Michael P. Kenstowicz

Partner Litigation

Chicago +1 312 862 1947

Michael P. Kenstowicz

Overview

Michael P. Kenstowicz is a litigation partner in the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation at both the trial and appellate levels. He has represented clients in litigation matters across a broad array of subjects, including cybersecurity, product liability, restructuring, breach of contract and toxic torts.

Since joining Kirkland, Michael has been involved in the following matters:

  • Obtained dismissal of cybersecurity putative class action.
  • Drafted pre-trial and trial briefs for contribution action arising from train derailment resulting in complete victory for client.
  • Represented Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC in adversary proceeding in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.

Prior to joining Kirkland, Michael was involved in the following matters:

  • Represented Fortune 100 company in nationwide opiate litigation and in special litigation committee investigation.
  • Defended Fortune 200 company in products liability and public nuisance litigations.
  • Represented a pharmacy in acquisition disputes.

Law ClerkHonorable D. Brooks SmithUnited States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit2018–2019

Staff Law ClerkAll Judges of the Seventh CircuitUnited States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit2016–2018

Jones Day, 2019–2024

Since joining Kirkland, Michael has been involved in the following matters:

  • Represented client seeking asylum, withholding of removal and relief under the Convention against Torture.

Prior to joining Kirkland, Michael was involved in the following matters:

  • Represented client in obtaining adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident.
  • Represented client charged with first-degree murder during degree-of-guilt proceedings.
  • Represented clients seeking asylum before Board of Immigration Appeals.

More

Thought Leadership

Publications

Co-Author, “Contracting with Consumers in the US: Overview,” Thompson Reuters, June 1, 2023

Author, “Apprentices of Two Sorcerers: Do Supreme Court Law Clerks Who Clerk for Multiple Justices Nudge Them to Agree?” Temple Law Review Online, vol. 89, 2017

Author, “The Imposition of Discretionary Supervised Released Conditions: Nudging Judges to Follow the Law,” The University of Chicago Law Review, vol. 82, 2015

Credentials

Admissions & Qualifications

  • 2025Illinois
  • 2016Pennsylvania

Courts

  • United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania

Education

  • University of Chicago Law SchoolJ.D.2016

    Book Review & Symposium Editor, The University of Chicago Law Review

    Research Assistant, Judge Richard Posner and Professor William Landes

  • University of ChicagoB.A., Law, Letters and Societywith Honors2012

    Student Marshal

    Phi Beta Kappa