Press Release

Willkie Adds Two Partners in Chicago, Further Expanding Its ERISA Litigation and Finance Platforms

Issued by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Oct. 8, 2024

Chicago, IL -- Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP today announced the addition of two partners to its Chicago office, ERISA litigator Kimberly Jones and finance lawyer Sarah Kessler. 

A leader in her field, Kim represents plan sponsors, plan fiduciaries and third party administrators in ERISA-related matters in federal courts throughout the country. Sarah is an experienced financing practitioner who advises lenders and borrowers on private equity-related finance matters, including fund finance and acquisition finance. Together, their additions further enhance Willkie’s growing litigation and transactional capabilities in Chicago and firmwide.

“The additions of Kim and Sarah are the latest examples of our strategy in Chicago of growing both vertically in established practices and horizontally in areas which support Willkie’s global strengths but are newer to our Chicago offerings, particularly in the transactional arena,” said Craig C. Martin, Chairman, Midwest.  “We are pleased to welcome these two talented partners to the Firm.”

He continued:  “Kim is known for her ability to successfully handle complex ERISA litigation matters, and her addition further strengthens our position as having a destination ERISA Litigation practice, which has led precedent-setting cases that have transformed the landscape. Sarah is our fourth Finance partner in Chicago, and her deep technical experience handling complex fund financings broadens our growing transactional platform and complements the work of Willkie’s market leading asset management and insurance groups.”

Kim commented: “The ERISA landscape could see significant changes in the coming months, as various ERISA matters work their way through the courts, and with a potential administration change. I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues in Chicago and across the Firm to help meet our clients’ changing needs.” Sarah added: “I’m thrilled to join Willkie’s dynamic Finance team and further the momentum of the Chicago office. I look forward to expanding my fund finance practice alongside such a high-caliber group of practitioners.”

Willkie Chicago has added 11 lateral partners since the start of 2023, and now has 100 plus lawyers since opening four years ago. The additions of Kim and Sarah follow the arrival of a five-partner capital markets and M&A team to Willkie’s Chicago office in August. 

Led by Midwest Chair, trial lawyer and trusted advisor, Craig C. Martin, the office has become a destination for high-stakes trial work, corporate investigations, board counseling and governance, patent litigation, and has a premier private wealth practice. Willkie Chicago’s growing transactional practice is focused on private equity, mergers and acquisitions, asset management, finance, capital markets and restructuring.  

Biographical Notes 

Kimberly Jones focuses her practice on litigation involving benefit claims, breaches of fiduciary duty, prohibited transactions and ERISA Section 510 violations. She has defended plan fiduciaries in ERISA class actions alleging fiduciary breaches and prohibited transactions. She has also successfully defended large companies in class actions and individual claims alleging improper reduction or denial of retiree health benefits. In addition to her litigation practice, Kim routinely provides counsel on benefit claim administration, claim review procedures, fiduciary governance, COBRA compliance and benefit plan design. Kim serves in leadership roles in industry organizations and is a frequent contributor to publications covering employee benefits and ERISA law. Kim was most recently a partner at Faegre Drinker where she was co-leader of the firm’s ERISA litigation team. 

Sarah Kessler regularly advises lenders and investment funds on fund finance matters throughout the capital structure and with respect to fundraising structures, such as rated note fund structures. She has extensive experience negotiating subscription-based facilities, NAV facilities, and management company lines.   She also represents a variety of financial institutions, private equity funds and portfolio companies across multiple industries in leveraged buyouts and acquisition financings. Sarah was most recently a partner at Chapman and Cutler.

*****************************************************

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP provides leading-edge legal solutions on complex, business critical issues spanning markets and industries. Our approximately 1,200 attorneys across 15 offices worldwide deliver innovative, pragmatic and sophisticated legal services across approximately 45 practice areas. Learn more at www.willkie.com.

Editor's note: This press release has been issued by the company named above, not BenefitsLink. Reliance on information in this press release might be prudent only after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, efficacy, and timeliness. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by BenefitsLink.