Leading Secondaries Lawyer Christian Vareika Joins Kirkland

Kirkland & Ellis announced today that Christian Vareika has joined the Firm as a partner in the Investment Funds Group.

“Christian is well known for leading complex transactions in the secondary market, including continuation vehicles and other liquidity solutions,” said Jon A. Ballis, Chairman of Kirkland’s Executive Committee. “With demand in this area only continuing to grow, we’re excited to welcome Christian and deepen our already strong roster.”

Mr. Vareika advises leading institutional investors, including sovereign investors, pension funds, secondary buyers and other large investors, on a wide range of alternative investment transactions, with a particular focus on liquidity solutions. He represents clients in continuation vehicle transactions, secondary purchases and sales, structured liquidity transactions, co-investments, direct investments and joint ventures.

“Christian is a terrific lawyer and will seamlessly plug into our liquidity solutions team, which remains in high demand,” said Erica Berthou and Daniel Lavon-Krein, investment funds partners and members of Kirkland’s Executive Committee. “His hire helps Kirkland keep pace with, and get ahead of, further growth in this segment of the fund transactions market, ensuring we continue to have the depth and breadth of bench available to meet the needs of all our clients.”

Mr. Vareika is recognized as a leading investment funds lawyer by Chambers Global and Chambers USA. He has been described by clients as a lawyer who “leads us through difficult transactions and always conveys complex issues in a clear and concise manner” and “is an up-and-coming superstar.”

“Kirkland has a dynamic presence and offers the top platform for investment funds and secondaries,” said Mr. Vareika. “I look forward to helping the Firm grow this business and serve clients as the market for liquidity solutions continues to expand.”