynes focuses on debt restructurings and co-heads the team with New York-located Dean Shulman who has extensive experience in structuring transactions. Chicago-located Lee Morlock focuses on international tax planning. Sara Zablotney operates out of New York and handles the tax aspects of joint ventures and spin offs while Mike Carew advises on securities issuances with support from Mark Schwed. The team was strengthened in October 2022 with the arrival of David Cole from Vinson & Elkins LLP, who has expertise in disputes in both federal and state courts.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 1

Kirkland & Ellis LLP‘s tax practice is consistently sought out by a myriad of industry leaders for its capabilities in big-ticket M&A, investment fund formations, and restructurings. Chicago-based co-head Todd Maynes focuses on debt restructurings and tax litigation, while fellow co-head Dean Shulman handles the formation and operation of partnerships, limited liability companies, joint ventures, and REITs. Also in Chicago are Gregory Gallagher and Mike Carew, noted for their respective strengths in domestic and international deal structuring, and William Levy, who maintains a robust presence in the real estate space, an area in which Mark Schwed and Adam Kool further excel. Also recommended for their exceptional transactional acumen are Sara Zablotney and Los Angeles-based Anne Kim. Joseph Tootle advises private equity clients on the tax aspects of investment fund formations. The firm’s hiring streak has continued as of late, with headline additions including investment fund expert Christopher Odell, who joined the Chicago office from Mayer Brown in April 2022, and the REIT-focused Adam Arikat, based in Dallas. All named lawyers are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 2

Kirkland & Ellis LLP has an active cartel practice that frequently sees the team representing clients from a broad range of industries on the full range of cartel issues, with price-fixing, monopolization, generic drugs, and proteins being key areas of expertise. The team is experienced in both government cartel investigations and related litigation, both in the US and abroad. James Mutchnik, Daniel Laytin, and Christa Cottrell are key members of the firm’s antitrust cartel practice. Mutchnik, an experienced litigator based in Chicago, represents corporate and individual clients in antitrust defense matters before federal and state courts and investigative agencies. Laytin and Cottrell, also in Chicago, specialize in civil and criminal cartel litigation and in complex commercial litigation, respectively. The firm’s significant governmental agency experience, exemplified by former Antitrust Division Head of Media, Entertainment and Communications Scott Scheele, was further expanded in 2022, when Elyse Dorsey, former Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General of the Antitrust Division, and Molly Kelley, also formerly at the DOJ, joined the firm. Scheele and Dorsey are based in Washington DC, while Kelley is in Chicago.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 2

Kirkland & Ellis LLP advises public and private companies, including major names such as Bain Capital, KKR, and Celanese on merger clearance for M&A and private equity transactions, combining a prolific record in HSR filings with strong capabilities across DOJ and FTC investigations, including Second Request proceedings, global approval processes, and antitrust litigation relating to mergers. The team has deep agency experience, with practice head Matthew Reilly, who is advising Celanese on its proposed $11 billion acquisition of Dupont’s Mobility & Materials business, having acted as assistant director of the FTC Mergers Division, and an expert in high-stakes merger trials across sectors such as pharma, telecoms, and defense. Andrea Murino, who held positions at the FTC and DOJ, focuses securing clearances from the agencies for major deals, including handling Second Requests. New York’s Ian John is a prolific advisor to major clients on complex cross-border transactions, while Marin Boney offers economics expertise and experience in analyzing joint ventures and vertical agreements alongside merger control capabilities. All lawyers are in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Dispute resolution > Appellate: courts of appeals / Appellate: supreme courts (states and federal)

