Kirkland & Ellis LLP: Hayward Robert M

In the dynamic and complex world of corporate law, businesses and investment firms in Illinois require legal counsel that is not only highly skilled but also globally recognized. When navigating intricate transactions, compliance issues, or strategic corporate decisions, having access to a law firm with unparalleled expertise and resources can be the deciding factor in success. This article introduces Kirkland & Ellis LLP, a preeminent international law firm with a significant presence in Chicago, highlighting the contributions of distinguished Partner Robert M. Hayward. For corporations, private equity funds, and their portfolio companies across Illinois, understanding the depth of legal talent available locally is crucial for navigating the evolving business landscape.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is renowned worldwide as a legal powerhouse, consistently advising on some of the largest and most complex transactions and disputes. Their Chicago office serves as a vital hub, embodying the firm's commitment to delivering top-tier legal services to clients not just within Illinois, but globally. Robert M. Hayward, P.C., a prominent Partner in the firm's Chicago office, exemplifies the caliber of legal talent at Kirkland & Ellis. Named a "Notable Gen X Leader" by Crain's Chicago Business and a "Trailblazer in the Midwest" by The American Lawyer, Mr. Hayward plays a leading role in a team that has been repeatedly recognized as "Capital Markets Practice Group of the Year." His profound expertise in capital markets, mergers & acquisitions (M&A), corporate governance, and securities law makes him an invaluable asset for publicly-traded corporations and private equity firms operating in Illinois and beyond. For businesses seeking strategic, thoughtful, and practical legal advice, Kirkland & Ellis, through leaders like Mr. Hayward, offers an unmatched level of sophistication and experience.

Location and Accessibility

Kirkland & Ellis LLP's Chicago office is situated in a prestigious and highly accessible location, reflecting the firm's prominence and commitment to serving its diverse client base. The office address is:

333 W Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

This address places the firm in the iconic Wolf Point Plaza, a modern and distinguished complex located at the confluence of the Chicago River's three branches. This central downtown Chicago location offers exceptional accessibility for clients traveling from anywhere in Illinois and beyond. Public transportation options are abundant, with numerous CTA 'L' train stations (including Clark/Lake, Merchandise Mart, and Washington/Wells) and bus routes within close walking distance. This makes it convenient for professionals commuting from various Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs. For those arriving by car, the location provides excellent access to major expressways, and ample parking garages are available in the surrounding area, though typical downtown parking rates apply. The prominent and well-connected nature of this location ensures that clients can easily access the firm's world-class legal counsel, facilitating seamless interactions for complex corporate matters.

Services Offered

Kirkland & Ellis LLP offers a comprehensive array of sophisticated legal services, primarily catering to publicly-traded corporations, private equity funds, and their portfolio companies. Robert M. Hayward's expertise contributes significantly to several core practice areas:

• Capital Markets: Advising on all aspects of capital markets transactions, including Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), follow-on offerings, high-yield debt offerings, investment grade debt offerings (with Mr. Hayward having advised on over $250 billion in investment grade debt offerings and $90 billion in high-yield debt offerings), private financings, and de-SPACs. He has also been instrumental in shaping the green, social, and sustainability bond market.
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Providing strategic counsel on public and private M&A transactions, spin-offs, joint ventures, and defense against stockholder activism. Mr. Hayward has advised on M&A, spin-offs, joint ventures, and activism defense totaling over $350 billion.
• Corporate Governance: Offering direct, thoughtful, and practical advice to boards and management teams on critical corporate governance issues, SEC compliance, and disclosure matters.
• Securities Law: Expertise in all aspects of federal and state securities laws, including compliance, litigation defense, and regulation. Mr. Hayward is consistently recognized in Best Lawyers in America for Securities / Capital Markets Law and Securities Regulation.
• Private Equity Buyouts: Guiding private equity funds through large-scale buyouts, including deals exceeding $500 million. Kirkland & Ellis is recognized as a global leader in this area.
• Executive Compensation and Crisis Management: Advising on complex executive compensation structures and providing counsel during corporate crises.
• Litigation & Dispute Resolution: While Mr. Hayward's focus is transactional, Kirkland & Ellis as a firm provides robust representation in areas such as general commercial disputes, securities litigation defense, M&A litigation defense, and corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense.
• Intellectual Property: The firm also offers extensive services in intellectual property, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, covering both litigation and non-contentious matters.

