Private Equity Pair Jumps to Kirkland Ellis from Ashurst

U.S.–based Kirkland Ellis has bolstered its London office with the addition of two highly-regarded private equity partners in a move Legalweek is calling the firm’s first major investment in its London operations since 2008.

Gavin Gordon and David Arnold both will be joining Kirkland from Ashurst. Gordon was made partner at his former firm in 2007 and he advised in the acquisition of Lehman Brothers’ European investment banking division by Nomura in 2008, Legalweek reports. Arnold was named a partner in Ashurst last year and then played a role in the buyout of energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie by Charterhouse Capital Partners.

Legalweek report both were considered “future stars” by Ashurst, which has seen a large number of defections over the past 1 ½ years.

Kirkland London head Jim Learner told Legalweek “private equity is our core focus in London and our primary focus globally.

“The hires are an opportunity for us to extend and expand that practice. These are top-quality lawyers with significant relationships in the industry that we hope that we can bring over to our firm to help us expand our brand further.”

Kirland last added to its London office with the addition of restructuring specialists Jason Salman and Paul Atherton from rivals Cadwalader and Sidley Austin in 2008.