Wesley Smith, a real estate partner, has joined Kirkland & Ellis in Dallas from Willkie Farr & Gallagher. He will focus his practice on complex real estate debt and equity transactions, with an emphasis on digital infrastructure development and construction financings, according to a news release.
Before joining Kirkland, Smith spent about a year as a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher in Dallas, where he advised institutional investors, borrowers and lenders on complex real estate financing transactions. He previously was a partner at Akin for three years and earlier practiced at Greenberg Traurig and Andrews Kurth. Before beginning his legal career, Smith served nearly nine years on active duty in the U.S. Army, including as a Ranger with the 75th Ranger Regiment and as a staff sergeant.
“We are thrilled to welcome Wes to our real estate team,” said Kevin Ehrhart, a Kirkland partner in the Real Estate Practice Group. “He has worked with some of the most active investors and developers on data center and digital infrastructure financings, and his deep knowledge and experience will further strengthen the build out of our preeminent digital infrastructure and real assets practice. Wes is a true leader, and we are excited to include him on our team.”
Kirkland & Ellis recorded $1.39 billion in Texas revenue last year, a 20.9 percent increase since 2024, and had a headcount of 500 lawyers, an increase of 11.4 percent, according to the Lawbook 50.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Smith represents institutional investors, borrowers and lenders in a wide range of real estate debt and equity transactions. His practice focuses on digital infrastructure development and construction financings and includes originating and restructuring mortgage, construction and bridge loans.
EDUCATION
Washington and Lee University (JD, 2015)
Southern Methodist University (BS, 2002)