Overview

Melissa D. Kalka is an M&A/private equity partner in the Dallas office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Melissa's practice focuses on representing private equity firms and public and private companies in connection with domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, carve-outs, joint ventures and other complex equity holder arrangements. She also represents clients in connection with general corporate governance matters. She has worked with clients in a wide range of industries and sectors, including consumer products, healthcare, manufacturing, technology and infrastructure. She regularly represents many of the leading private equity sponsors, including KKR, Macquarie, GIP and Lone Star Funds, as well as strategic clients.

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Thought Leadership

Seminars

Moderator, “Private Equity and the New Regulatory Landscape,” Kayo Conference Series, September 2023

Panelist, “Tips and Tricks of Going Private,” SMU Corporate Counsel Symposium, October 2022

Recognition

“Dealmakers of the Year Finalist – Texas Legal Awards,” The American Lawyer, 2024

“Private Equity: Buyouts (Texas) – Band 3,” Chambers USA, 2024

“Best Lawyers in Dallas – Private Equity,” D Magazine, 2023

“40 Under 40,” Dallas Business Journal, 2023

“Attorney of the Year, Mergers & Acquisitions Awards,” D CEO Magazine, 2023 

“Rising Star,” Texas Super Lawyers, 2017–2023

Credentials

Admissions & Qualifications

  • 2012Texas

Education

  • Southern Methodist University Dedman School of LawJ.D.magna cum laude2012

    Order of the Coif

    SMU Law Review

  • Texas A&M UniversityB.B.A., Managementcum laude2006