Kirkland & Ellis has appointed Matthew Conway as a partner in its executive compensation practice, expanding the firm’s capabilities in advising private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, corporate executives, and public and private businesses on compensation arrangements associated with complex transactions.
Conway joins Kirkland from Latham & Watkins, where he was a partner. His practice focuses on executive compensation, retention arrangements, equity incentives, and other compensation-related matters arising during mergers, acquisitions, and corporate transactions.
The appointment strengthens Kirkland’s ability to coordinate executive compensation advice with its private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and tax practices.
Executive compensation can play an important role in transactions involving management transitions, changes in ownership, and investments by financial sponsors.
Private equity firms often establish compensation structures intended to align management incentives with the financial performance and long-term objectives of portfolio companies.
These arrangements can include equity participation, performance-based incentive programs, deferred compensation, and retention agreements.
Conway advises on the design and implementation of these structures, along with employment and separation arrangements involving executives.
His work also involves helping clients evaluate how compensation programs interact with broader strategic and financing objectives.
For businesses undergoing ownership changes, carefully structured compensation arrangements can help maintain leadership continuity and establish incentives for management teams.
Kirkland believes Conway’s experience will complement the firm’s existing transactional capabilities, particularly as clients navigate increasingly complex investment structures and changing market conditions.
Beyond his client practice, Conway has contributed to professional publications addressing executive compensation law.
He is a contributing author to Bloomberg’s Section 409A Handbook, which examines rules governing nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements.
Section 409A considerations can be significant when companies structure deferred payments, equity awards, and other executive compensation programs.
His background in these matters adds specialized knowledge to Kirkland’s existing advisory platform.
Kirkland’s broader transactional business serves private equity firms, corporations, and investors involved in acquisitions, financing arrangements, and other strategic activities.
The addition of Conway allows the firm to provide additional support on compensation issues that arise throughout the investment lifecycle.
His practice will also involve working with executives directly on employment terms, incentive arrangements, and separation agreements.
The appointment reflects Kirkland’s continued investment in specialized legal expertise that complements its major transactional practices.
Conway is expected to collaborate with attorneys across the firm’s private equity, M&A, and tax teams while expanding relationships with financial sponsors and corporate clients.
KEY QUOTES:
“Matt is a terrific executive compensation lawyer with a practical, commercial approach that has earned the trust of leading sponsors, companies and executives. Executive compensation issues are critical in complex transactions, especially as deal structures and market conditions evolve. Matt’s experience will be a great fit with our premier private equity, M&A and tax teams, and we’re excited to welcome him to Kirkland.”
Jon A. Ballis, Chairman Of Kirkland & Ellis’ Executive Committee
“Kirkland’s unparalleled transactional platform, exceptional talent and collaborative culture make it an ideal place to continue growing my practice advising clients on executive compensation, retention and incentive matters. I’m thrilled to join the Firm and look forward to working with my new colleagues across the platform.”
Matthew Conway, Partner At Kirkland & Ellis
