Kirkland & Ellis Strengthens Government Contracts Practice with Strategic Hires from DLA Piper

Kirkland & Ellis LLP has expanded its government contracts practice by bringing on board two attorneys from DLA Piper. The firm announced on April 7, 2026, that an Austin, Texas-based partner and a Washington, D.C.-based associate have joined their team.

This strategic move underscores Kirkland & Ellis’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities in the government contracts sector. The addition of these seasoned professionals is expected to bolster the firm’s ability to navigate the complexities of federal procurement and related legal matters.

Prior to this transition, the Austin-based partner held a significant role at DLA Piper, contributing to the firm’s government contracts practice. DLA Piper’s government contracting services are known for assisting businesses in sourcing and securing government contracts, as well as supporting governments and other regulated entities in their engagements with the private sector. Their offerings include country-specific information, procurement articles, webinars, and spotlight interviews, providing comprehensive support in the field of government contracting.

The Washington, D.C.-based associate also brings valuable experience from DLA Piper, where they were involved in various aspects of government contracts law. Their expertise is anticipated to complement Kirkland & Ellis’s existing team, enhancing the firm’s ability to serve clients in this specialized area.

Kirkland & Ellis, founded in 1909, is recognized as one of the world’s leading law firms, with a strong presence in corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, and restructuring. The firm has consistently been at the forefront of legal services, offering comprehensive solutions to a diverse clientele.

DLA Piper, established through a series of mergers culminating in 2005, operates in over 40 countries across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The firm provides a wide range of legal services, including arbitration, banking, competition and trade, corporate finance, employment, energy, government affairs, insurance, intellectual property, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, real estate, restructuring, securities, tax, and technology.

The transition of these attorneys from DLA Piper to Kirkland & Ellis reflects the dynamic nature of the legal industry, where firms continually seek to strengthen their practices by attracting top talent. This move is indicative of Kirkland & Ellis’s ongoing efforts to enhance its government contracts practice, ensuring the firm remains well-equipped to address the evolving needs of its clients in this sector.