Kirkland Adds Structured Finance Partner Darren Littlejohn

Kirkland & Ellis announced today that Darren Littlejohn has joined the Firm as a partner in the Debt Finance Group and will be part of the Firm’s Complex Securitizations Practice.

“Darren is a highly respected structured finance attorney and a recognized leader in the derivatives space, as well,” said Jon A. Ballis, Chairman of Kirkland’s Executive Committee. “We’re excited to have him on our strong and growing complex securitizations team.”

Mr. Littlejohn represents a diverse client base across multiple asset classes, including asset managers, lenders, private equity sponsors, corporations, pension funds and market infrastructure providers. He advises on synthetic, financing and derivative products and structures. Mr. Littlejohn combines deep regulatory knowledge with strong transactional experience when it comes to structuring and execution, shaped by a decade at Goldman Sachs.

“We are excited to add Darren’s experience to Kirkland’s structured credit practice,” said Michael Urschel, a partner in the Complex Securitizations Practice Group. “His experience — especially at the intersection with the world of synthetic and derivatives-based financings — will provide a huge benefit to our clients that look to us for the most sophisticated advice.”

Mr. Littlejohn is ranked Band 2 in Chambers Global (2023–2025) for Derivatives and is recognized as a Recommended Lawyer for Structured Finance: Derivatives and Structured Products by The Legal 500 U.S. (2025). He is described in Chambers USA as “a fantastic lawyer from a technical standpoint with a significant breadth of relevant expertise,” who is “pragmatic in his analysis of relevant issues.”

“I look forward to joining this highly regarded team and helping Kirkland further grow its structured credit practice,” said Mr. Littlejohn. “I’m excited to join Kirkland’s collaborative culture and exceptional resources.”