Mr Kelly Ryan > Kirkland & Ellis LLP > Chicago, United States > Lawyer Profile

Kirkland & Ellis LLP
300 NORTH LASALLE
CHICAGO, IL 60654
ILLINOIS
United States
Kelly Ryan photo

Position

Kelly Ryan is the global leader of Kirkland’s real estate funds practice, with 20+ years of experience in fund formation across the U.S., Europe and Asia. Kelly represents many of the largest global private equity firms, as well as sector-specific operators, newly formed spin-outs and family offices in launching open-end and permanent capital products, closed-end funds, club deals and separately managed accounts focused on real estate, infrastructure and other real assets. His practice also focuses strategic investments, secondary transactions and other liquidity events involving private equity firms.

Education

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, J.D., College of the Holy Cross, B.A.

Lawyer Rankings

United States > Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital)

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 WrightErica 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.