Kirkland & Ellis built its reputation on the backs of trial attorneys Thomas Yannucci, who has headed the firm’s worldwide management committee since 2001. He is being replaced by Jeffrey Hammes, a corporate attorney from the private equities practice who has been with the firm since 1985 and has helped Kirkland & Ellis expand their private equity practice beyond Chicago. He was also instrumental in establishing the firm’s foothold in northern California.

Kirkland & Ellis has 9 offices total, with 6 in the United States. They are best known for their litigation, bankruptcy, and intellectual property departments. They have a track record of high revenues and profits, topping $1.3 billion in revenues in 2007.