John O’Neil, a partner at Kirkland & Ellis, is widely regarded as a global leader in private equity. He was the architect and longtime leader of the firm’s Investment Funds Group, a cutting-edge global platform known for delivering innovative, bespoke legal strategies to the world’s leading sponsors and funds. In addition to his work in private equity, John has emerged as a leader in the convergence of sports, entertainment, and media.
During his tenure on Kirkland’s Executive Committee, John was an integral contributor to the firm’s global strategy, helping expand its leadership across sectors and reimagining how the firm delivers and measures client value.
John has been recognized by Chambers Global, Chambers USA, IFLR 1000, Legal 500, and Who’s Who Legal, where he was described as a “phenomenal lawyer” and “extremely smart and creative.”
Founders, fund managers, CEOs, and team owners look to John as a trusted business partner and thought leader known for dynamic thinking and bringing people and solutions together. Believing that the transaction is just the beginning, John is considered an operational partner to visionaries looking to achieve extraordinary results.
John earned his J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He is admitted in New York, Massachusetts, Illinois and Texas. Among his philanthropic efforts, John serves on the board of the Churchill Scholarship Foundation. He was a longtime board member of the Constellation Fund.