U.S. Innovative Lawyers Report

The Financial Times named Kirkland among the most innovative law firms in the United States in its second "U.S. Innovative Lawyers Report," noting that the Firm brings a "powerful style" to its innovations. In addition to appearing on the report's first "FT Law 25" index of the most innovative firms, Kirkland received commendations for three individual matters.

Kirkland received the highest score in the corporate section and was noted as a "standout" for its work for 3G Capital in the acquisition of Burger King. Kirkland was highly commended for its work for Avis Budget Group in its bid for Dollar Thrifty.

The Firm was also commended as a "standout" in litigation for its work for BP Lubricants in challenging a false marking patent case.

The FT evaluated law firm work based on originality, rationale and impact.

Regarding 3G, the editorial said that Kirkland: "Created a new dual-track deal structure that addressed the concerns of both parties where the use of a traditional structure would have failed. The structure has since been replicated in a number of deals."

Regarding Avis, the report said: "The unorthodox strategy of making an antitrust filing prior to Avis making a bid for Dollar Thrifty enabled Avis to move forward on an offer without a formal bid and was key in getting Dollar Thrifty's investors to vote down a first bid from rival Hertz Global."

Regarding BP Lubricants, the editorial said: "When a motion to dismiss the case against the firm's client was denied, lawyers saw that conflicting decisions across the country had set the conditions of a writ of mandamus. The unusual strategy was successful and allowed the Federal Circuit to clarify the law, resulting in a drop in the number of claims."

Corporate Law Rankings:

1. Kirkland & Ellis

Litigation Rankings:

4. Kirkland & Ellis