As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and alternative asset management; restructurings; high-stakes commercial and intellectual property litigation; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including approximately 3,500 lawyers) operating from offices in 20 cities across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer. At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development. Firm Chairman: Jon Ballis Follow us on Twitter @Kirkland_Ellis Follow us on Instagram @lifeatkirkland Content may include attorney advertising.
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We recently held our 11th annual Kirkland Leadership Conference, where more than 80 business services professionals from across the Firm engaged in two-and-a-half days of immersive workshops, knowledge sharing and networking. This exclusive program brought together emerging leaders, senior staff, external experts and partner guest speakers for collaborative learning sessions and valuable insights.
The varied backgrounds and experiences of our colleagues enrich our Firm. Thanks, Paul Tanaka, for sharing your story with us this #AAPIHeritageMonth!
My daughters often share stories that resonate deeply and shape my perspective of the world. In everyday moments, they offer insights that surpass any wisdom I could hope to impart to them. Recently, my youngest daughter worked on a research project for her high school English class about the history of Japanese Americans in California. Through her exploration, she shed light on the resilience and strength of Japanese Americans, particularly women, whose contributions to our country and the world have too often been overlooked or erased. Despite challenges finding primary sources and voices that went against the tide of Asian American invisibility, my daughter ultimately unearthed tales of perseverance amid adversity, revealing a heritage marked by triumph over injustice. As we observe Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I’ve found myself inspired by my daughters. Their dedication to telling the stories of everyday heroes compels me to honor two influential figures in my own legal career: Judge Susan Oki Mollway and the late Francis (Frank) Sogi. Judge Mollway, whom I clerked for fresh out of law school, is a testament to resilience and achievement. As the first Asian-American woman to serve as an Article III federal judge, she blazed a trail in the legal profession, overcoming barriers with grace and determination. This journey, captured in her book “The First Fifteen: How Asian American Women Became Federal Judges,” inspires countless others to pursue their aspirations despite obstacles. With humility and unwavering commitment to justice, Judge Mollway’s legacy continues to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on the legal community and beyond. Under her mentorship, I not only honed my legal skills but also imbibed invaluable lessons in integrity and empathy. I need to get back to Hawaii soon for a visit. Frank Sogi, who gave me my first job in Big Law, also has a life story of resilience and dedication. Born in America to Japanese immigrants in 1923, he navigated the landscape of World War II, facing discrimination and adversity with fortitude. Despite initially being classified by the United States, along with other American soldiers of Japanese ancestry, as an “enemy alien,” Sogi’s commitment to service led him to volunteer for the U.S. Army, where he used his fluency in Japanese to serve his country. After the war, he pursued higher education and embarked on a legal career, ultimately becoming a distinguished attorney and mentor. I remember Frank as a thoughtful and brilliant partner, always looking for ways to help and support the next generation. He used to call me “Funny Tanaka,” and I apply his wisdom often as a partner at Kirkland & Ellis. In commemorating AAPI Heritage Month, I invite everyone to reflect on the enduring spirit of resilience embodied by Judge Mollway and Frank Sogi, while drawing inspiration from the next generation, which refuses to let these important stories go unheard. #AAPIHeritageMonth
A Kirkland team led by corporate partners Michael Reeves and April Larkin and tax partner Steve Butler advised Pennybacker Capital Management, LLC in a strategic minority investment in its business by Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s Petershill program.
A Kirkland team led by investment funds partners Richard Shamos and Justin Solomon and tax partner Alec Campbell advised Vance Street Capital on its first and final close of Vance Street Capital IV.
We’re proud to sponsor Private Funds CFO’s Private Fund Compliance Regulatory Forum taking place in Washington, D.C., on May 22–23. Partner Alpa Patel will join the panel “New Private Fund Rules: Macro Level Impacts to the Industry,” and partner Melissa Gainor will lead the roundtable discussion “Evaluating Risk in the Current Regulatory Environment.” Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/eCxmnuSN
We’re proud to sponsor Investment Company Institute’s 2024 Leadership Summit taking place in Washington, D.C., on May 21–23. The summit will provide insights on legislative and regulatory priorities, the promise of AI and risk management, innovations in product development and a variety of other topics. Partners Pamela Poland Chen, Alexandra Farmer, Daniel Kahl and Christopher Palmer will lead the panel discussion “SEC Regulatory Outlook: Rulemaking Priorities, Exams and ESG.” 📅 Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/ek5Uj9Yj
In this article for Bloomberg Law, partner Lee A. Mayberry and associate Nicole Cleminshaw discuss the Commodities Futures and Trading Commission’s rules on whistleblowers and how they align with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s model. 💡 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eQDR2d6v
A Kirkland team led by capital markets partners Josh Korff, Tamar Donikyan and Christie Mok and debt finance partners Rachael Lichman and Osaro Aifuwa advised Six Flags Entertainment Corporation in a series of financing transactions establishing the combined capital structure of the new public company to be formed in the merger-of-equals between Six Flags and Cedar Fair, L.P.
We’re proud to sponsor the Securities Enforcement Forum West on May 23, which will cover the most important issues now facing attorneys and professionals who work in securities enforcement. Partner Sarah S. Mallett will join the panel “SEC Practice — Developments in Administrative Proceedings, Trials, Testimony, Wells Process, Settlements and More.” Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/ecWkqCav
A Kirkland team led by corporate partners Matthew Arenson, Michael Weisser and Lee Blum and debt finance partner Omar Raddawi advised Brightstar Capital Partners on the $1.1 billion acquisition of PlayAGS, Inc.