Kirkland Gets Willkie Farr Attorney Friedman for Private Equity

Kirkland & Ellis is bolstering its private equity practice by adding M&A specialist Bradley Friedman from Willkie Farr & Gallagher as a partner in New York.

Friedman focuses on mergers and acquisitions involving asset managers and other financial services firms, as well as sales of general partner interests.

“Brad is among the most experienced lawyers in the country for asset management M&A and sales of GP interests — areas where we see strong growth as the private equity industry continues to evolve,” said Jon A. Ballis, Chairman of Kirkland’s executive committee, in a statement.

Friedman will work closely with Kirkland’s premier investment funds and M&A practice groups, adding capabilities in the asset management M&A space.

“We continue to see heightened interest by fund sponsors for asset management deals, GP stakes and other fund-level transactions, and Brad’s expertise and experience will help us meet this increased demand,” said Daniel Lavon-Krein, a partner in Kirkland’s investment funds group in New York.

Kirkland said its private equity practice has more than 500 sponsors, and it has been ranked first among legal advisers both for number of private equity buyouts and fund formations.

“Having the largest private equity practice gives us great visibility into where the market is heading,” Ballis said.