Kirkland & Ellis LLP: Hayward Robert M

For large corporations, private equity funds, and other significant entities navigating complex financial and corporate legal landscapes, Kirkland & Ellis LLP stands as a preeminent global law firm. Within the "Nearby Lawyers" category, the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis, located at 333 W Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654, USA, hosts an array of highly accomplished attorneys, including Robert M. Hayward. Mr. Hayward is a distinguished partner known for his extensive expertise in capital markets and corporate transactional matters.

The environment at Kirkland & Ellis LLP's Chicago headquarters is characteristic of a top-tier global legal institution. Situated in a modern, architecturally significant building at Wolf Point Plaza, the firm's facilities are designed to facilitate high-level legal practice and client service. This includes state-of-the-art technology, sophisticated conference rooms, and a professional, yet dynamic, atmosphere that supports collaboration and efficiency. The Chicago office is not only the firm's oldest but also its largest, housing a vast number of attorneys and support staff, underscoring its pivotal role in the firm's global operations. The firm's commitment to providing an optimal working environment is evident in its continuous investment in its physical and technological infrastructure, reflecting its status as a leader in the legal industry.

Robert M. Hayward's practice at Kirkland & Ellis LLP is centered on providing comprehensive, direct, thoughtful, and practical advice to a diverse clientele. His services primarily encompass a broad spectrum of capital markets and corporate transactional issues, including:

• Capital Markets: Leading equity offerings, including Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), follow-on offerings, and De-SPACs (transactions where a special purpose acquisition company merges with a private company). He also has extensive experience with high-yield and investment-grade debt offerings.
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Advising on both public and private M&A transactions, spin-offs, and joint ventures.
• Securities and SEC Compliance/Disclosure: Providing counsel on all aspects of securities law, including compliance with SEC regulations and disclosure requirements for publicly-traded corporations.
• Corporate Governance: Advising boards of directors and management teams on best practices in corporate governance, stockholder activism response and preparedness, and navigating complex corporate crises.
• Executive Compensation: Offering guidance on executive compensation matters.
• Private Equity Funds and Portfolio Companies: Providing tailored legal advice to private equity funds and their portfolio companies across various industries on their transactional and corporate needs.

Mr. Hayward's broad and deep expertise positions him as a critical advisor for companies undergoing significant corporate events or facing intricate regulatory challenges. He has a notable history of advising major publicly-traded corporations such as The Boeing Company, Kellogg Company, Whirlpool Corporation, Deere & Co., and numerous others, on complex offerings and corporate matters.

The distinguishing features of Robert M. Hayward's legal practice are consistently recognized through prestigious industry accolades and client experiences. He has been named a "Notable Gen X Leader" by Crain's Chicago Business, a "Trailblazer in the Midwest" by The American Lawyer, and a "Dealmaker of the Year" by The American Lawyer in 2025. These recognitions underscore his influence and effectiveness in guiding significant corporate transactions. Furthermore, he helps lead a team that has repeatedly been awarded "Capital Markets Practice Group of the Year" by Law360, reflecting the collective strength and high performance of his group at Kirkland & Ellis.

Clients and peers consistently describe him as a highly active and impactful lawyer in the capital markets space, with Deal Point Data recognizing him as one of the most active capital markets lawyers worldwide, and notably, the only Midwest-based lawyer on that list (2020–2021). His ability to provide "direct, thoughtful and practical advice" is a key characteristic that resonates with his clients, who often operate in fast-paced and high-pressure environments. He is known for his exceptional judgment, work ethic, and strong client relation and collaboration skills, coupled with "creativity and ability to look around corners to find solutions to problems before they become problems."

Beyond his transactional work, Mr. Hayward also contributes significantly to legal scholarship, co-authoring the treatise "A Practical Guide to SEC Proxy and Compensation Rules" and contributing to other authoritative works like Jack S. Levin's "Mergers, Acquisitions, and Buyouts." His extensive pro bono work, including advising the Navy SEAL Foundation on governance policies, further showcases his commitment to giving back to the community and applying his high-level corporate governance expertise to impactful non-profit endeavors. His educational background includes a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law, where he also earned a Volunteer Service Award for his leadership and service.

Promotional information for Kirkland & Ellis LLP, featuring attorneys like Robert M. Hayward, emphasizes the firm's global leadership, its sophisticated approach to complex legal challenges, and its proven track record of success in capital markets, M&A, and corporate governance. The firm often highlights its ability to handle billions of dollars in offerings and M&A transactions for some of the world's largest companies. Accolades and individual attorney recognitions, such as Mr. Hayward's "Dealmaker of the Year" title, are prominently featured to demonstrate the caliber of legal talent available. The firm's commitment to "structuring the market's most complex deals" and "delivering a holistic approach to activism defense" forms a core part of their brand message. The general contact information for their Chicago office, including phone numbers (312) 861-2000 and +1 312-861-2000, directs potential clients to a firm that is equipped to handle the most significant corporate legal matters.

In conclusion, Robert M. Hayward at Kirkland & Ellis LLP's Chicago office, located at 333 W Wolf Point Plaza, is an exemplary attorney within the "Nearby Lawyers" category for large corporations and private equity clients. His specialized expertise in capital markets, M&A, and corporate governance, coupled with his consistent recognition as a leading dealmaker and corporate advisor, makes him a highly sought-after legal professional. Clients seeking strategic, practical, and highly effective legal counsel for their most critical corporate and financial transactions would find Mr. Hayward and the resources of Kirkland & Ellis LLP to be a formidable choice.