Tax Lawyer Matt Donnelly Joins Kirkland Ellis

Kirkland & Ellis announced today that Matt Donnelly has joined the Firm as a partner in the Tax Practice Group.

“Matt is an outstanding tax lawyer with a sophisticated transactional practice that is a perfect fit for Kirkland,” said Jon A. Ballis, Chairman of Kirkland’s Executive Committee. “His broad capabilities across M&A, private equity and financing will be a terrific addition to our platform.”

Mr. Donnelly advises public and private companies on a broad range of federal and state tax issues. His practice focuses on domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, financings and capital markets transactions, as well as restructurings and reorganizations. He has guided clients on spinoffs, split-offs and Reverse Morris Trust transactions, as well as tax-credit and tax-equity financings.

“Matt has built an exceptional practice at the intersection of tax and private equity M&A,” said Sara Zablotney, a Kirkland tax partner. “He is a highly respected and creative adviser with experience that will strengthen our ability to help clients navigate their most complex transactions.”

Mr. Donnelly is a member of the executive committee of the New York State Bar Association Tax Section and a fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel. He serves as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center and frequently speaks and writes on tax-related topics. He was included in the Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Tax Lawyers in 2025. He joins Kirkland from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, where he was a partner.

“Kirkland’s market-leading transactional platform makes the Firm an amazing place to grow my practice,” said Mr. Donnelly. “I’m excited to join the team and work alongside some of the most talented lawyers in the industry to help clients address their most important and challenging tax matters.”