North America Innovative Lawyers Report 2014

Kirkland was named the most innovative law firm of 2014 at the Financial Times North America Innovative Lawyers awards. The FT attributed the Firm’s top ranking to “a balanced performance across … categories.” Kirkland was recognized for six “standout” or “commended” deals in the corporate, litigation and finance categories and also received praise in the business of law category for its alumni program and a private M&A database that the FT said “could become a game changer for legal innovation.”

Corporate partner Stephen Fraidin was also profiled as one of the 10 leading individual innovators of the year for his use of novel structures in deals including Community Health Systems' acquisition of Health Management Associates and 3G Capital Management’s acquisition with Berkshire Hathaway of H.J. Heinz Company. The FT recognized Stephen as “a pioneer who helped develop the techniques of the specialist M&A deal lawyer."