Key Takeaways
- • Kirkland & Ellis recruits Adam Prince as corporate partner in Philadelphia, expanding its transactional practice with a hire from Morgan Lewis focused on private equity and M&A advisory.
- • Philadelphia office headcount reaches 16 lawyers with Prince's addition, quadrupling the office size as part of Kirkland's strategic build-out in the market.
- • Prince brings deep private equity expertise advising sponsors, portfolio companies, and growth-stage firms on transactions ranging from early-stage investments to multibillion-dollar deals, with a healthcare sector focus.
- • Second major transactional hire in one month: Prince joins fellow corporate partner Stephanie Haas, who arrived from Dechert on April 6, signaling accelerated dealmaking capability in Philadelphia.
- • Firm leadership emphasizes momentum: Chairman Jon A. Ballis stated Kirkland has "great momentum in Philly" and plans continued hiring across transactional and litigation practices.
Summary
Kirkland & Ellis has announced the addition of Adam Prince as a partner in its Corporate Practice Group within the Philadelphia office, marking a significant expansion of the firm's transactional capabilities in the region. Prince, who departed Morgan Lewis & Bockius to join Kirkland, brings extensive experience advising private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and growth-stage enterprises on mergers and acquisitions, investments, recapitalizations, and other complex transactions.
Prince's practice spans multiple industries with particular emphasis on healthcare. According to the firm, his transaction experience ranges from early-stage investments to multibillion-dollar deals, and he regularly serves as outside general counsel to companies across various lifecycle stages. His advisory scope includes navigating complex regulatory environments, executing transactions, and aligning legal strategy with client business objectives. He also counsels executives, founders, and boards on governance and transaction-related matters.
The Philadelphia hire represents the second major transactional partner recruitment in a single month, following Stephanie Haas's arrival from Dechert on April 6. This concentrated hiring activity brings the Philadelphia office to 16 lawyers total, quadrupling its headcount as Kirkland builds out dealmaking infrastructure. Leo Greenberg, a corporate partner leading Kirkland's transactional expansion in Philadelphia, stated the firm had targeted both Prince and Haas since initiating the Philadelphia transactional practice build. Chairman Jon A. Ballis characterized Prince as "a terrific lawyer with a stellar reputation both in private equity and in the Philadelphia community," indicating confidence in his ability to accelerate the firm's regional market position.
Prince's transition reflects broader law firm competition for specialized deal talent in major markets. In his announcement, Prince noted Kirkland's standing as "the premier law firm for sophisticated private equity work," citing the combination of platform strength, the opportunity to build with fellow new hire Haas, and the collaborative culture as drivers of his decision. The firm has signaled continued expansion plans across both transactional and litigation capabilities in Philadelphia.
Prince's practice spans multiple industries with particular emphasis on healthcare. According to the firm, his transaction experience ranges from early-stage investments to multibillion-dollar deals, and he regularly serves as outside general counsel to companies across various lifecycle stages. His advisory scope includes navigating complex regulatory environments, executing transactions, and aligning legal strategy with client business objectives. He also counsels executives, founders, and boards on governance and transaction-related matters.
The Philadelphia hire represents the second major transactional partner recruitment in a single month, following Stephanie Haas's arrival from Dechert on April 6. This concentrated hiring activity brings the Philadelphia office to 16 lawyers total, quadrupling its headcount as Kirkland builds out dealmaking infrastructure. Leo Greenberg, a corporate partner leading Kirkland's transactional expansion in Philadelphia, stated the firm had targeted both Prince and Haas since initiating the Philadelphia transactional practice build. Chairman Jon A. Ballis characterized Prince as "a terrific lawyer with a stellar reputation both in private equity and in the Philadelphia community," indicating confidence in his ability to accelerate the firm's regional market position.
Prince's transition reflects broader law firm competition for specialized deal talent in major markets. In his announcement, Prince noted Kirkland's standing as "the premier law firm for sophisticated private equity work," citing the combination of platform strength, the opportunity to build with fellow new hire Haas, and the collaborative culture as drivers of his decision. The firm has signaled continued expansion plans across both transactional and litigation capabilities in Philadelphia.
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