Paul, Weiss Rival Kirkland & Ellis - Partner Troubles?

 With so much turmoil in Big Law during 2025 we should be beyond being stunned. Those earlier shocks, ranging from Executive Orders to a US Government Shutdown, should have made us immune to being surprised. But to use the cliche, Never Say Never.

Now the legal sector is reeling, primarily with speculation, in response to the news that Kirkland & Ellis isn't disclosing details about the Partner Class of 2025. Traditionally that number, usually large, used to be what K&L gushed about. This year, it is totally closed mouth, claiming the lack of transparency represents a strategic shift.

The loudest noise about this development is the hunch that the law firm fears the announcement will be quickly followed by one about the rapid exits of those partners. That's been a pattern. Media notes:

"Among the 200 names announced in 2024, at least 20 lawyers, or 10%, were not on the firm’s website this week, according to a Law.com analysis ... Among the 205 names announced in 2023 as new partners, at least 43, or 21%, are no longer on the website."

What could be going on? 

A clue might be embedded in Asia. There, the exits since early 2024 number more than 20 partners from the K&E offices. The undercurrent of rumble is about the culture. It's described as "brutal." Not that any Big Law firm has an ethos of nap/milk/cookies. But K&E's reputation for enforced grind is almost a joke. When I coached K&E alum they laughingly positioned that as a given of "how it was" working there. 

The three K&E locations in Asia are not profitable. There's conjecture that the law firm misread the market. But for some reason it's staying put there.

Could K&E be losing its ability to attract, hold and motivate stars? Recall that Paul, Weiss, one of its most intense rivals, conducted multiple raids of its London office. The humilation was profound. 

Also, what about the K&E strategic thinking? We might be rolling our eyes that the law firm positioned its refusal to release a partner list as "strategy." What it was up to in Asia didn't pan out too well. 

In my coaching/tarot readings I remind clients of that snippet of wisdom in business: Nothing fails like success. The reasons range from hubris to sticking with what had worked in the past. 

Confidential tips about Paul, Weiss are welcome. So are bylined articles/op-eds. Please contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com or text 203-468-8579.

Thrown off your game, maybe the first time since you started working? You made all the right moves and then the world moved in another direction.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, reskilling and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. Zero risk.






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