Skadden M&A Pros Bolt for Kirkland
The defection of two top partners from the law firm puts the smaller, peripheral player in position to grow.
May 15, 2009
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom M&A attorneys David Fox and Daniel Wolf have left the firm for Kirkland & Ellis.
In a story first reported by the New York Times, the move to a smaller firm from behemoth Skadden, where the two piled up decades of experience while leading it to tens of millions in dealmaking fees.
One source who spoke with MergersUnleashed.com noted that Skadden’s attorneys are about 140 in number and said the firm’s depth can overcome the loss of two star lawyers.
Recently, Skadden offered its 1,300 associates a third of their base pay not to show up at work in 2009.
"These highly talented and experienced attorneys will enhance Kirkland's already strong and growing M&A group,” said Thomas D. Yannucci, chair of Kirkland's management committee.
Fox, 51, was the leader of Skadden’s corporate group and a member of its governing body. He spent more than two decades with the firm.
Wolf, 36, was one of the youngest Skadden members to be named partner, at 30.
"David and Daniel have been members of our M&A department for many years,” a Skadden spokesman. “We wish them well in this new endeavor to help develop Kirkland & Ellis's M&A practice."
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