Kirkand & Ellis: One-Off Problem in Asia Or Is Magic Over?

Kirkland & Ellis is the largest, most profitable law firm in the world. Even historically white shoe firms such as Paul, Weiss have explored grafting on parts of the K&E's business model. For example, PW is piloting the Non-Equity Partner tier which has been embedded in the financial success formula. K&E has almost a 1,000 NEPs.

But could that adage in business be kicking in: Nothing fails like success? In short, is the magic over?

Currently, K&E could have a one-off problem. That is in Asia. Its locations are not making money. There is partner flight. Law International reports:

"Eleven partners have left Kirkland & Ellis in Hong Kong since February of this year. Their departures follow those of 10 additional partners who left the firm in 2024."

Many other law firms have pulled out of Asia. But as of this time K&E is hanging on to its three locations.

That brings us to another perspective on this development: Has rot been taking place inside the firm, extending from the extreme culture to its ability to establish/implement awesome strategies?

Abovethelaw notes:

"Other attorneys in the area have pointe'd out a reported 'noxious culture' at the firm, where the name of the game for lawyers is to “kill or be killed.'" 

In coaching K&E alumni they were, yes, in awe about their former firm's ability to win. But they also navigated out because of the difficulty of continuing to navigate the culture. Some transfer from the NYC office to the Chicago one because the culture tends to less intense in the Midwest.

In addition, just about every aspect of the business of law firms has been mutating globally. Name partner John Quinn hosts the podcast "Law Disrupted." 

A sign of the scope of the disruption, PW acted quickly to address the challenge to the business from the Executive Order. For this, there was vilification in myriad circles. But the fast controversial action "saved" the firm. Recently it reported record financial performance for the first three quarters of 2025. 

But could it be unthinkable for the top dog to also veer away abruptly from what had gotten it where it was? Recall how top dog IBM almost collapsed in the early 1990s. Upstart competition, stagnant culture and more. It sidelined the CEO and parachuted in an outsider. There were 22 days between when PW cut the deal with the White House (March 20, 2025) and when K&E did (April 11, 2025).

If K&E is stuck, competition will ruthlessly move in. That ranges from poaching talent to snatching market share. 

In intuitive coaching/tarot reading I warn about replicating what produced wins in the past. The Wheel of Fortune keeps resetting. 

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. There’s no risk.