News Summary

Kirkland & Ellis, a renowned corporate law firm, has rapidly expanded its Texas presence since 2014, now boasting over 450 lawyers across Houston, Dallas, and Austin. With astounding revenue growth and a significant backlog of mergers and acquisitions, the firm is a leading name in the region’s legal landscape. Their success is attracting some envy among competitors, earning them the moniker ‘Evil Empire.’ Despite challenges, Kirkland’s focus on ambition and resilience continues to build a legacy in Texas.

Texas: A Legal Powerhouse Aboon Kirkland & Ellis

Imagine stepping into a lively taco shop in Houston, and just above, some corporate whizzes are busy turning the legal world upside down. That’s exactly how it all started back in 2014 when a handful of determined corporate deal lawyers set up the Texas offices of Kirkland & Ellis. Right from a tiny temporary space, these legal eagles have since soared to unprecedented success, and they’re now making waves across the Lone Star State.

From Tacos to Tremendous Success

Leaving behind a cushy multimillion-dollar partnership, Andy Calder and his fellow lawyers embraced the excitement of a brand-new adventure. Within just a week of opening their doors, Kirkland & Ellis was knee-deep in 30 mergers and acquisitions. Talk about hitting the ground running! As it turned out, what started with a mere seven lawyers quickly expanded into a bustling hive of activity, escalating their workforce to 27 in no time.

A Texas Legal Expansion

Kirkland & Ellis didn’t just stop in Houston. They opened a second office in Dallas in 2018, followed by a third office in Austin in subsequent years, firmly establishing themselves in key Texas markets. Now, by 2024, the firm boasts an impressive roster of over 450 lawyers right in Texas, with around 140 of them located in the thriving city of Dallas.

Unstoppable Revenue Growth

The numbers are staggering: Kirkland’s Texas revenue catapulted from $65 million in 2015 to a jaw-dropping $1.15 billion in 2024! To put that into perspective, Texas lawyers at Kirkland generated more revenue in a single year than the combined earnings of Vinson & Elkins and Jackson Walker—two of the largest law firms in Texas. Just think about it: the profits per partner reached $9 million, which is pretty remarkable in the legal field. It’s no wonder competitors and legal analysts regard Kirkland & Ellis as the champion of legal businesses in Texas.

A Globally Recognized Giant

This isn’t just a local phenomenon; globally, Kirkland & Ellis is an absolute powerhouse boasting nearly $9 billion in revenue from its 24 offices worldwide. Their success draws in notable clients like Keurig Dr Pepper, CyrusOne, and Lone Star Funds, just to name a few. Kirkland’s first significant client in Texas was Energy Future Holdings, where they played a crucial role during bankruptcy proceedings, raking in over $300 million in fees.

A Head Above the Rest

Looking at 2025, Kirkland is leading the charge in Texas with 134 M&A deals in just the first nine months, boasting a total value of $185.4 billion. This figure is nearly double what any competitor could achieve! Since 2015, the Texas lawyers at Kirkland & Ellis have masterminded or co-led 1,266 mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures valued at an astonishing total of $923.6 billion. It’s as if they’ve carved their name in history across the legal scene.

The “Evil Empire” Label

With such a remarkable track record, it’s no surprise that competitors have earnestly labeled Kirkland & Ellis as the “Evil Empire.” This buddy-buddy rivalry comes from envy regarding their aggressive hiring practices and substantial signing bonuses. Their dynamic business model, which cleverly integrates private equity, M&A, corporate restructuring, and tax, offers resilience that seems nearly recession-proof.

A Strong Team for Tomorrow

Even the pandemic couldn’t slow them down. Talented lawyers such as Taj Clayton and Michael Considine have joined the ranks at Kirkland during this turbulent period, highlighting the firm’s stellar team environment and impressive client base. Calder believes that Kirkland is far from peaking; there’s plenty of room for growth and success still ahead in Texas.

As Kirkland & Ellis continues to thrive against all odds, their story is a testament to the power of ambition and resilience in the ever-evolving world of law. In Texas, they aren’t just building a legal firm; they’re building a legacy that promises to turn heads for years to come!

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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

Kirkland & Ellis: Rising Legal Powerhouse in Texas