Dealmakers of the Year Finalist: Matthew Arenson, Kirkland & Ellis

Matthew Arenson was named a finalist for “Dealmakers of the Year” by Daily Business Review and participated in a Q&A.

Matthew Arenson, partner with Kirkland & Ellis, is one of the finalists of the Daily Business Review's Dealmakers of the Year award. Read a Q&A with the firm below.

What are some of your most significant achievements of the past year?

I help lead Kirkland’s Miami office, which opened in 2022 as a major addition to the Firm. What began with a small group of attorneys has grown into a team of more than 80 attorneys across multiple practice areas, including M&A, investment funds, debt finance and litigation. In 2025, we continued to expand our offerings in Miami with the addition of a restructuring team, and we will be moving into a new office space this year. Throughout this period of growth, we’ve continued to develop and deepen client relationships here in Miami, and I have had the opportunity to work closely with a number of new clients.

What does it take to become a trusted transactional lawyer in Florida?

Transactional lawyers who offer technical excellence, practical knowledge and a collaborative approach will always earn the trust of their clients. The most effective dealmakers have an intimate understanding of the markets in which their clients operate, which allows them to confidently navigate the nuances of each transaction, whether a private company M&A deal, a strategic public company transaction, investments in highly regulated industries, or complex cross-border deals. It is also vital that a transactional attorney focus on their clients’ specific business objectives and pursue practical solutions to achieve these goals. And finally, successful dealmakers must thoughtfully assemble deal teams of talented and collaborative lawyers and invest in their growth and empowerment. Kirkland clients demand industry-leading talent and cutting-edge legal services, and we are dedicated to developing lawyers who are the best in their fields.

Dealmakers are extraordinarily busy people. What must firms do to ensure that they remain engaged with pro bono work, their communities and their families?

The most effective way to keep attorneys involved in pro bono work, community involvement and personal wellbeing is to set the tone at the top. Kirkland leadership does exactly that, recognizing that these other commitments are an integral part of personal and professional success. This intentional approach cultivates lawyers who are more engaged and motivated, better partners to their clients and stronger contributors to their communities.