Kirkland Signs Lease for New London Space in Landmark Building

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP today announced it has signed a lease for new space in 30 St Mary Axe.  Kirkland will occupy more than 33,000 square feet of space in this landmark building, commonly known as ‘the Gherkin’, in the heart of the financial district.  The Firm will take possession of its new space in November 2005 with the move expected around March 2006.

"This outstanding new space will allow the Firm to grow to meet client needs in Europe," said Kirkland partner Stuart Mills, chair of the Firm's London Operations Committee.  "We are excited to provide a world-class new home for Kirkland lawyers and staff.  The 'wow' factor will be a boon to recruiting efforts."

Kirkland also has an option for two additional floors in the 40-story skyscraper, which opened in May 2004, designed by Foster and Partners, who are also responsible, amongst others, in London for the design of the Millennium Bridge and City Hall, headquarters of the Greater London Authority.

In October 2004, the building received Britain's premier architectural award, the RIBA Stirling Prize.  It was a unanimous choice by the judges, the first time in the award's nine-year history.  The building, which was featured heavily in imagery for London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympics, also includes a first-class restaurant, private dining rooms and a bar/café exclusively for use by tenants.

In this transaction, Kirkland was represented by Savills property services group and the offices will be designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

Kirkland currently occupies 25,000 square-feet in Tower 42 at 25 Old Broad Street.

About Kirkland & Ellis International LLP

Kirkland & Ellis is an international law firm with 1000 lawyers located in London, Munich, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington DC.  The London office has a reputation as a leading European private equity practice together with experience in Corporate Restructuring, M&A and Capital Markets, Tax, Intellectual Property, Banking and Finance, International Litigation and Dispute Resolution.