Ms Sara Zablotney > Kirkland & Ellis LLP > New York, United States > Lawyer Profile

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.

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.