Simpson Thacher Opens Chicago Office with Kirkland Private Equity Team

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has launched operations in Chicago, its 16th office globally, through a strategic lateral hire of five corporate partners from rival Kirkland & Ellis. The move represents the firm's entry into a major financial and business hub and signals aggressive expansion in the private equity and family office advisory space.

Ryan Harris, who previously practiced at Kirkland & Ellis, joined Simpson Thacher as managing partner of the new Chicago office. He was accompanied by Cole Parker and three additional partners, all bringing established expertise in private investment and family office services. The team's transition underscores Simpson Thacher's continued poaching of talent from Kirkland, demonstrating competitive momentum in lateral partner recruitment.

The new office will concentrate on advising middle-market private equity funds, family offices, and both public and private companies on strategic transactions, fund formation, and related corporate matters. This positioning aligns with Simpson Thacher's established market leadership in private equity legal advisory, where the firm serves as a principal advisor to PE sponsors across fund lifecycle matters including formation, fundraising, and growth equity transactions.

The Chicago expansion occurs roughly three weeks after Simpson Thacher opened another new office, indicating an accelerated growth strategy. For institutional investors and alternative investment professionals, the firm's deepening presence in Chicago—home to significant PE and family office capital—enhances its ability to serve middle-market fund sponsors and high-net-worth clients navigating complex transactions in the region.