Features / Highlights

Kirkland & Ellis LLP, and specifically the work of Robert M. Hayward, stand out due to several exceptional features and highlights:

• Global Leadership and Reputation: Kirkland & Ellis is consistently ranked among the top law firms globally, with over $7 billion in gross revenue in 2024, the most of any law firm in the world. This stature ensures clients receive counsel from a firm at the forefront of legal innovation and complex transactions.
• Award-Winning Capital Markets Practice: Robert M. Hayward helps lead a team that has been awarded "Capital Markets Practice Group of the Year" numerous times by Law360, signifying consistent excellence and industry recognition.
• Recognized Individual Excellence: Robert M. Hayward himself has been named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for Securities / Capital Markets Law in Chicago multiple times (2019, 2015) and has been recognized as an "IPO Lawyer of the Year in Illinois" by Global Law Experts for several consecutive years (2020-2023). He is also listed in "Who's Who Legal 100" as one of the most active Capital Markets lawyers worldwide.
• Strategic Advisor to Industry Leaders: Mr. Hayward regularly advises prominent publicly-traded corporations such as The Boeing Company, Deere & Co., Kellanova, Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM), Whirlpool Corporation, and Wynn Resorts on critical securities, M&A, and corporate governance matters.
• Thought Leadership and Publications: Robert M. Hayward is a co-author of the treatise "A Practical Guide to SEC Proxy and Compensation Rules" and a contributing author to "Mergers, Acquisitions and Buyouts" and "Structuring Venture Capital, Private Equity and Entrepreneurial Transactions," demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to sharing knowledge.
• Commitment to Pro Bono: Kirkland & Ellis has a robust pro bono program, treating pro bono matters with the same rigor as billable work. Robert M. Hayward himself is involved in significant pro bono initiatives, including aiding the Navy SEAL Foundation with governance policies, showcasing the firm's dedication to community and social responsibility.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a leading global corporate law firm, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, and by extension, its prominent partners like Robert M. Hayward, do not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer sense. Their services are sought by large corporations and sophisticated investment funds for complex, high-stakes legal matters.

However, the value offered by the firm lies in its unmatched expertise, strategic insight, and proven track record in securing favorable outcomes for clients. For potential corporate clients, the "offer" is the opportunity to engage with one of the world's most accomplished legal teams. When considering engaging a firm of this caliber, businesses typically initiate contact through their in-house legal departments or executive leadership to discuss their specific legal needs and the firm's fee structure, which is generally based on hourly rates commensurate with their market leadership.

Contact Information

For corporations, private equity funds, and other sophisticated entities in Illinois seeking legal counsel from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, including representation by Robert M. Hayward, the primary contact details are:

Address: 333 W Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Phone: (312) 861-2000

Mobile Phone: +1 312-861-2000 (This often routes to the main firm line for partner-level inquiries or serves as an alternative firm contact.)

Given the nature of the firm's clientele and the complexity of the legal matters handled, initial contact typically involves a formal inquiry through the main office line. Prospective clients should be prepared to provide an overview of their legal needs to facilitate appropriate channeling to the relevant practice group or individual attorney.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For businesses and investment entities operating within Illinois, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, and the expertise of partners like Robert M. Hayward, are exceptionally well-suited. While not a "local business" in the traditional sense of serving individual consumers, Kirkland & Ellis's significant Chicago presence makes it a cornerstone of the Illinois corporate legal landscape.

Its suitability for "locals" in the business community stems from several key factors. Firstly, the firm's physical presence in downtown Chicago ensures convenient access for Illinois-based corporations and their executives. Secondly, the firm offers unparalleled expertise in areas critical to corporate success, including capital markets, M&A, and corporate governance – sectors vital for the growth and stability of companies headquartered or operating extensively within Illinois. Robert M. Hayward's specific recognition as an "IPO Lawyer of the Year in Illinois" underscores his direct relevance to the state's economic ecosystem.

Furthermore, Kirkland & Ellis's commitment to community, including pro bono initiatives like aiding the Navy SEAL Foundation and extensive charitable giving through the Kirkland & Ellis Foundation, demonstrates its broader positive impact on the communities where its clients and their employees live and work. For any Illinois-based enterprise navigating the complexities of the global financial and corporate environment, accessing the strategic advice and formidable representation offered by Kirkland & Ellis LLP, through leaders like Robert M. Hayward, is a definitive advantage for ensuring their success and legal compliance.