Kirkland & Ellis International LLP
Client SatisfactionKirkland & Ellis International LLP represents a stellar roster of private equity funds, particularly in M&A-related and shareholder disputes. It boasts a multi-jurisdictional commercial litigation practice with a strong track record in high-profile cross-border disputes. Practice head Rajinder Bassi‘s ’massive’ international litigation practice sees her represent multinational corporations, government entities and high-profile individuals in high-stakes litigation. ‘First-rate lawyer’ Richard Boynton advises an impressive clientele of international banks, private equity funds and credit funds. Noah Stewart-Ornstein focuses on joint venture and shareholder disputes and fraud and contractual claims. Stuart Doxford is ’excellent’, and Jon Newman is another name to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Rajinder Bassi : great motivator and keeps the team running smoothly. Noah Stewart-Ornstein: hard worker, astute to find creative solutions.’
‘Richard Boynton is a commercial litigation superstar. Having worked with him on many cases, I can safely say he would be my first port of call for any major piece of commercial litigation. He’s massively brainy; he’s a first-rate lawyer, with a very fine breadth of legal expertise; he’s brilliant at organising and running a massive case, and a large team; he’s immensely hard-working; he produces terrifyingly good documents; he’s a fearsome opponent; he’s a delightful team-leader and team-player; and he’s an excellent tactician. He’s monstrously good!'
- Rajinder Bassi is excellent. She, rightfully, has a massive practice. She has a wonderful manner with clients, and with every member of the team that she leads so adeptly; she’s an extremely thoughtful and able lawyer, and tactician; and she radiates both deep commercial experience and great confidence. Absolutely top quality. Noah Stewart-Ornstein is top quality. He’s bright, immensely hard-working, highly articulate, and very able.’
‘They stand out for their intellectual prowess and ability to get on top of a very complex subject matter, and their dedication to challenge accepted ways of doing things to get the best result for their client.’
‘Their lawyers are genuinely clever: they are able to acquire subject matter expertise in quick time and demonstrate incisive understanding and challenge detail on highly technical areas. They are ardent advocates for their clients, always trying to push boundaries to get the best possible result even if that is outside the norm. They combine this with a relaxed, calm and professional approach and are extremely good to work with. Their junior lawyers are also very impressive, showing maturity both personally and professionally beyond their years, demonstrating quiet assurance.’
'A small, focused team, readily accessible and not simply focused on process but thoughtful and contributing sensible views and opinions.’
‘Stuart Doxford is excellent. Other US and magic circle firms drown a matter with endless bodies, few of whom add any value. Stuart and Charlie Griggs have done some excellent work.'
‘Rajinder Bassi and Noah Stewart-Ornstein. What marks them out is their quality as lawyers, their understanding of the clients' needs and objectives, their desire and willingness to go that mile further for their clients to meet their clients' needs, and their working relationship with Counsel.’
Key clients
- Appian Capital Advisory
- Carlyle
- Silver Point Capital
- Varde Partners, Inc.
- AQR Capital Management
- Ad Hoc Group of holders of GKN’s bonds
- Capstone Investment Advisors
- Galapagos Bidco SARL
- McDermott International Ltd
- NZP Limited
- Liveperson Netherlands BV.
- Winton Capital Management
- Wyndham Hotel Group
Work highlights
- Acting for two funds sponsored by Appian Capital Advisory in litigation in the Commercial Court relating to the aborted $1bn sale of two Brazilian mines allegedly on the basis that a geotechnical event amounted to a “material adverse event” under the SPA.
- Acting for McDermott International, Ltd in a highly contested and multifaceted dispute arising out of its attempts to reorganise its debt, successfully securing the court’s approval of the debt restructuring.
- Acting for Carlyle in Commercial Court proceedings against London Southend Airport Company Limited (LSA), in which Carlyle alleges that LSA breached a number of the terms of the loan it made which allows it to accelerate the debt.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Rajinder Bassi