David Nemecek, one of the nation’s pre-eminent strategic advisers to distressed companies, is leaving Kirkland & Ellis for Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, according to a news release from his new firm late Wednesday.
Nemecek has been tabbed to lead a new capital structure solutions practice, integrating Simpson’s current liability management and restructuring practices into a single global unit. According to the release the practice would be designed to provide a single space for strategic financing, liability management and Chapter 11 restructuring for distressed firms.
“Dave is widely regarded as the preeminent architect of modern liability management and is one of the most influential advisers to distressed companies of his generation,” said Alden Millard, chair of Simpson Thacher’s executive committee.
“Over the past decade, companies, sponsors, lenders and creditors have all turned to Dave for his expertise in solving their most difficult capital structure challenges. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Firm and are excited about what lies ahead.”
Nemecek, a Harvard Law alumnus, had been a partner at Kirkland & Ellis for more than 15 years since joining from Skadden Arps in March 2011.
Prior to his Kirkland web presence being removed late Wednesday, he had been listed as a partner for the firm in Dallas and New York. State Bar of Texas records show that he became qualified to practice in Texas in May 2024.
And in a short statement to Bloomberg Law, a Kirkland spokesman confirmed the move saying, “We thank Dave for his contributions to Kirkland and wish him the best in the future.”
Simpson Thacher currently has no office in Dallas but said in Wednesday’s release that, “As part of this expansion, the Firm also plans to open a Dallas office, aligned with the region’s growing client, capital and talent base.”
Although Nemecek currently lives in Dallas, the Simpson website lists his presence with the firm as solely in New York.
Said Nemecek in the Simpson release: “Simpson Thacher has one of the world’s premier global legal advisory platforms grounded in excellence, unparalleled client service and deep, long-term relationships. Helping launch its Capital Structure Solutions Practice, alongside partners who are both exceptional lawyers and true collaborators, is a rare opportunity, and I am honored to join the team as we focus on providing the best advice to our clients.”