Kirkland raids Gibson Dunn for restructuring star

Kirkland & Ellis has raided Gibson Dunn & Crutcher to secure the firm’s high profile restructuring head, Rick Cieri.

Cieri is best known for his work for debtors and secured creditors and was debtors’ counsel in a host of Chapter 11 cases and restructurings including those of Solutia, Napster and Trans World Airlines.

He joins Kirkland’s New York office.

Cieri joined Gibson Dunn in 2003 from Jones Day in Ohio, where he was also head of restructuring.

The hire is a boost for Kirkland’s New York restructuring, insolvency, workout and bankruptcy practice, although the firm, led by Chicago-based superstar James Sprayregen, is already regarded as the preeminent debtors’ practice in the United States.

"We are delighted to have a lawyer of Rick's stature join our partnership," chair of Kirkland’s management committee, Thomas Yannucci, said in a statement.

"Rick is a recognised leader in his field and will be a tremendous asset to our firm. His arrival will only further enhance Kirkland's strong and growing New York office."