Kirkland & Ellis International LLP

Client Satisfaction

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP houses a market-leading fund formation practice which, in recent months, has represented and closed various funds, involving billions of dollars in capital commitments. The team’s strength and depth allow it to advise on the full spectrum of issues concerning private funds and have granted it a pre-eminent position in the secondary market. Co-chair Richard Watkins acts as relationship partner to some of the firm’s most significant clients and takes active roles in their major transactions. Fellow co-chair Christopher Braunack is regularly instructed by top sponsors to help facilitate a number of critical formations. Theodore Cardos is a prolific secondary solutions lawyer, regularly advising on multi-billion dollar transactions. Anand Damodaran advises on numerous high-profile fund formations, fundraisings, and closures; Amala Ejikeme advises global sponsors on fund formations employing a litany of investment strategies; and Andrew Shore focuses on the structuring and establishment of private funds. Head of the liquidity solutions practice, Aleksander Bakic boasts a deep understanding of secondary transactions. Amy Fox is capable in matters involving alternative asset classes, such as separate account arrangements and co-investments.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The Kirkland & Ellis private markets team are exceptional in the field of fund formation, standing out for their knowledge of the market, strength of the team, responsiveness at all levels but in particular at the Partner level, and their collaboration to resolve issues.'
‘Responsiveness and willingness to invest in building a strong relationship is what stands out with the Kirkland & Ellis team. We have worked with Richard Watkins for many years and the trust and knowledge built in that time has ensured that we can pick up the phone at any time and deal with an issue efficiently.'
‘The team is market-leading with vast knowledge and expertise in the area. Partners and Associates are experts in client management as well as understanding and executing transaction structures. The team's strong hold on the GP-led restructuring market across Europe is commendable, along with a strong presence in LP secondaries, fundraising, etc.'
‘We regularly work with Ted Cardos, Aleks Bakic, Tarsis Goncalves and other partners from the team. Their commercial sense of client management and deal management is unmatched. They have strong technical capabilities as well as a commercial attitude.'
‘The Kirkland team I have worked with is notable for an exceptional level of professionalism combined with very deep market and transaction knowledge. I view them as being perhaps the best-informed group in the secondary funds market regarding developments and trends in transaction terms. I view them as uniquely well-placed to advise on complex secondary transactions.’
‘I have worked extensively with Ted Cardos and Tarsis Goncalves. Both are proactive, responsive and thoughtful. I particularly value their commercial perspective on deals given a detailed understanding of the whole market. I also appreciate their ability to highlight the open issues that we really need to be worried about.'
‘Unparalleled depth and breadth within fund formation. They have a market-leading position, are involved in most high-profile fundraisings, and have access to a lot of data and experience. Very technically skilled team.’

Key clients

Actis
Apax Partners
Arrow Global
Bowmark Capital
Bridgepoint Credit
EQT
Fremman Capital
IK Partners
Inflexion Private Equity Partners
Pollen Street Capital
Preservation Capital Partners
Resolution Life
TDR Capital
Coller Capital
GHO Capital
HarbourVest
Investindustrial
LEA Partners
Oakley Capital
One Equity Partners
PAI Partners
Park Square
Triton Partners

Work highlights

Advised Arrow Global in connection with the raising of their second credit opportunities fund.
Advised Bridgepoint Credit on the completion of Bridgepoint Direct Lending III investable capital of €3.4 billion.
Advised Triton Partners on its continuation fund transaction involving four portfolio companies to a newly formed vehicle.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Anand Damodaran