William R. Burke

Partner Capital Markets
Kirkland & Ellis International LLP

Overview

William Burke is a partner in Kirkland’s London office and practices in Kirkland’s Capital Markets Group. Mr. Burke has extensive experience in U.S. and international finance and capital markets transactions. He has represented issuers and sponsors both in the U.S. and abroad with respect to high yield offerings, registered equity offerings, investment grade offerings, restructurings, debt tender/consent solicitations, private placements and preferred securities offerings. William also represents private equity sponsors and other clients in acquisitions, dispositions, mergers and material commercial agreements.

External Recognition

  • Chambers UK (2022): Ranked in High-Yield Products – London and described by clients as a “very good lawyer who is very highly regarded.”
  • The Legal 500 UK (2022): Recognised as a “Leading Individual” in High Yield
  • IFLR1000 (2022): Recognised as “Market Leader” for Capital markets: Debt

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Recognition

Chambers UK, “He comes highly recommended for his ability to handle complex bond issuances”, 2022

Chambers Global, The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business, 2012–2023

The Legal 500 UK, Leading Individual in High Yield, 2022

IFLR1000 UK, Market Leader for Capital Markets: Debt, 2022

IFR Awards, “Europe High-Yield Bond” award for Pinewood's £550m six-year bond, 2019

IFR Awards, “Europe High-Yield Bond” award for Maxeda DIY Holding B.V.’s offering of €475 million 61/8% Senior Secured Notes, 2017

Transatlantic Legal Awards, “Transatlantic Debt Capital Markets Team of the Year”, 2017

Law360, "Capital Markets Group Of The Year", 2015

The Legal 500, "Firm Specialism Award for High Yield", 2014

IFLR Europe, “Team of the Year for High Yield", 2014

Served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1995–1999

Credentials

Admissions & Qualifications

  • 2003New York
  • 2005Illinois

Education

  • Columbia Law SchoolJ.D.2002
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignB.A., History1995