Biglaw

Founder Builds Biglaw Empire… By Leaving The Firm

The easiest way to build a young firm is to become its biggest client.

Answer: Kirkland & Ellis. Co-founder Robert R. McCormick (the other co-founder was Stuart G. Shepard) left his young firm in 1920 to take over the Chicago Tribune, founded by his grandfather Joseph Medill. Partner Weymouth Kirkland and associate Howard Ellis joined the firm in 1915, and would come to define the business.

One assumes McCormick would roll over in his grave if he ever saw the word “Tronc.”

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