Historically a strong player in appellate matters, Kirkland & Ellis LLP has established an impressive record of involvement in major cases at the federal courts of appeals, state appellate courts, and the US Supreme Court. In Washington DC, former Deputy Associate Attorney General John O’Quinn is noted for his expertise in IP and regulatory-related cases; he is representing Safeway in False Claims Act litigation alleging that defendants’ pharmacies misrepresented their usual and customary prices. George Hicks splits his practice between Washington DC and Dallas; he recently secured a win in the Eleventh Circuit for BP Exploration & Production in one of the first appeals addressing the ‘Back-End Litigation Option’ process established by the Deepwater Horizon medical settlement agreement. In New York, Jay Lefkowitz is recommended for his broad trial and appellate experience; he recently secured appellate victories for New Mountain Capital portfolio company, Ciox Health before the Ninth and Seventh Circuits. Washington DC-based William Burgess additionally stands out for his emphasis on patent and regulatory-related appeals. The firm saw some significant changes to its appellate practice in 2022: Paul Clement and Erin Murphy left to launch a new boutique and several attorneys followed, including Bartow Farr and Harker Rhodes.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: automotive/transport Tier 2

Drawing upon a trial-ready approach should the need arise, litigation powerhouse Kirkland & Ellis LLP is a popular choice among major automotive brands in the defence of high-profile potentially reputational threatening litigation. General Motors remains a cornerstone client for the firm, with Renee Smith continuing to represent the automotive giant across a range of class actions and MDLs, including as it relates to the high-profile Takata airbag inflator recall and its alleged use of emissions defeat devices. Although he has perhaps gained most acclaim for his product liability work in the pharmaceuticals space, ‘well-respected’ Washington DC-based practitioner Mike Brock has also handled a considerable amount of work in the automotive space and is one of many experienced trial lawyers at the firm who is adept at handling a myriad bet-the-company defense work before both judges and juries. All named practitioners are based out of Chicago unless otherwise noted.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco) Tier 2

Centered around its Chicago, New York and Washington DC offices, in particular, Kirkland & Ellis LLP has forged a strong reputation in the space, as a result of its representation of a varied array of consumer-facing manufacturers across a myriad product liability and mass tort matters. Many of these have taken the form of large aggregate disputes. As well as the firm’s technical expertise in often highly scientific issues under dispute and its procedural prowess, it is also able to call upon the proficiency of a slew of accomplished first-chair trial lawyers, ensuring that clients are vigorously defended in jury trials, as well as providing a degree of leverage in the context of early settlements. A fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Washington DC-based partner Mike Brock is a formidable practitioner in high-stakes product liability litigation, and has handled jury trials across a multitude of high-profile product liability matters, including in the automotive and pharmaceuticals industries. Drawing upon a storied career in private practice, as well as by dint of his former positions as a federal judge and high-ranking Justice Department official, Chicago-based Mark Filip has an excellent perspective of big-ticket litigation, and offers experience to defendants seeking representation at a trial stage.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: pharmaceuticals and medical devices Tier 2

Noted for its ‘highly strategic approach’, which combines first-chair trial skills, alongside deep subject knowledge and procedural expertise, Kirkland & Ellis LLP is a popular choice among life sciences and pharma companies facing down high-stakes, bet-the-company litigation. Jennifer Levy in Washington DC and Chicago-based Donna Welch have been pivotal to the firm’s success in the area, most notably for their ‘outstanding’ work on behalf of Allergan, as one of the defendants accused in private and government-led litigation for its role in fuelling the opioid epidemic in the US. ‘Well-respected’ Washington-DC-based trial lawyer Mike Brock is also a key member of the team and has notched up numerous successes for pharma and life sciences companies, particularly in product liability and mass tort cases.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: toxic tort Tier 2

Noted for its trial-ready approach and ability to run large-scale teams in resource intensive MDLs, Kirkland & Ellis LLP is a popular choice among clients seeking to defend toxic tort allegations in federal and state courts throughout the country. The team has developed particular expertise defending pharmaceutical companies in relation to consolidated personal injury claims initiated by consumers of their products, as well as those sustained by former employees of production facilities and nearby residents. Washington-DC based partner Mike Brock is one of many acclaimed trial lawyers at the firm, and excels in trials involving complex scientific issues, particularly within the pharma space.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 2

