The World's Leading Lawyers 2003
Chambers and Partners has compiled their independent and objective list of The World's Leading Lawyers based on research gathered during thousands of interviews of leading practitioners and clients around the world. This guide - designed to reflect market opinion - contains a view of the firms and attorneys who are considered the best in their field.
"Banking and Finance"
In Chambers' 2003 review of national legal talent in the area of "Banking and Finance," our Firm and our lawyers are listed among the best in the country.
Chambers' comments:
Illinois
Ranking: 5
The Firm: Although rarely found representing major lenders, the firm is still deemed an "important market presence" due to its strong sponsor client base. In keeping with the firm's general profile, the group has a heavy emphasis on LBO and private equity transactions, acting for a range of equity investors, pension funds, mezzanine lenders, buyout sponsors and borrowers. In addition to an established practice in aircraft finance, the group is developing a reputation for representing investors in mezzanine securities.
The Lawyers: Partners Christopher Butler and Andrew Kaufman handle secured and unsecured financing transactions from within the firm's corporate transactional department.
"Litigation: General Commercial"
In Chambers' 2003 review of national legal talent in the area of "Litigation: General Commercial," our Firm and our lawyers are listed among the best in the country.
Chambers' comments:
New York
Ranking: 4
The Firm: Top of the field in Chicago, the firm also has a highly rated litigation department in New York, which gains market plaudits for its "trial-ready" philosophy and "hands-on" litigators. The workload encompasses commercial and contract disputes, securities and stockholder mass torts, and the team has an excellent track record in winning high-profile product liability cases involving complex scientific and technical issues. IP litigation on behalf of global pharmaceutical and telecom companies is another niche area of expertise, and the firm recently defended Hermes in a trademark infringement case.
The Clients: Infineon Technologies; Siemens and Hermes.
"Private Equity: Fund Formation"
In Chambers' 2003 review of national legal talent in the area of "Private Equity: Fund Formation," our Firm and our lawyers are listed among the best in the country.
Chambers' comments:
New York
Ranking: 3
The Firm: The fund formation activities of this group are bolstered by the buyout expertise of its transactional attorneys. Although the team in New York has yet to match the Chicago offices dominance of its market, it remains a respected operation that focuses on the creation of domestic and international private equity funds. Attorneys in the firm's London and DC offices ensure an integrated service available for international clients.
The Lawyers: Kirk Radke is better known for his transactional experience, but remains respected for his work in the creation of buyout funds. He and the team recently closed a $3 billion newly created fund for Citigroup Venture Capital.
The Clients: Vestar Capital Partners; CVC Capital Partners; Bain Capital Partners; Merrill Lynch; Citigroup; Morgan Stanley Capital Partners; Whitney Group; AEA Investors; Cornerstone Partners and Catterton Partners.
Other Kirkland practice areas mentioned in The World's Leading Lawyers 2003 include:
Corporate/M&A
Insolvency/Corporate Recovery
Intellectual Property
Private Equity: Buyouts & Investments
Tax
Reprinted with permission from Chambers and Partners: The World's Leading Lawyers 2003.
