Kirkland, under chairman Jeffrey Hammes, has more than doubled its revenues—from $1.4 billion to $3.76 billion—by expanding its private equity, complex litigation, and corporate restructuring practices. That three-pronged growth strategy has made 430-partner Kirkland, with 15 offices in four countries and 2,514 lawyers, the world’s richest law firm for two years running. In terms of pure deal volume in private equity, Kirkland has consistently outperformed its competitors, especially in the vast middle market, where transaction values range from $10 million to $1 billion. Founded in Chicago, Ki... Read More
Kirkland, under chairman Jeffrey Hammes, has more than doubled its revenues—from $1.4 billion to $3.76 billion—by expanding its private equity, complex litigation, and corporate restructuring practices. That three-pronged growth strategy has made 430-partner Kirkland, with 15 offices in four countries and 2,514 lawyers, the world’s richest law firm for two years running. In terms of pure deal volume in private equity, Kirkland has consistently outperformed its competitors, especially in the vast middle market, where transaction values range from $10 million to $1 billion. Founded in Chicago, Kirkland has also been aggressive about poaching big-name partners from competing firms: In 2018 the firm cut a three-year deal with Sandra Goldstein, former chief of litigation at Cravath, Swaine & Moore, guaranteeing her annual compensation of $11 million. Read Less