Kirkland & Ellis LLP's energy regulatory team in Washington, DC has experience in matters involving the federal and state regulatory agencies addressing electricity matters. The team regularly represents clients on federal energy regulatory matters before FERC, DOE, CFTC and advises on state public service/utility commission matters. Lawyers such as Brooksany Barrowes and Robert Fleishman  act on issues such as changes or transfers of control, power purchase agreements, with Barrowes doing substantial work in advising participants in the energy-intensive data center and data mining space and Fleishman defending industry participants and individuals in energy markets against charges of market manipulation. Marcia Hook advises power and LNG clients in regulatory matters before FERC, state public utility commissions and US Courts of Appeals. Andrew Stuyvenberg  is a name to watch for his experience working at the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and his representation of clients before FERC.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings Tier 2

Kirkland & Ellis LLP has a buoyant DCM practice, principally driven by issuer engagements. Along with standalone corporate issuers, the firm also receives numerous mandates through its illustrious private equity clients and their portfolio companies. The firm is particularly well known for sponsor-backed company high-yield debt offerings and acquisition finance-related debt offerings. It represented a consortium led by Hellman & Friedman and Bain Capital on its acquisition of Athenahealth, which involved a $2.35bn offering of senior notes as part of the financing of the deal. The firm is also rated for liability management transactions. Joshua Korff and Sophia Hudson are key partners in New York, along with Robert Hayward in Chicago.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Kirkland & Ellis LLP remains known for its advice to private equity houses and their portfolio companies on their equity offerings. It advised Thomas H Lee Partners on its portfolio company AutoStore’s IPO on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The firm has also been active in SPAC IPOs and direct investments by private equity sponsors in public companies. It continues to impress in liability management matters, including advice to Norwegian Cruise Line on its $1.1bn registered direct offering of common equity. Los Angeles partner Philippa Bond and New York’s Sophia Hudson and Joshua Korff are key figures in the team, along with Robert Hayward in Chicago.

Finance > Project finance

Led by experienced transactional partners Rohit Chaudhry  and Roald Nashi  from the firm’s Washington DC office, Kirkland & Ellis LLP's energy and infrastructure practice has experience advising leading lenders and sponsors, in particular in the private equity space, on the financing of major projects in areas from oil and gas to wind and solar, LNG, and infrastructure including semiconductor facilities and data centers. In the New York office, Robert Eberhardt has broad experience covering wind and solar power and storage projects, while Michael Masri is particularly knowledgeable about energy tax credits and government incentive programs, and Tatiana Monastyrskaya advises PE firms and investment and commercial banks. In Washington DC, Brian Greene  stands out for his work with lending agencies and investors.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

Counting private equity firms and portfolio companies among its key roster of clients, Kirkland & Ellis LLP advises on asset-backed securitizations involving auto and equipment assets, in addition to oil and gas receivables, floorplan loans and healthcare receivables, among others. Noted for its expertise in whole-business securitizations, the team has demonstrable capability in handling a broad range of transactions involving mainstream assets. In the firm’s Chicago office, Jeffrey O’Connor, who focuses on auto and equipment, oil and gas, credit card and healthcare securitizations, jointly leads the team alongside New York-based Janette McMahan, who specializes in auto loan, auto lease, marketplace loan and trade receivables transactions. In Dallas, Rudgee Charles was promoted to partner in October 2022 and advises on a broad range of asset-backed securitizations. Joel Weinberger, who operates from the firm’s office in Chicago, is another key contact in the group.

Government > State attorneys general Tier 2

With extensive bipartisan expertise, Kirkland & Ellis LLP's state attorneys general team draws on the experience of former senior government officials, including Chicago-based Lisa Madigan, who served as Illinois state attorney general. In Washington DC, Jennifer Levy leads on multistate litigation involving product liability cases on behalf of pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and automotive companies. Also in Washington DC is Reginald Brown, whose practice focuses on assisting financial institutions, energy companies and tech firms with regulatory and reputational matters. Another key name is former federal judge Mark Filip, who splits his time between Chicago and Washington DC and has been particularly active in representing multinational pharmaceuticals and life sciences companies in civil and criminal investigations.

