Overview

Asheesh Goel is a one of the leaders of Kirkland’s government & internal investigations practice and serves on the Firm’s Executive Committee. Asheesh advises clients on securities enforcement matters, including internal investigations, government investigations and enforcement actions. Asheesh has developed substantial depth on enforcement matters and transactional issues involving the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other related laws, financial statement and disclosure issues, insider trading and other securities enforcement issues.

Chambers USA noted that he is “very thorough and strategic in the way he thinks with a very sharp and well-developed legal mind.” Chambers Global noted “peers are impressed with the strategic approach of Asheesh Goel,” “deep regulatory experience sees him regularly handling cross-border securities enforcement matters and FCPA issues” and that “[c]lients highlight his ‘great industry knowledge’ and also praise his diplomatic manner, calling him ‘a master of handling difficult conversations.’”

Asheesh’s development of innovative risk management and mapping tools has been featured in publications including the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times and the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. He also teaches a class at the University of Chicago Law School entitled, “International Risks in Cross-Border Transactions.”

Prior to joining Kirkland, Asheesh was the co-chair of Ropes & Gray’s global anti-corruption and international risks practice and managing partner of the Chicago office. Asheesh also held the position of branch chief with the Securities & Exchange Commission, Division of Enforcement, where he spearheaded numerous high-profile investigations and litigation involving financial statement and disclosure fraud, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, insider trading, investment advisory fraud and other potential violations of the securities laws. During his tenure at the SEC, Asheesh received three Special Act Awards for exemplary work on investigations and litigation.

More

Recognition

The Best Lawyers in America – “Lawyer of the Year” for Litigation – Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy), Chicago (2024)

The Best Lawyers in America (2019–2024)

Benchmark Litigation – Litigation Star (2015, 2019–2024)

Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business (2013–2024)

Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business (2014–2023)

Who’s Who Legal – Investigations (2023)

The Legal 500 United States (2019–2023)

Crain’s Notable Minorities in Accounting, Consulting & Law (2019–2020)

Crain’s Notable Gen X Leaders in Law (2019)

The Legal 500 Latin America (2016) 

India Business Law Journal: Significant Player in India (2014–2015)

Latinvex: Top 100 Lawyers in Latin America (2016)

Lawyers of Color – Power List (2014)

Illinois Super Lawyers (2012–2022)

Illinois Super Lawyers – Rising Stars (2011)

The Chicago Daily Bulletin, “40 Under 40 Lawyers to Watch in 2008”

Memberships & Affiliations

Board of Trustees, Morton Arboretum

Board of Trustees, Steppenwolf Theatre Company 

Dean’s Advisory Board, University of Illinois College of Law

Lecturer In Law, University of Chicago Law School

Board Member, Chicago Bar Foundation (2016)

Regional Chairman, Association of SEC Alumni (ASECA) (2014–2015)

Past Member, Board of Directors, American Red Cross, Chicago Region

Past President, Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area

Past Member, Merit Selection Committee, United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Credentials

Admissions & Qualifications

  • 2007District of Columbia
  • 1995Illinois

Courts

  • Supreme Court of the United States
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Education

  • University of Illinois College of LawJ.D.magna cum laude1995
    Associate Editor, University of Illinois Law Review
  • University of IllinoisB.S., Financewith Highest Distinction1992

    University and College Honors