Kirkland & Ellis has added first-chair trial lawyer Aaron Katz as a litigation partner, continuing the firm’s expansion of its high-stakes litigation practice.
Katz joins Kirkland from Aaron Katz Law LLC, the litigation boutique he founded in 2022 after spending 18 years at Ropes & Gray.
He brings substantial courtroom experience, having tried 14 cases, including 12 to verdict. Eight of those trials have taken place since September 2020.
Katz represents publicly traded Fortune 500 companies, privately held businesses, private equity investors, corporate directors and officers, executives, employees and entrepreneurs across a wide range of disputes.
His practice includes False Claims Act matters as well as complex litigation and investigations involving the pharmaceutical, medical device, healthcare, technology, commercial real estate, securities, commodities, entertainment, sports gaming and consumer products sectors.
The addition strengthens a litigation platform that Kirkland continues to position as a core practice.
Katz’s experience spans both federal jury trials and other high-stakes disputes, giving Kirkland another senior litigator with significant first-chair experience.
The firm is also emphasizing Katz’s ability to serve as a strategic adviser in addition to handling courtroom matters.
His arrival follows Kirkland’s broader effort to add experienced partners across geographies and practice areas while continuing to expand its trial capabilities.
Katz has been recognized by Chambers USA, Benchmark Litigation, Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers.
For Kirkland, the hire adds a lawyer with experience representing both major corporations and individuals in disputes that can involve substantial financial, regulatory and reputational risk.
Katz said the firm’s existing trial platform and the opportunity to work alongside lawyers he already knows were central to his decision to join.
KEY QUOTES:
“We continue to invest in and grow our premier litigation practice, which has always been one of Kirkland’s core strengths, and we’re quite excited to welcome another litigator of Aaron’s caliber. He’s a terrific addition to the team.”
Jon A. Ballis, Chairman Of Kirkland’s Executive Committee
“Aaron is a highly respected litigator and strategic adviser with deep trial experience. Beyond his exceptional legal skills, Aaron brings the collaborative, entrepreneurial approach we look for as we continue to add talent across geographies.”
Andrew Kassof, Member Of Kirkland’s Executive Committee
“Kirkland has built an unmatched trial practice and established itself as the premier destination for high-stakes litigation. The opportunity to join Kirkland’s litigation platform and work alongside so many outstanding lawyers I know and respect was incredibly compelling. I look forward to contributing to the Firm’s continued success.”
Aaron Katz, Litigation Partner At Kirkland & Ellis
