Transatlantic Elite 2008

In its inaugural supplement, "The Transatlantic Elite," The Lawyer named Kirkland one of 16 law firms currently "leading the transatlantic market for the provision of top-end transactional services." Noting the Firm's work for clients such as Bain Capital, LLC, Apax Partners, CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC, CVC Capital Partners Limited and TowerBrook Capital Partners, L.P., The Lawyer commented, "Its [Kirkland's] success in building a U.S. business has, to an extent, been replicated in the UK — a practice that is best described as private equity derivative."

The publication said each of its "Sweet Sixteen" law firms "deserves its place on the basis of a stellar client base, regular roles on top deals, market-leading finances and the cream of the legal market talent." To create its list, The Lawyer referenced data including law firm finances, lawyer headcounts and deals tables as well as interviews with partners, consultants and legal market watchers.