Intellectual property > Patents: licensing Tier 2

Kirkland & Ellis LLP represents both patent licensors and licensees in patent licensing agreements, with patent portfolio management an area of expertise for the firm, which is also experienced in the negotiation of commercial arrangements implemented alongside patent licensing deals, such as joint development, supply, and technical assistance agreements, and is active on behalf of major companies such as Eli Lilly & Co. Chicago’s Seth Traxler often serves as lead counsel in strategic deals that encompass technology assets or opportunities, alongside other areas of expertise, including in relation to the negotiation of licenses. David MacDonald, based in the New York office, is experienced in the intellectual property, pharma and tech sectors with regard to licensing agreements, among others. Russell Levine, who practices in Chicago, utilizes his trial and appellate practice to handle technology transfer and patent license agreements.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (International Trade Commission) Tier 2

The intellectual property practice group at Kirkland & Ellis LLP is highly active in the International Trade Commission, representing complainants and respondents. The team is experienced, frequently seeing success in ITC proceedings, with particular knowledge of specific procedural rules and challenges facing parties based in the ITC. The team works on matters spanning industries, recently successfully representing Pegasus Partners’ company Global Value Lighting in industry-wide patent litigation. Also of interest are mutli-disciplinary matters, including competition-related issues, reflected in the firm’s offensive and defensive patent representation for iFit. In Washington DC, Paul Brinkman is a key lawyer in the team, with a track record of success at the ITC. Also of note are Gregory Arovas in New York, Gregg LoCascio, and Chicago-based Jay Emerick.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: litigation Tier 2

A particularly popular destination for video game companies,  Kirkland & Ellis LLP specializes in complex IP cases in areas where clear legal precedent is yet to be established; in a representative matter, the firm is representing Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. in a suit that pertains to the reproduction of copyrighted tattoos in a basketball videogame. Litigator and team head Dale Cendali is singled out for her IP expertise; she represented Epic Games in precedential litigation concerning the copyrightability of dance steps in a recent highlight.  Another name to note is Joshua Simmons, who has significant experience advocating on behalf of video games companies in various copyright infringement litigations. Claudia Ray is further recommended for her copyright and internet litigation. All mentioned lawyers are based in New York.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 2

Kirkland & Ellis LLP advises both customers and service providers in a range of industries, not limited to manufacturing, financial services, healthcare and energy, in ITO, BPO, digital transformations and transitions to as-a-service model. The team works on the full suite of mission-critical outsourced services for clients which encompasses master service agreements, revenue cycle managements, digital and innovative transformations as well as application developments. Co-leader of the practice Neil Hirshman is a specialist in handling multi-tower and multi-vendor transformational outsourcing deals. The experienced Gregg Kirchhoefer focuses on transactional matters involving computer, telecoms, biotech and intellectual property as well as corporate and commercial issues. Todd Herst and New York-based Shellie Freedman are the key contact for counselling on IP and tech aspects of merger and acquisition and other corporate deals, while Aaron Lorber represents clients in joint ventures and strategic alliances, such as IP licenses and supply chain agreements. Lawyers are in Chicago unless otherwise stated.

Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 2

Kirkland & Ellis LLP draws from the firm’s strength across the board to advise public and privately traded REITs on an array of M&A, real estate, tax and capital markets issues including debt and equity offerings, financings and restructurings, portfolio transactions and IPOs. In New York, Michael Brueck focuses on M&A, whilst Mike Beinus represents clients on complex REITs-associated tax matters. Chicago’s Bruce Gelman  maintains his practice in advising on organization and structuring of REITs. Also in New York, Sarkis Jebejian  is another key name for transactional work.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 2

Kirkland & Ellis LLP fields a ‘knowledgeable, responsive, and highly effective’ team with experience at every stage of the tax controversy process. The group places emphasis on diverse tax expertise, and as such covers an extensive range of disputes, including transfer pricing disputes, offshore banking issues, and complex audits for prominent clients in the private equity space. Richard Husseini, based in Houston, co-leads the department alongside Natalie Keller, in Chicago. Husseini has experience representing public and private companies and high net worth individuals before the IRS, courts, and other regulatory bodies, while Keller covers audits, appeals, and litigation, with strength in transfer pricing issues. The department has seen recent growth, with David Foster joining the Washington DC office from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in February 2023, and David Cole entering the Houston team from Vinson & Elkins LLP in October 2022. Of counsel JoAnne Nagjee, in Chicago, is a name to note.

