Kirkland & Ellis Adds Debt Finance Partner Paul Sandler

Kirkland & Ellis announced today that Paul Sandler has joined the Firm as a partner in the Debt Finance Group.

“Paul is highly regarded for his experience handling complex finance matters in liability management, credit opportunities, special situations and restructuring transactions,” said Jon A. Ballis, Chairman of Kirkland’s Executive Committee. “His experience adds strength to our market-leading debt finance practice, and we are excited to welcome him to Kirkland.”

Mr. Sandler advises private equity sponsors, investment funds, borrowers and creditors on restructurings, financings and liability management transactions, opportunistic credit investments and acquisition financings. His practice focuses on distressed transactions, in particular, and he has extensive experience advising some of the world’s largest investors on complex credit solutions. “Paul has the experience and creativity to guide private equity sponsors, public companies and alternative asset managers in developing sophisticated and novel capital solutions,” said debt finance partner Dave Nemecek. “He is a great fit for Kirkland and the needs of our clients.”

With more than 300 dedicated lawyers, Kirkland’s debt finance practice is the largest in the market and serves more than 500 private equity clients. According to Bloomberg, Debtwire and Refinitiv, Kirkland consistently handles more transactions for borrowers than any other law firm in the world and, for the last five years, has led the market in U.S. borrower transactions. The practice is recognized by Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and other publications for its work on complex, high-profile transactions; exceptional commercial understanding of U.S. and international financing markets; and excellence in client service.

“Kirkland has a world-class platform with top brands in private equity, liability management, restructuring and finance – a very exciting combination for my practice,” said Mr. Sandler. “But beyond that, the firm’s team-first attitude was very attractive, and I’m looking forward to serving clients with my new team and contributing to the group’s success.”

Mr. Sandler joins Kirkland from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, where he was a partner.