Kirkland & Ellis LLP is noted for its track record in derivative action, along with strength in cases for AI companies. The firm holds extensive experience advising private equity and alternative asset management companies and blue-chip public companies across industries, including retail, cybersecurity, and pharmaceuticals. Advising on a wide array of matters is partner Sandra Goldstein, with her broad litigation knowledge that focuses on securities, M&A, and commercial disputes. Goldstein’s caseload consists of stock drop class actions, dispositive motions, and shareholder derivative suits. Partners John Hartmann and Craig Primis are involved in a high-profile case around alleged false and misleading safety statements within the aviation industry. Informed in international as well as national litigation is Stefan Atkinson; he defends current and former directors and officers in derivative litigation. Mark Filip, in Chicago, is also recommended. Partner Matthew Solum has departed as of March 2025.
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Accolades
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Testimonials
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- ‘Great knowledge of Delaware law, substantive and procedural.’
- ‘Good collaboration.’
- ‘Good array of partners.’
Key clients
- Abbott Laboratories
- Acadia Healthcare
- Boeing
- Constellation Brands
- CrowdStrike
- Eli Lilly
- EQT Corporation
- Target Corporation
- TransUnion
- Zendesk
Work highlights
Counsel for Target Corporation and certain of its officers and directors in a putative securities class action arising out of Target’s inventory management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Obtained complete dismissal with prejudice. Also obtained dismissal of parallel shareholder derivative actions.
Counsel for EQT Corporation and certain of its current and former officers and directors in a consolidated securities class action, related individual securities fraud lawsuits and shareholder derivative actions, arising out of EQT’s 2017 $6.7 billion acquisition of Rice Energy to create the largest national gas provider nationwide
Representing Acadia Healthcare Company in putative class action litigation alleging violation of federal securities laws concerning Acadia's admissions, length of stay and billing practices at certain inpatient psychiatric facilities. Kirkland is also representing Acadia in a tag-along derivative action relating to the same underlying facts.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Other key lawyers
Sandra Goldstein; Stefan Atkinson; Mark Filip; Rachel Fritzler; Kevin Neylan, Jr.; Alexander Rodney; Craig Primis; John Hartmann