Best Law Firm of the Year 2018
The American Lawyer named Kirkland & Ellis Best Law Firm of the Year at the inaugural American Lawyer Industry Awards. The Awards honor the exceptional work that occurs across the entire legal services delivery spectrum and the increasing interconnectedness among members of that community. Kirkland was also a finalist in the Best Use of Technology category.
The American Lawyer noted “an incredible 19 percent leap in revenue in 2017, (which) helped Kirkland pass the $3 billion mark.” However, financial growth “was just one facet of a remarkable run.” The publication placed particular emphasis on the firm’s handling of Seadrill Ltd.’s $20 billion restructuring and Energy Future Holdings Corp.’s $18.8 billion merger with Sempra Energy. It also noted Kirkland’s representation of Allergan in a series of investigations, inquiries and civil suits, and the firm’s standing at the top of the M&A league tables.
The American Lawyer also recognized Kirkland’s more than 126,000 hours of pro bono service in 2017, including the firm’s efforts in helping overturn Maryland’s segregated higher-education system and its representation of transgender members of the military in striking down President Trump’s ban on their service.