Kirkland captures Chicago trio from rival

Bruce Gelman, Thomas Geraghty and Joshua Hanna have all joined from the Chicago base of the rival US firm, where they were all partners.

Fund formation specialist Gelman advises offshore investors in the US property and infrastructure market, while Geraghty joins the corporate tax department at Kirkland. Real estate partner Hanna focus in particular on inbound US cross-border investments.

Commenting on the appointments, Thomas Yannucci, who chairs Kirkland's worldwide management committee, said: "This team brings substantial experience in areas that will complement and enhance our existing private funds, real estate and tax practices."

Gelman added: "Kirkland's leading tax practice and its extensive private equity and funds practices... make it the logical choice for us to continue our focus on providing sophisticated advice on investment structures in the real estate, private equity, infrastructure and related investment areas."

Mayer Brown has lost a number of US partners over the last year, including Chicago duo John Vishneski and Russell Eggert, who joined the local arm of US national firm Reed Smith.

Earlier this year Kirkland announced plans to launch a new office in Sillicon Valley, joining Chicago rivals including Mayer Brown and McDermott Will & Emery in targeting the area.

More news, deals and comment on Kirkland & Ellis

Kirkland on the Legal Week Wiki