Real Estate Partner Wesley Smith Joins Kirkland
Kirkland & Ellis announced today that Wesley Smith has joined the Firm as a partner in the Real Estate Practice Group.
“Wes brings terrific experience and a great reputation for advising on complex real estate transactions including those involving hybrid capital, data centers and digital infrastructure, which have been huge growth areas for the Firm,” said Jon A. Ballis, Chairman of Kirkland’s Executive Committee. “We look forward to him joining the Kirkland team.”
Mr. Smith advises institutional investors, borrowers and lenders on a wide range of real estate debt and equity transactions, with a particular focus on digital infrastructure development and construction financings. His practice includes originating and restructuring of mortgage, mezzanine, construction and bridge loans, as well as other co-lender arrangements across asset classes such as digital infrastructure, hospitality, office, retail, industrial, logistics and multifamily properties.
“We are thrilled to welcome Wes to our real estate team,” said Kevin Ehrhart, a Kirkland partner in the Real Estate Practice Group. “He has worked with some of the most active investors and developers on data center and digital infrastructure financings, and his deep knowledge and experience will further strengthen the build out of our preeminent digital infrastructure and real assets practice. Wes is a true leader, and we are excited to include him on our team.”
Mr. Smith has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch from 2021 through 2024. He joins Kirkland from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, where he was a partner. Before beginning his legal career, Mr. Smith served nine years on active duty in the U.S. Army, including as a Ranger with the 75th Ranger Regiment and as a Staff Sergeant.
“The tremendous growth in the data center and digital infrastructure sector has created significant opportunities across the real estate market,” said Mr. Smith. “I look forward to joining Kirkland’s leading platform and working across the firm to help clients navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.”
