Neil S. Hirshman

Neil S. Hirshman


Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Recognized since 2009

Chicago, Illinois

Practice Areas

Technology Law

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Neil's practice is focused on both domestic and international transactions, including outsourcing (business process and information technology), software development, software, data, trademark, patent and technology licensing, telecommunications, commercial agreements (supply, distribution, development), joint ventures, and strategic alliances. In addition, Neil advises clients on the intellectual property and technology issues that arise in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations and bankruptcies.

Known as “fantastic – he knows all the ins and outs of a deal and always gets the best possible outcome in negotiations –” and “business-savvy and creative,” Neil was named a leading lawyer in Outsourcing in Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business in 2007–2022 and in Chambers Global 2009–2022. According to Chambers, Neil is “super smart, honest and creative on all issues related to outsourcing” and “an incredibly knowledgeable and thoughtful lawyer,” who “knows his stuff” and “is able to bring parties together instead of pushing them apart.” Chambers quotes clients who describe Neil as “incredibly intelligent, which means he gets more done in half an hour than many lawyers would in four days” and “extremely knowledgeable, thoroughly versed in outsourcing . . . strong negotiating skills without a combative manner and very results-oriented.” Clients have also touted his “brilliant legal consulting,” adding that he is “able to provide a global view as to how the relationship should work and what we should be looking for.” Neil has been selected by peers for inclusion in the 2009-2022 editions of The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Technology Law. Neil has also been recognized by The Legal 500 United States each year since 2010 and was named a “Leading Lawyer” in the 2016-2021 editions. He was also named as a BTI M&A Client Service All Star by BTI Consulting Group in 2021.

Neil is Chair of the Executive Committee of the Strategic Advisory Board of the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals, a global membership organization for companies involved in outsourcing. He also co-chairs IAOP's Center for Social Impact. In addition, Neil is a 2022 IAOP Leadership Hall of Fame Inductee.

Location
  • 333 West Wolf Point Plaza
    Chicago, IL 60654
Education
  • Harvard University, J.D., graduated 1990

Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Chicago, Illinois

182 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

173 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards

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Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2024 - Technology Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Technology Law, Chicago (2024)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Technology Law
Special Focus:
  • Information Technology
  • Intellectual Property
  • Licensing
  • Outsourcing
  • Telecommunications
  • Transactions
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Information Technology Law
  • IT Outsourcing Law

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Publications

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