Kirkland & Ellis LLP‘s Washington DC CFIUS team is a go-to for significant and high-stakes mandates, regularly assisting on large deals and bet-the-company matters. The group handles mandates which span strategic advice, political risk assessment, and regulatory counseling to filing and advocacy before CFIUS. Noted for its work on behalf of PE firms, the team is turned to by a variety of companies and investors in various industries, from energy, transport, and communications to aerospace and semiconductors. At the helm of the practice sits Ivan Schlager, whose wealth of CFIUS experience and particular strength in the defense sector bolsters the team’s offering. Having joined in 2025, John Kabealo is a key practitioner and leader in the team with experience presiding over complex transactions before CFIUS. Lucille Hague is highlighted for her knowledge of CFIUS considerations in fund formation and design. Mario Mancuso departed in October 2025.
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Testimonials
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'The practice has a number of individual that have done extensive work on numerous CFIUS cases that involve countries from all over the world. They have excellent rapport with various departments in the USG. They also have a breadth of understanding of numerous technology areas.'
'While each partner that I work with have different styles of working with clients, the one thing they all have in common is the ability to convey trust and that they leave nothing to chance and carefully consider all pertinent aspects of the case. These three partners are outstanding and I have dealt extensively with each of them: Ivan Schlager, John Kabealo, and Luci Hague.'
‘Ivan Schlager is extraordinarily connected, available, pragmatic and nice to work with.’
‘Clear understanding of what is going in Washington, who decides on what, and what is feasible in terms of timing for an acquisition in the US.’
Key clients
- Aecon Group Inc. (TSX: ARE)
- BETA Technologies, Inc.
- Foxconn Industrial Internet Co., Ltd
- PIF
- Renesas Electronics Corporation
- Thoma Bravo / Qlik
- Thoma Bravo / Venafi
- Wendel
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
John Kabealo; Ivan Schlager
Other key lawyers
Lucille Hague; Erika Krum