David S. Katz

Brian Benczkowski is a partner in Kirkland’s Washington, D.C., office. He is a member of the Firm’s Government, Regulatory & Internal Investigations Practice Group. Brian has deep and diverse government enforcement and investigations experience, bolstered by his service in multiple leadership positions at the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and on Capitol Hill. From 2018–2020, he served as the Senate-confirmed Assistant Attorney General for DOJ’s Criminal...

Ruth Wimer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Ruth, who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ruth is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James E. Croker, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. James E., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Laura Foote Reiff focuses her practice on business immigration laws and regulations affecting U.S. and foreign companies, as well as related employment compliance and legislative issues. Laura advises corporations on a variety of compliance-related issues, particularly related to Form I-9 alien employment verification matters. Laura has been involved in audits and internal investigations and has successfully minimized monetary exposure as well as civil and criminal liabilities on behalf of he...

Gerald P. Konkel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Gerald P., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gerald P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Neil Eggleston is a litigation partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Neil has a distinguished record of public service, and has held a number of senior government roles. He was White House Counsel to President Obama from 2014 to 2017, and advised the president on all legal and constitutional issues across a broad spectrum of domestic and foreign policy matters. Neil’s practice focuses on enforcement defense including at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)...

Elizabeth Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs. Elizabeth, who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elizabeth is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Paul J. Kennedy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Paul J., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michal Shinnar is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Civil Rights Law, Employment Law - Individuals and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Michal, who practices law in Greenbelt, Maryland, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michal is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Charles R. Naftalin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Communications Law. Charles R., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Charles R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.