Gregory C. Ryckman
Overview
Greg Ryckman litigates complex commercial cases at both the trial and appellate levels in federal and state courts across the country. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation including class actions, mass tort and products liability cases and professional negligence matters. Greg is also a certified public accountant. For nearly five years before joining the Firm, Greg focused on auditing matters, tax, and forensic examination.
In addition to his client work, Greg oversees the development and implementation of a variety of administrative initiatives to support Kirkland’s global litigation department. He also supports the General Counsel’s office on certain legal matters affecting the Firm.
Experience
Representative Matters
In re Heparin Products Liability Litigation
Represented pharmaceutical manufacturer in consolidated multidistrict products liability litigation and coordinated state-court proceedings involving manufacture of allegedly contaminated products. Obtained summary judgment on several categories of claims, resulting in dismissal or favorable settlement of hundreds of claims.
Asbestos Exposure Litigation
National counsel to the Dow Chemical Company in connection with asbestos-related personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Member of trial team in a wrongful death action seeking punitive damages and $21 million compensation. After a three-week trial, the jury returned a defense verdict in Dow’s favor. Nichols v. AMF, Inc., et al., No. 1122-CC01820 (St. Louis, Mo, 2014).
Member of trial team on behalf of Union Carbide in personal injury action arising from alleged exposure to asbestos. Case settled favorably during jury selection.
Counsel to one of the largest property developers in the United States in claims arising from alleged asbestos exposure during the construction of high-rise properties.
In re Humira Litigation
Represented Abbott Laboratories/AbbVie in dozens of personal injury cases filed in federal and state courts across the country alleging harm caused by the prescription drug Humira.
Dahl, et al. v. Bain Capital, et al.
Represented Bain Capital against claims of collusion and bid-rigging in multibillion dollar leveraged buyout transactions from 2002-2006. Won early motion to limit discovery and partial summary judgment.
Accounting Malpractice Litigation
Summary judgment granted on behalf of big-four accounting firm in case arising from the bankruptcy of an auto parts manufacturing conglomerate. Dismissal affirmed by the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Counsel for big-four accounting firm in malpractice lawsuit asserted by litigation trustee of one of the country's largest private midstream oil companies, claiming $2 billion in losses. Several claims dismissed; remaining claim resolved shortly before trial.
Counsel for big-four accounting firm in malpractice lawsuit alleging that auditors should have detected fraud by plaintiff’s former CFO. Greg joined the litigation team following a jury trial verdict in favor of client to assist with the recovery of client’s defense costs and expenses.
In re General Motors Ignition Switch Litigation
Counsel for General Motors LLC in litigation relating to vehicle recalls arising from alleged ignition switch defects. Responsible for handling all aspects of two bellwether trial cases.
Alleged Ponzi Scheme Litigation
Represented nationwide financial services company in claims arising out of an alleged Ponzi scheme developed by one of the company’s registered financial representatives.
More
Recognition
Guest lecturer, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, Practical Issues in Business Law (2012–2016)
Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) Fellow, Northwestern Pritzker Bluhm Legal Clinic
Kirkland & Ellis Pro Bono Service Award
Memberships & Affiliations
Mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters Workplace Mentoring Program
Credentials
Admissions & Qualifications
- 2021California
- 2008Illinois
Education
- Northwestern Pritzker School of LawJ.D.
magna cum laude
2008Public Service Honors - Albion CollegeB.S., Economics
cum laude
2001Gerstacker Institute for Business and Management