Kirkland & Ellis Adds Leading Mass Tort Restructuring Lawyers Dan Prieto and Amanda Rush
Kirkland & Ellis announced today that Dan Prieto and Amanda Rush have joined the Firm as partners and will be the first members of the Firm’s Restructuring Group based in Dallas.
“Dan and Amanda are highly accomplished attorneys with significant experience within the mass torts arena, as well as restructuring more broadly,” said Jon A. Ballis, Chairman of Kirkland’s Executive Committee. “They will immediately contribute on restructuring matters across the platform, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to Kirkland and our Dallas office.”
Mr. Prieto is known within the legal world for helping design and implement strategies to address mass-tort liabilities, including many cases involving asbestos and talc claims. He advises companies and other stakeholders on complex Chapter 11 reorganizations, out-of-court restructurings and distressed M&A transactions. He has played a leading role in numerous high-profile bankruptcy matters and is one of the most experienced lawyers in the country for asbestos and other mass tort claims resolution processes in Chapter 11.
Ms. Rush is also known for her significant experience resolving legacy liabilities, including asbestos and talc claims. Additionally, she advises clients on complex restructuring and insolvency matters, including Chapter 11 cases, out-of-court restructurings, cross-border insolvencies and distressed M&A transactions, and she has represented companies across a range of industries, including energy, retail, chemicals and technology.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dan and Amanda as the first members of the restructuring team in Dallas,” said Edward Sassower and Josh Sussberg, Kirkland restructuring partners and members of the Firm’s Executive Committee. “We couldn’t imagine two better hires who will fit seamlessly into both our mass torts restructuring practice as well as our recent mass tort buildout in litigation.”
In January 2025, Kirkland announced the hire of five new partners led by nationally renowned litigator and trial lawyer, Alli Brown, with a focus on product liability, mass torts and complex commercial litigation. This was followed in May 2025 by the addition of a 30-person product liability and mass tort litigation team led by Kristen Fournier, Kim Bueno, Morty Dubin and John Ewald. The firm now has more than 200 attorneys within its mass tort group.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Dan and Amanda for years,” said Ms. Brown. “They are outstanding lawyers who bring significant mass tort restructuring experience to our team. They will hit the ground running and provide even more momentum to our top-tier practice.”
Mr. Prieto and Ms. Rush join Kirkland from Jones Day where they were partners.
“Kirkland is the premier brand for sophisticated restructuring and litigation,” said Mr. Prieto. “It’s a perfect platform for our practice, and we’re looking forward to collaborating with the terrific group of talented attorneys at the Firm.”
“I’m extremely excited to join Kirkland and to be part of the Firm’s premier restructuring practice,” said Ms. Rush.