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 3

Kirkland & Ellis LLP's e-discovery practice assists clients facing complex cross-border litigation across the United States, Europe, and Asia, with experience in a range of industries including manufacturing, oil and gas, and technology. The firm offers experience in antitrust and regulatory responses, and handles high-volume and data intensive internal investigations, high-stakes commercial litigation, products liability cases, and government investigations.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 3

Kirkland & Ellis LLP concentrates its financial services disputes practice on securities class actions, shareholder derivatives, M&A and structured finance litigation as well as regulatory investigations by the DOJ, SEC and CFTC. The firm also has a recognized accountant liability practice, defending major clients in this space. The firm broadly focuses on securities law and private litigation alleging misleading shareholders, insider trading and other types of financial fraud, as well as developing its concentration in the fintech sector. Sandra Goldstein has a range of litigation experience relating to securities, M&A and commercial disputes for large companies. Goldstein also works alongside Zachary Brez, former SEC attorney, who concentrates on securities and exposures under the FCPA. Both are based in New York. Mark Filip, former federal judge, and Reginald Brown are key contacts in the firm’s government regulatory enforcement defense and investigations group. Filip is based across the firm’s Chicago and Washington DC offices, while Brown is in DC.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 3

Complex and high-value transactional work lies at the heart of Kirkland & Ellis LLP ‘s renewable energy sector offering, which sees lawyers with significant experience in M&A and project finance advise clients, including major private equity and infrastructure funds, on a broad range of portfolio acquisitions and project transactions. Taking in account the growing importance of ESG related issues in the renewable energy sector, the firm’s offering of a separate ESG & Impact Practice Group is also noted. The practice is jointly led by Andrew Calder in Houston and notable private equity, project finance, and project restructuring partner Rohit Chaudhry in Washington DC. The firm also has a strong offering in Texas, where Houston’s Cyril Jones and John Pitts – who are currently working on advising Archaea Energy Inc on its sale to BP p.l.c. for approximately $4.1bn - are both noted, as is Kevin Crews in Dallas, whose experience extends to investments in the biofuels sector. Kristin Mendoza in New York and Roald Nashi in Washington DC are also recommended for their M&A and financing expertise. The team was further strengthened with the arrival of New York’s Robert Eberhardt and William Nicholson from Norton Rose Fulbright in February 2022.      

Insurance > Insurance: non-contentious Tier 3

Kirkland & Ellis LLP advises insurers, reinsurers and private equity funds on a variety of insurance-related transactions ranging from M&A, reinsurance, joint ventures and securities offerings. Furthermore, the firm offers support in regard to the regulatory aspect of transactions, and is also increasingly active in representing insurtech firms. Rajab Abbassi has significant experience in handling complex cross-border transactions including strategic investments and is also called upon to advise boards of directors on governance issues. Regulatory matters are the domain of Parimah Hassouri, who supports clients across the the life, health, property and casualty, financial guaranty, mortgage guaranty and title insurance industries with the regulatory aspects of transactions, formation and licensing of new companies, governance and compliance. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: non-contentious (including prosecution, portfolio management and licensing) Tier 3

