Kirkland & Ellis has hired a partner from Latham & Watkins to bolster its secondaries practice in London, according to a source familiar with the move.
New Hire Details
The new partner, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, joins Kirkland & Ellis from Latham & Watkins, where they focused on secondary transactions in the private equity space. The hire is part of Kirkland & Ellis's ongoing expansion of its private equity and secondaries capabilities in the European market.
Secondaries transactions involve the buying and selling of existing private equity fund stakes, a growing area of the market as investors seek liquidity. The hire underscores the competitive nature of the legal market for private equity talent in London.
Market Context
Kirkland & Ellis has been actively building its secondaries practice globally, with London being a key hub for European deal flow. The firm has previously hired from competitors to strengthen its team. Latham & Watkins has also maintained a strong secondaries practice, making the departure notable.
According to the source, the new partner is expected to bring a strong book of business and client relationships to Kirkland & Ellis. The firm has not officially commented on the hire.
Impact on the Legal Landscape
The move highlights the ongoing war for talent among top law firms in the private equity sector. London remains a central market for secondaries transactions, with firms competing for experienced partners who can handle complex deal structures. The hire is likely to bolster Kirkland & Ellis's ability to advise on large-scale secondary deals in Europe.
This development comes as the secondaries market continues to grow, driven by investor demand for liquidity and portfolio management. The new partner's experience at Latham & Watkins is expected to be a valuable asset for Kirkland & Ellis as it seeks to capture a larger share of this market.
