Overview

Elizabeth Hess is a partner in Kirkland’s government and internal investigations and litigation practices and a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. Elizabeth represents leading corporations in high-stakes criminal and civil enforcement matters, internal investigations and complex civil litigation. With deep experience across a range of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, technology and various other government contractors, she routinely delivers favorable results in complex, multifaceted and multijurisdictional government enforcement investigations and related litigation involving the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, state attorneys general and other regulatory agencies. She also advises clients on compliance and risk management across a range of areas.

Beyond her government-facing work, Elizabeth is also an accomplished litigator, having represented clients in False Claims Act litigation, securities and shareholder litigation, nationwide class actions and other civil litigation involving breach of contract, unfair and deceptive trade practices, consumer fraud and professional liability involving auditors and accountants, architects, engineers and contractors.

Elizabeth is consistently recognized as a top-tier attorney in her field. Benchmark Litigation has named her one of the “Top 250 Women in US Litigation” for seven consecutive years and previously included her on its “40 & Under Hot List.” She has also been recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of “Chicago’s Notable Women in Law” and by Law360 and Super Lawyers multiple times as a “Rising Star” and “go-to attorney” for clients facing government enforcement investigations and regulatory issues.

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Recognition

Named as a “Litigation Star” by Benchmark Litigation in 2019–2025.

Recognized as one of the Top 250 Women in U.S. Litigation in 2017–2024 by Benchmark Litigation

Named as one of “Chicago’s Notable Women in Law” by Crain’s Chicago Business in 2020.

Named to Benchmark Litigation’s “40 & Under Hot List” in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020.

Named to The Legal 500 U.S. for Construction (including construction litigation), Corporate Investigations and White-Collar Criminal Defense and Securities: Shareholder Litigation.

Named a “Rising Star” in 2016 and 2017 by Law360.

Named an “Illinois Rising Star” by Super Lawyers magazine in 2010–2012.

Credentials

Admissions & Qualifications

  • 2004Illinois

Education

  • University of Chicago Law SchoolJ.D.2004
  • University of ChicagoB.A., Political Sciencewith Honors2001

    Phi Beta Kappa