Regularly working with some of world’s most prestigious private equity firms, Kirkland & Ellis LLP continues to be a powerhouse in the US market, advising on substantial takeovers, investments and disposals across a multitude of sectors. Based in Chicago, Jon Ballis’ extensive expertise is sought after by a range of high-end financial sponsors, while Richard Campbell, also based in Chicago, has recently advised on multi-billion-dollar investments in alternative credit managers, investment management firms, and packaging solutions providers. New York’s Srinivas Kaushik and Peter Martelli handle complex domestic and cross-border M&A and leveraged buyouts, while Los Angeles’ Hamed Meshki has played a key role in advising Oaktree Capital Management on several highly structured acquisitions and disposals. Jennifer Perkins and Sanford Perl are based in New York and Chicago respectively and are noted for their broad sector coverage, with the latter also recognised for his venture capital and growth equity practice. Michael Weisser acts on a number of deals for TPG from New York, including investments in the food and beverage sector and major tech disposals. San Francisco’s Sean Kramer and New York’s Maggie Flores also come recommended. Claire Campbell joined in July 2024, and Carolyn Vardi joined the team in June 2025.
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Position

Carolyn Vardi is a corporate partner in the New York office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Carolyn’s practice focuses on advising private equity sponsors and corporate clients on a wide range of transactions, including M&A, take-privates, joint ventures and strategic investments. Her experience spans public and private deals, bankruptcy-related matters and corporate governance. Carolyn has led major transactions across sectors such as financial services, software, healthcare, industrials, consumer products and retail.

Carolyn has been consistently recognized by Chambers USA and Chambers Global as a leading lawyer in private equity. Clients state that she is “a smart lawyer and has an amazing deal sense and ability to deal with people.”

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The leadership of this group and the skill set of the team are excellent. They are business minded and thoughtful about navigating the company through the options available.’

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Key clients

  • Apax Partners
  • Ares Management
  • Bain Capital Private Equity
  • BC Partners
  • Blackstone Inc.
  • Brookfield Asset Management
  • Blue Owl Capital
  • The Carlyle Group
  • Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
  • Francisco Partners
  • GTCR
  • The Jordan Company