Brian Ford, P.C.

Brian Ford, a corporate partner in Kirkland & Ellis' Los Angeles and Bay Area offices, is renowned for his extensive practice in complex financing transactions. With over two decades of experience advising lenders, borrowers and sponsors, Brian combines technical excellence with a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach that clients trust.

His work spans syndicated and direct lending, acquisition finance, restructuring, asset-based lending and cross-border financings, regularly advising on deals of all sizes that require both precision and commercial insight. Brian is known not only for his legal acumen, but also for his ability to navigate clients through sophisticated transactions with clarity and confidence.

Brian has been recognized by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business since 2019, in the area of Banking & Finance for California. In the 2025 edition of Chambers, a client reported Brian is “a fantastic debt lawyer. He knows credit documents well, is very commercial and has built strong relationships across the industry.” In the 2022 edition of Chambers, a client said his “business judgment and ability to weigh legal and business considerations sets him apart.” According to the 2019 edition of Chambers, a client praised Brian as “phenomenal to work with in terms of driving the right result for clients on both sides” while another client stated that he had an “[understanding of] the market and where the pressure points are.” Brian was also recognized in the 2020 edition of The Legal 500 U.S. in the area of Commercial Lending, where clients noted he is “top-notch” and a “smart, responsive and commercial lawyer who gives great advice.”

The Los Angeles Times also named Brian to its 2021 list of “Banking and Finance Visionaries” for the inaugural issue of their Banking & Finance Magazine.

Recognized by clients and peers alike for his strategic thinking and collaborative style, Brian continues to be go-to advisor in the market for complex debt arrangements and innovative financing structures.