Book Of Business: Kirkland Is Killing It
What does K&E's success in the lateral market mean for the rest of Biglaw -- and can it continue?
Last week, I spoke with James Stewart of the New York Times for his article about lateral moves in Biglaw, $11 Million a Year for a Law Partner? Bidding War Grows at Top-Tier Firms. The focus of his piece was the incredible success of Kirkland & Ellis in wooing big-ticket partners from rival firms like Simpson Thacher, Skadden Arps, Latham & Watkins, and Cravath — yes, Cravath, regarded by many as the pinnacle of the law firm world, and as such a firm that rarely witnesses defections to other firms.
Interested in hearing more about K&Es moves in the lateral market? Check out the latest episode of Book of Business, the Biglaw-centric podcast that I’m doing with veteran legal recruiter Robert Kinney, Founder and President of Kinney Recruiting.
In each episode, Robert and I do three things. First, we analyze a recent notable lateral move or collection of moves. Second, we take an in-depth look at a specific legal market. Finally, we offer career advice for the audience of Book of Business — current and aspiring partners at leading law firms.
In our latest installment, our third, we analyze Kirkland’s recent raids on Cravath; conduct a market snapshot for London, which is no longer just a finance center; and offer advice about how to leave your law firm gracefully (inspired by the whole John Quinn/Faith Gay tiff).
Check out Book of Business via the embed or links below, and subscribe to future episodes through your podcast purveyor of choice. Enjoy!
$11 Million a Year for a Law Partner? Bidding War Grows at Top-Tier Firms [New York Times]
Biglaw Book of Business [main website]
Episode 3: The Rapid Expansion of Kirkland & Ellis [Book of Business]
Biglaw Book of Business [iTunes]
Earlier: Book Of Business: A New Podcast From Above The Law
David Lat is editor at large and founding editor of Above the Law, as well as the author of Supreme Ambitions: A Novel. He previously worked as a federal prosecutor in Newark, New Jersey; a litigation associate at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz; and a law clerk to Judge Diarmuid F. O’Scannlain of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. You can connect with David on Twitter (@DavidLat), LinkedIn, and Facebook, and you can reach him by email at [email protected].
