Kirkland & Ellis has an exceptionally well-respected team for insolvency and white-collar crime work, with extensive expertise in fraud investigations, asset recovery and tracing, fund and shareholder disputes. With offices in Shanghai and Beijing, the firm has a substantial PRC-based disputes practice handling cross-border litigation issues involving China.
Neil McDonald and Kelly Naphtali are key figures for insolvency, while Cori Lable in Hong Kong and Tiana Zhang in Shanghai are highly regarded in the field of white-collar crime and investigations.
In insolvency, the firm is serving as international counsel for Babel Finance in a comprehensive restructuring endeavour. This involves addressing financial obligations, business operations, and the shareholding structure of the company. The proposed restructuring is intended to be executed through a scheme of arrangement in Singapore and presents unique and complex legal considerations pertaining to the restructuring of a cryptocurrency company. The firm has been actively assisting the client in the restructuring process, including contingency planning, and has taken the lead in negotiations with new investors, shareholders, and a diverse group of creditors.
Details of clients the firm has advised on during the research period remain confidential.
The firm’s insolvency practice lost partner Wenchen (Jacqueline) Tang to Sullivan & Cromwell in June 2023. Later in the same year, Grace Zhu and Anthony Wijaya were promoted internally to partners.
Client feedback
"Provides comprehensive solutions for complex situations in a manner that is easy to comprehend and understand the commercial benefits." – Bankruptcy
"Displays a great strategy that covers all aspects of the file." – Commercial and transactions
"The firm demonstrated exceptional competence and knowledge, successfully handling and managing this monumental case." – Commercial and transactions
Wei-Yang Lim
"Exhibits an incisive intellectual ability to swiftly identify the core of the problem, coupled with an unwavering work ethic, unparallelled integrity, and exceptional client management skills. Possesses the versatility to operate diplomatically with a gentle touch or assertively as the situation demands."
Neil McDonald
"Sharp, with a strong strategic mindset, commercially oriented, and possesses a deep understanding of the market."
Kelly Naphtali
"Kelly demonstrated exceptional competence in overseeing the case, effectively managing her team within the firm, coordinating with the counsel team (including myself), and maintaining effective communication with the client. The division of labour within K&E (Kirkland & Ellis) is excellent, with Kelly serving as the main partner on the case, providing a comprehensive and overarching perspective despite the vast and complex nature of the case."