The globally-connected team at Kirkland & Ellis LLP advises household names such as PepsiCo, on the enforcement and management of their international trademark portfolios. Headed by intellectual property authority Dale Cendali, the group’s active client base spans the sporting goods, cosmetics, cybersecurity, video games, fitness, pharma, tech, and apparel sectors. Key figures include Claudia Ray, a specialist in brand-building and protection strategy; Johanna Schmitt, who assists with complex internet issues; Mary Mazzello, who brings expertise to matters ranging from trademarks clearance to new product launches; Shanti Sadtler Conway, who provides experience related to social media, licensing, and contract issues. All the lawyers mentioned work at the New York office.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 4

Sandra Goldstein – Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Boasting an impressive client roster which includes 3G Capital, Barnes & Noble, and IBM, Sandra Goldstein has a particularly broad practice, with a particular focus on securities, M&A, and commercial disputes. In an impressive recent matter, Goldstein won dismissal of a securities class action litigation on behalf of client Textron, securing a favorable settlement in July on remand. Goldstein is located in the firm’s New York office. Aaron Marks – Kirkland & Ellis LLP Gregory Arovas – Kirkland & Ellis LLP William Pratt – Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Energy > Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 4

Kirkland & Ellis LLP handles a range of regulatory issues concerning oil and natural gas pipelines before the FERC, the DOE and CFTC, with additional experience advising on acquisitions, shipper contracts, enforcement cases and appellate litigation. Based in the firm's Washington DC office, Brooksany Barrowes acts for clients across the energy and infrastructure sectors on the regulatory aspects of the purchase of assets, businesses and commodities, while Robert Fleishman specializes in defending clients against charges of market manipulation before the FERC and CFTC.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 4

Regarded by clients as ‘outstanding in every aspect of their practice', the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and life sciences practice at Kirkland & Ellis LLP advises private equity and venture capital investors, as well as biotech and pharmaceutical companies, at varying stages of development. New York based litigator Jay Lefkowitz often acts in pharmaceutical antitrust suits, FCA and FDA related internal investigations, and product liability cases. Chicago’s ‘absolutely brilliant‘ Jim Hurst is a litigator who handles commercial, IP and patent disputes, while New York’s ‘highly experienced, highly skilled and talented‘ Patricia Carson is a life sciences litigator who focuses on patent strategy and disputes, often acting for biotech, chemical, and pharmaceutical companies.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: transactional Tier 4

Kirkland & Ellis LLP specializes in joint ventures, strategic alliances and high-profile acquisitions in areas from music catalogs to video game development studios. Carve-out transactions specialist Seth Traxler operates from the firm’s Chicago office - in a recent highlight he represented MNRK Music Group in its sale of the Death Row Records brand to Snoop Dogg. Also in Chicago, Rory Wellever leverages his entertainment industry experience to advise on a range of commercial transactions such as Hipgnosis Song Management’s recent acquisition of Justin Timberlake’s song catalog. In New York, Shellie Freedman centers her practice on IP and technology matters and worked alongside Traxler on the Death Row matter. Another name to note is Chicago-based Bernadette Coppola, who focuses her practice on data-related transactions.

International Trade > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions Tier 5

Leveraging the firm’s platforms in Europe, China and the UK, Kirkland & Ellis LLP’s team stands out for its ability to ‘get experts from across different sanction regimes together to allow clients to make informed decisions’. The cross-department practice draws on Washington DC-based international trade and national security co-heads Mario Mancuso and Ivan Schlager, with Mancuso in particular dedicating a significant portion of his practice to economic sanctions, export controls, and other international risk issues. In New York, government enforcement specialist Zachary Brez is also noted for his expertise in international risk matters.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 5

Investment fund formation and management > Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds

India > Foreign firms

Regularly instructed by clients from across the life sciences and pharma sectors, Kirkland & Ellis LLP regularly handles both contentious and transactional matters for domestic and international companies and investors. Srinivas Kaushik and Atif Khawaja co-head the team from New York, working alongside co-heads Cori Lable, in Hong Kong, and Asheesh Goel, in Chicago. Kaushik advises financial entities and private equity clients on investments and M&A, and litigator Khawaja is recommended for high-value commercial disputes, while Lable and Goel take point on corruption investigations and risk assessments.