News Summary
Kirkland & Ellis, a renowned corporate law firm, has rapidly expanded its Texas presence since 2014, now boasting over 450 lawyers across Houston, Dallas, and Austin. With astounding revenue growth and a significant backlog of mergers and acquisitions, the firm is a leading name in the region’s legal landscape. Their success is attracting some envy among competitors, earning them the moniker ‘Evil Empire.’ Despite challenges, Kirkland’s focus on ambition and resilience continues to build a legacy in Texas.
Texas: A Legal Powerhouse at Kirkland & Ellis
Kirkland & Ellis, one of the world’s leading law firms, has established a dominant presence in Texas since launching its offices in 2014. Beginning with just seven lawyers in Houston, the firm rapidly expanded to over 450 lawyers by 2024, firmly positioning itself as a key player in the state’s legal landscape.
Rapid Growth and Expansion
Initially set up in Houston, Kirkland & Ellis quickly seized opportunities in the legal market by engaging in 30 mergers and acquisitions within a week of opening. The firm’s success led to a swift workforce increase, growing from seven lawyers to 27 within a short period. Following their Houston debut, Kirkland opened offices in Dallas in 2018 and Austin in subsequent years, expanding its footprint in critical Texas markets.
Significant Revenue Surge
The firm’s financial growth in Texas is remarkable, with revenues soaring from $65 million in 2015 to an astonishing $1.15 billion in 2024. Such figures highlight Kirkland & Ellis’ dominance in the legal sector, as Texas lawyers at the firm generated more revenue in a single year than the combined earnings of Vinson & Elkins and Jackson Walker, two of Texas’s largest law firms. The firm’s profits per partner also reached $9 million, underscoring its competitive edge in the industry.
Global Impact
Kirkland & Ellis is not only influential in Texas, but it is also recognized around the globe, generating nearly $9 billion in revenue across its 24 offices. The firm serves high-profile clients, including Keurig Dr Pepper and Lone Star Funds, with early recognition in Texas stemming from significant work with Energy Future Holdings during bankruptcy proceedings, where they accumulated large fees exceeding $300 million.
Market Leadership in M&A
As of 2025, Kirkland is the clear leader in mergers and acquisitions in Texas, having conducted 134 deals in the first three quarters of the year with a total estimated value of $185.4 billion, nearly doubling the achievements of its nearest competitors. Since 2015, Kirkland & Ellis has managed or co-led an impressive 1,266 mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures, totaling a staggering $923.6 billion in value.
Facing Rivalry and Competition
Kirkland’s swift rise has not gone unnoticed, with competitors dubbing the firm the “Evil Empire.” This title reflects their envy towards Kirkland’s aggressive hiring strategies and lucrative signing bonuses, coupled with a successful business model combining private equity, mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and tax services that enhance their resilience in fluctuating markets.
Continuous Growth Amid Challenges
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic did not impede Kirkland’s growth. New talent, including noteworthy lawyers, joined the firm during these challenging times, demonstrating the robust team environment and impressive clientele that define Kirkland & Ellis. The firm’s leadership believes that there remains ample opportunity for continued expansion and greater success in Texas.
Kirkland & Ellis’s journey in Texas serves as a compelling example of ambition and perseverance. The firm’s accomplishments not only signify extraordinary growth in the legal realm but also indicate the potential for further achievements in the future—solidifying their legacy as a pivotal force in the legal industry.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Dallas News: Kirkland & Ellis Revenue Journey
- Law.com: Texas Legal Awards 2025
- Bloomberg: Kirkland & Ellis Diversification
- Kirkland: Steve Butler’s Pro Bono Story
- Above the Law: Kirkland & Ellis Concern over Scandal
- Wikipedia: Law Firm
- Google Search: Kirkland & Ellis Texas
- Google Scholar: Kirkland & Ellis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Firm
- Google News: Kirkland & Ellis News
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
