Kirkland & Ellis reports double digit growth in 2025

Ellie Nicholl is a senior content and engagement coordinator at LawCareers.Net

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Kirkland & Ellis International LLP’s profit per equity partners reached $11.1 million in 2025, as the firm posted another year of rapid growth across revenue, profits and deal activity.

The firm reported a 20% increase in revenue in 2025, reaching more than $10.56 billion in gross turnover, according to preliminary figures released by The American Lawyer.  Profit per equity partner also rose by 20%, despite the firm expanding its equity tier by 3.8% to 595 partners. Net income climbed by almost 25% to $6.62 billion, while profit margins climbed to 62.7%.

Kirkland & Ellis’ growth reflected strong activity in private equity, restructuring, fund transactions, litigation, and energy and infrastructure practices. Deal activity was slower at the start of 2025 but picked up later in the year, driven in part by digital infrastructure and AI‑related work. Kirkland & Ellis’ deal portfolio nearly doubled year on year, increasing from $425 billion in 2024 to $829 billion in 2025, according to figures from the London Stock Exchange Group. The firm held an 18% market share in deal value in 2025, up 4.2% on 2024.

Firm chair Jon Ballis commented: “We had a very good year. We appreciate both our clients’ confidence and also the extremely talented and dedicated people we have at the firm.”

Alongside its financial growth, Kirkland & Ellis continued to invest in its workforce. The firm increased its non‑equity partner headcount by 11.3% to 1,228, with non‑equity compensation rising by around 15.6% to $960.47 million. Total partner numbers grew by approximately 9% to 1,823, with notable investment in the firm’s mass torts litigation practice. Ballis said the firm continues to grow as “demand continues to outpace our capacity”. While Kirkland & Ellis didn’t announce specific partner promotion, it was said to have made 224 partners in the autumn of 2025, which was a new record.

The firm also added its first‑ever CEO last year, appointing former managing director at asset management company Blackstone, Gary Levin. Ballis said the role was introduced to reflect the firm’s increasing scale and the need for greater operational focus.

Alongside advising on high‑profile AI‑related transactions, Kirkland & Ellis is also investing heavily in its own internal capabilities. Ballis said the firm is making “substantial investments” into AI technology and the staff required to support it.

He added: “Our clients are demanding efficiencies through the use of AI, and we’re focused on delivering on that, not only to create efficiencies but also to deliver the highest possible work product.”