‘City powerhouse’ Kirkland & Ellis International LLP is variously praised by clients for its ‘deep market knowledge’ and ‘high customer service’. It maintains a dominant position in the London market, acting for leading buyout names on multi-billion-pound acquisitions, exits, and take-privates. In recent months, the team has taken steps to concentrate its position further with the hire of infrastructure specialist Sara Pickersgill, who joined from Allen & Overy in January 2023. The large practice is jointly chaired by David Higgins, a key contact for many of the firm’s top clients, and Matthew Elliott, whose recent highlights include big-ticket acquisitions and divestments in the infrastructure and real estate sectors. Adrian Maguire is regularly engaged on multi-billion-dollar transactions, most recently in the manufacturing and life sciences arenas, while the ’vastly experienced‘ Stuart Boyd is lauded for bringing ’a real gravitas to the negotiating table.‘ Other names to note include Celyn Evans, whose sponsor-side practice is focused on the infrastructure and real asset sectors. David Holdsworth left to become general counsel at TDR Capital in January 2023, while Tom McCarthy left for a position at Triton Partners in October 2022. Rachel Wolfenden joined Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP in December 2022. Partner Roger Johnson left the firm in August 2023.
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Good mix of legal and commercial advice, delivered with high customer service.’
'Very responsive. Deep market knowledge. Good balance of technical and commercial skills.'
‘Stuart Boyd always displays high customer service and good thinking outside the box.’
‘K&E's PE and corporate team is a City powerhouse. They take reasonable positions, guide their clients expertly away from danger, are relentless in their efforts to close deals, very pleasant to deal with. Very, very knowledgeable and, after having done many deals with them to date, I've yet to see them lose a debate with counsel for the other side. Remarkable.’
‘Stuart Boyd and Dan Clarke are two expert professionals. Dan is a relatively junior partner, but leads his deal teams smoothly and with humility. Nevertheless, he's very knowledgeable and technically excellent.'
‘Very responsive and willing to go the extra mile. Leave no stone unturned. Very pro-sponsor, and achieve strong terms.’
'Celyn Evans, Andrew McAlpine are outstanding. They are diligent and thoughtful and are skilled and practical negotiators.'
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
David Higgins, Matthew Elliott