Jeffrey C. Hammes

For those in Chicago seeking legal expertise in the intricate world of corporate law, particularly within the "Nearby Lawyers" category, the name Jeffrey C. Hammes stands as a testament to unparalleled leadership and achievement in the legal field. While now in a retired/Chair Emeritus role, his influence and the legacy he built at Kirkland & Ellis LLP are still profoundly relevant for understanding the firm's capabilities and its high standing. Kirkland & Ellis, where Jeffrey C. Hammes spent his illustrious career, is a globally recognized powerhouse in the legal industry, with a significant presence at 300 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654. While direct client interaction with Mr. Hammes may no longer be typical, understanding his background provides insight into the firm's foundational strengths. The general firm phone contact is (312) 862-2476, and +1 312-862-2476 for mobile.

The environment at Kirkland & Ellis, shaped significantly by leaders like Jeffrey C. Hammes, is one of intense professionalism, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to client success in high-stakes corporate matters. Their Chicago office, located in a modern skyscraper overlooking the Chicago River, reflects the firm's stature and sophisticated approach. This environment is conducive to handling the most complex and demanding business transactions, offering state-of-the-art resources and a collaborative culture among its vast network of highly skilled attorneys. While specific client testimonials about Mr. Hammes personally might not be readily available in the public domain, the firm's reputation, built under his leadership, speaks volumes about the quality of service and strategic acumen clients can expect.

Jeffrey C. Hammes's career was primarily focused on structuring and negotiating complex business transactions. While his current role is Chair Emeritus, his former practice areas, which established his reputation and contributed to the firm's growth, included:

• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Hammes was a leading attorney in advising clients on complex mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, particularly those involving private equity. His expertise in this area was critical to the success of numerous high-value transactions.

• Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs): He had significant experience in structuring and executing leveraged buyout transactions, which involve acquiring companies using a significant amount of borrowed money.

• Private Equity: A cornerstone of his practice was representing private equity funds in connection with their investments, acquisitions, and portfolio company matters. He provided strategic counsel on private transactions and private equity compensation and governance matters.

• Corporate Law and Governance: His broad experience encompassed general corporate law, advising on governance issues, and strategic business planning for major corporations and private equity clients.

The features that defined Jeffrey C. Hammes's impact and leadership are multifaceted. He joined Kirkland & Ellis in 1985 and became a partner in 1991. Most notably, he served as the Chairman of Kirkland's Global Management Executive Committee from 2010 until his retirement at the end of 2019, at which point he became Chair Emeritus. During his tenure as Chairman, he spearheaded an unprecedented period of growth and transformation for the firm. Under his leadership, Kirkland & Ellis's revenues surged from $1.4 billion to over $4.0 billion, and net income grew from less than $700 million to over $2.2 billion, making Kirkland one of the largest and most profitable law firms globally.

Hammes was instrumental in the firm's strategic expansion around the world. In the United States, he played a key role in establishing Kirkland's presence in the Bay Area as a founding partner of the San Francisco office and led the opening of the firm's Houston office. He also spearheaded Kirkland's entry into Asia with the opening of the Hong Kong office in 2007. During his chairmanship, he developed and implemented significant growth strategies for the firm's offices in New York and London, further cementing its global reach. His leadership was characterized by a clear vision for strategic lateral hiring and geographical expansion, which significantly contributed to the firm's overall success.

While individual "client reviews" for someone at his level and specialization are less common and typically not publicly disclosed due to the nature of corporate and M&A work, his professional accolades and the firm's trajectory under his guidance serve as powerful testimonials to his capabilities.

Promotional information and distinguished recognitions for Jeffrey C. Hammes are extensive, reflecting his eminent standing in the legal industry. He has been consistently selected to the Super Lawyers list for Mergers & Acquisitions from 2006 to 2020, a peer designation awarded to only a select number of accomplished attorneys. He was also recognized by The Best Lawyers in America as the Chicago Mergers & Acquisitions Law "Lawyer of the Year" in 2014, a significant honor that highlights his expertise in high-value corporate transactions. His profile on the Kirkland & Ellis website and other legal directories emphasizes his pivotal role in leading the firm's global growth and success.

Beyond his direct legal practice and leadership, Jeffrey C. Hammes also contributes to the legal and broader community. He serves as a Life member on the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Advisory Board, demonstrating his commitment to legal education. He is also on the Board of Trustees of the Ravinia Festival Association and the Wisconsin School of Business Advisory Board, reflecting his involvement in cultural and business institutions. Prior to his legal career, he was a Certified Public Accountant in Illinois, which provided him with a strong foundation in finance and business — a significant advantage in his corporate law practice.

In conclusion, for local users in Chicago searching within the "Nearby Lawyers" category for expertise in complex corporate matters, particularly M&A, private equity, and sophisticated business transactions, Kirkland & Ellis, with the enduring legacy of leaders like Jeffrey C. Hammes, remains a top-tier choice. While Mr. Hammes is no longer actively practicing, the firm's robust capabilities, strategic acumen, and global reach in corporate law are deeply rooted in the vision and leadership he provided. The firm’s location at 300 N La Salle Dr signifies its prominent position, offering unparalleled resources for major corporations and private equity funds seeking expert legal counsel in Chicago and globally.