Dealmakers of the Year Finalists: Hamed Meshki, Kirkland & Ellis

Hamed Meshki was named a finalist for “Dealmakers of the Year” by The Recorder and participated in a Q&A.

Hamed Meshki of Kirkland & Ellis is one of the finalists of The Recorder's Dealmakers of the Year award. Read a Q&A with him below.

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

I help lead Kirkland’s Los Angeles office and M&A practice in all facets. I am committed to the growth of our LA office and to the training and development of our lawyers. Over the past year, in response to client demand for our services, we have continued to grow our LA office across all practice areas. We have also advanced several important initiatives designed to attract and retain attorney talent, including with respect to attorney training initiatives.

The same commitment to development and service has also guided my work beyond the firm. From my early years as an associate at Kirkland through today, one of the most meaningful aspects of this past year has been the opportunity to apply my legal expertise to serve my community. Kirkland’s leadership has consistently committed to providing pro bono services as a core responsibility as a way give back to our community. I serve as an adviser to the Board of Directors of Keep Children In School Foundation (KCIS), a nonprofit organization founded in 2010, which is focused on providing financial support for educational needs for underprivileged children all over the world. We dedicate the same enthusiasm and resources that we devote to our billable work.

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

Becoming a trusted lawyer means earning the confidence of others and building relationships grounded in mutual respect and good faith.

With respect to clients, that means putting yourself in your clients’ shoes, and helping them navigate the issues they face, with solutions that are at the core of their priorities. I’ve had the privilege of leading various significant client relationships and developing strong and trusting partnerships with the individuals at those organizations. Additionally, I regularly conduct M&A training programs for investment professionals at several leading private equity clients, and I have been entrusted to work closely with and mentor mid-level professionals at these firms.

With respect to our own attorney teams, this means creating opportunities for our junior and mid-level attorneys to work on meaningful client opportunities, and then ensuring they are recognized for their contributions. Building and nurturing meaningful relationships has always been at the heart of my practice.

What advice would you give to someone who is starting out in your field?

As with life, the nature of our business involves unexpected challenges. So to be successful, one must fully anticipate and prepare for all that can be expected and to have the capacity and clear-mindedness to address the unexpected when it inevitably arises. To earn the trust and respect of our clients, we need them to be confident that we understand and value their priorities, but also that we are adept and prepared to address all the challenges that present themselves on the path to achieving those priorities. Earning and maintaining that trust and respect builds true connections that leave a lasting and meaningful impact—one that can continue to evolve in unforeseeable ways throughout one’s career.