The World's Leading Lawyers 2002-2003: Banking & Finance: Chicago

On an annual basis, Chambers Global conducts extensive research and thorough data analysis in compiling their objective list of legal talent available at the highest level of international legal practice. Their research methodology has been independently audited and confirmed to be thorough, robust and complete.

In Chambers' 2002-2003 regional review of international legal talent in the area of "Banking & Finance: Chicago," Kirkland & Ellis ranked fifth. This ranking reflects the opinion of the marketplace as revealed by Chambers' systematic and objective research.

Chambers' comments:
Not considered the first port of call for banking clients, peers acknowledge that it has a "good practice representing equity shops." Attorneys active in LBOs and private equity transactions have secured a "high volume" of instructions from a variety of clients, including equity investors, pension funds, mezzanine lenders, buyout sponsors and borrowers.

The firm recently represented the agent bank in a syndicated $100 million secured senior credit facility to a riverboat gaming company, and also advised the pension fund of a major industrial corporation in several senior and subordinated acquisition and leveraged buyout financings. The firm also represents foreign lenders for US aspects of multi-national lending transactions. "Deep in mezzanine financing," in conjunction with equity investments, the firm regularly advises major banks in mezzanine and bridge loan facilities.

Clients: Bank of America; Bank One; Citicorp Venture Capital; Deutsche Bank; Royal Bank of Scotland; HSBC; Toronto Dominion.

Reprinted with permission from Chamber's Global: The World's Leading Lawyers 2002-2003