Kirkland & Ellis

Kirkland & Ellis. Kirkland & Ellis is a prominent American law firm founded in 1909 in Chicago, Illinois. With a rich history spanning over a century, the firm has established itself as a leading player in the global legal landscape. Headquartered in Chicago, Kirkland & Ellis has expanded its presence to include offices in major cities across the United States, Europe, and Asia. The firm's growth and success can be attributed to its commitment to delivering high-quality legal services to its clients.

History

Kirkland & Ellis was founded in 1909 by four lawyers: William DeWolf, Frank C. Hollister, James W. Gray, and Cyrus H. McCormack. Initially, the firm focused on providing general corporate and litigation services to clients in Chicago. Over the years, Kirkland & Ellis has undergone significant transformations, including the addition of new practice areas and the expansion of its offices to major cities worldwide. In the 1950s, the firm began to establish itself as a major player in the M&A market, advising clients on several high-profile deals. This strategic focus on M&A has continued to drive the firm's growth and success.

Practice areas

Kirkland & Ellis offers a wide range of practice areas, including M&A, corporate, securities, litigation, intellectual property, restructuring, and tax. The firm's private equity practice is particularly notable, with a strong track record of advising private equity firms and their portfolio companies on complex transactions. Kirkland & Ellis also has a significant real estate practice, providing counsel to clients on a range of real estate-related matters.

Notable cases and clients

Kirkland & Ellis has advised on several high-profile cases and transactions, including the IPO of Uber, the merger of Exxon and Mobil, and the bankruptcy of Toys "R" Us. The firm has also represented clients such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft in various litigation and M&A matters. Additionally, Kirkland & Ellis has a strong presence in the private equity sector, advising clients such as KKR, The Carlyle Group, and Blackstone Group.

Leadership and structure

Kirkland & Ellis is led by a managing partner, currently James H. "Jim" Brochin, who oversees the firm's global operations. The firm has a partnership structure, with over 500 partners worldwide. Kirkland & Ellis is organized into several practice groups, each focused on a specific area of law. The firm's governance structure includes a board of directors, which provides strategic guidance and oversight.

Financial performance

Kirkland & Ellis is one of the largest and most profitable law firms in the world. In 2020, the firm reported revenue of over $4.5 billion, with average profit per partner (APP) exceeding $1.2 million. The firm's strong financial performance is a testament to its commitment to delivering high-quality legal services and its strategic focus on key practice areas.

Culture and reputation

Kirkland & Ellis is known for its collaborative culture and client-centric approach. The firm has a strong commitment to pro bono work and community service, with a range of initiatives aimed at promoting access to justice and supporting non-profit organizations. Kirkland & Ellis has received numerous awards and recognition for its diversity and inclusion initiatives, including being named one of the "Best Places to Work" by The Human Rights Campaign. Category: Law firms based in Chicago