Joshua Korff > Kirkland & Ellis LLP > New York, United States > Lawyer Profile

Kirkland & Ellis LLP Offices

Kirkland & Ellis LLP
601 LEXINGTON AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10022
NEW YORK
United States
Visit website 1 212 446 4800 1 212 446 4900

Joshua Korff

Joshua Korff photo
+1 212-446-4943 joshua.korff@kirkland.com

Position

Josh Korff represents private equity sponsors and public companies in connection with all forms of capital markets transactions. With a focus primarily on initial public offerings, high-yield and acquisition finance and complex restructuring matters, Josh shepherds multi-million-dollar deals for Kirkland clients in a broad spectrum of industries. Lauded by The Legal 500 U.S. as “a leader in his field,” he is often ranked first in the United States for IPO Issuer’s Lawyers by IPO Vital Signs.

Clients turn to Josh for his ability to manage challenging transactions that contain a high degree of complexity and uncertainty. They say they appreciate his efficiency and ability to take a complicated situation, translate it into understandable terms and business principles, and advise them on proceeding wisely to achieve their goals. A sharp intellect, strong work ethic, practicality, market knowledge, and top-notch communication skills combined with a unique access to valuable resources make Josh an integral part of an exceptionally capable and results-oriented finance arena legal team.

Josh brings these skills to bear for public companies while simultaneously guiding them through the tricky and ever-evolving compliance landscape that must be negotiated because of the heavier regulations governing their conduct, such as Securities Exchange Commission and Stock Exchange rules and liability laws. Josh’s experience negotiating very favorable terms in financing documents helps assuage private equity clients’ concerns about achieving optimal returns on their investments as they execute complicated transactions. For restructuring clients, Josh contributes a deep understanding of the various players, deal structures and commercial drivers that could help craft a creative and cost-effective strategy for their companies, whether it’s an overhaul of the balance sheet or a liquidation or bankruptcy filing.

Among Josh’s many accolades and honors are his selection to the 2011–2024 editions of Chambers Global, 2007 and 2010–2024 editions of Chambers USA, the 2010–2023 editions of The Legal 500 U.S., the 2012 edition of Who’s Who Legal, the 2007 and 2010–2020 editions of New York Super Lawyers, and the 2008–2009, 2011–2012 and 2018–2022 editions of IFLR1000. Additionally, he was named a 2014 Capital Markets MVP by Law360.

Education

Dartmouth College (A.B., 1990); New York University School of Law (J.D., 1993).

Lawyer Rankings

United States > Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

(Hall of Fame)

Joshua Korff – Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is at the forefront of US IPOs for issuers. Its deal pipeline is fuelled by its client base of private equity houses and their portfolio companies, along with a multitude of other major corporates. Chicago partner Robert Hayward is a leader in equity offerings, particularly those involving issuers based in the Midwest. Christian Nagler is at the forefront of SPAC-related offerings, notably advising Ares Acquisition Corp II on its $500m upsized IPO in 2023. Joshua Korff and Sophia Hudson are also highly-rated partners that cover both debt and equity offerings. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

United States > Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

(Leading lawyers)

Joshua Korff – Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Kirkland & Ellis LLP has a prolific record in high-yield debt offerings stems from its extensive private equity client base, enabling it to advise a raft of sponsor-backed companies in connection with issuances linked to leveraged financings. The firm also has a wider range of larger corporate clients that it advises on high-yield transactions; it recently advised Charter Communications on a series of bulge-bracket high-yield offerings. The firm also has standout capabilities in liability management transactions, and refinancings and restructurings that involve debt offerings. Joshua Korff, Sophia Hudson and Christian Nagler are experienced capital markets specialists with extensive records in the high-yield field. Houston’s Matthew Pacey is another key partner. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

United States > Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is best known for representing sponsor-backed companies in high-yield debt offerings, though it has a much broader practice for public companies and underwriters. The capital markets team is also noted for liability management and restructuring exercises, including Chapter 11 processes; this was an active area of practice for the team in 2023. New York partners Joshua Korff, Sophia Hudson and Christian Nagler are prominent names in debt offerings, along with Chicago partner Robert Hayward. Rachel Sheridan has joined the Washington DC office from Latham & Watkins LLP.

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