Kirkland & Ellis LLP has hired John Kaercher to the firm as a partner in the corporate practice group to help launch its Austin office.

“John is a talented lawyer and a strong addition to our newest office in Austin,” said Jon A. Ballis, Chairman of Kirkland’s executive committee.

Kaercher counsels clients on complex transactions, including domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, SPACs, private equity and public and private securities offerings, with a particular focus on the technology, media, telecommunications and energy sectors.

“John has built a name for himself in the energy and technology M&A space, and we are excited for him to join the team in Austin,” said Andrew Calder, a corporate partner and a member of the firm’s executive committee.