William R. Burke

Partner Capital Markets
Kirkland & Ellis International LLP

Overview

William Burke is state of the art in terms of financial sponsor representation, and simply the best as far as leveraged finance is concerned.” - Chambers UK, 2024

William Burke is a partner in Kirkland’s London office and practices in Kirkland’s Capital Markets Group. Mr. Burke has extensive experience in U.S. and international finance and capital markets transactions. He has represented issuers and sponsors both in the U.S. and abroad with respect to high yield offerings, registered equity offerings, investment grade offerings, restructurings, debt tender/consent solicitations, private placements and preferred securities offerings. William also represents private equity sponsors and other clients in acquisitions, dispositions, mergers and material commercial agreements.

External Recognition

  • Chambers UK (2024): Ranked in High-Yield Products – London and described by clients as a “always well engaged, thoughtful and intelligent with his input.”
  • The Legal 500 UK (2024): Recognised as a “Hall of Fame” lawyer in High Yield
  • IFLR1000 (2023): Recognised as “Market Leader” for Capital markets: Debt

More

Recognition

Chambers UK, “William is extremely sophisticated, commercial and adaptable,” 2024

Chambers Global, The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business, 2012–2024

The Legal 500 UK, Hall of Fame lawyer in High Yield, 2024

IFLR1000 UK, Market Leader for Capital Markets: Debt, 2023

IFR Awards, “Europe High-Yield Bond” award for Pinewood's £550 million six-year bond, 2019

IFR Awards, “Europe High-Yield Bond” award for Maxeda DIY Holding B.V.’s offering of €475 million 61/8% Senior Secured Notes, 2017

Transatlantic Legal Awards, “Transatlantic Debt Capital Markets Team of the Year,” 2017

Law360, “Capital Markets Group Of The Year,” 2015

The Legal 500, “Firm Specialism Award for High Yield,” 2014

IFLR Europe, “Team of the Year for High Yield,” 2014

Served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1995–1999

Credentials

Admissions & Qualifications

  • 2003New York
  • 2005Illinois

Education

  • Columbia Law SchoolJ.D.2002
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignB.A., History1995