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In Europe, several private equity lawyers have garnered significant recognition for their influence and accomplishments in the field. Despite the lack of a single comprehensive "top three" list, recent publications such as Private Equity News have highlighted notable practitioners.
First on the list is David Higgins of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Widely regarded as one of the leading lights in European private equity law, Higgins has been instrumental in building the firm's successful sponsor-focused practice. His expertise spans a range of activities, including cross-border leveraged M&A, public and private acquisitions, carve-outs, take-privates, consortium deals, distressed acquisitions, and disposals.
Claire McDaid of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is another prominent figure. She has been recognized for her leadership in high-profile deals and her role in establishing Willkie’s Private Equity practice in London as a market leader. McDaid's work has included advising major sponsors and leading complex transactions involving acquisitions and sales in the buyout sector.
Gareth Earl, Head of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's European Private Funds Practice, has also been cited as influential. Though not ranked third by Private Equity News, Earl's leadership in legal aspects of European private equity funds has earned him industry recognition.
While lawyers such as Amy Mahon (Simpson Thacher) and Daniel Williams (Latham & Watkins) have also received praise, the aforementioned trio seems to dominate recent "most influential" or "top twenty" private equity lawyer lists for Europe in 2025. While no definitive ranking exists, Private Equity News' list presents a strong barometer of current market sentiment. Exact rankings may fluctuate from publication to publication.
David Higgins of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, a leading figure in European private equity law, has been involved in various finance-related activities such as cross-border leveraged M&A and investing in public and private acquisitions. Claire McDaid of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, another prominent player, has been recognized for her role in establishing the firm's Private Equity practice and her work in the buyout sector, demonstrating her business acumen.
