Neil S. Hirshman

Neil S. Hirshman

Chicago, IL recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2009
Kirkland & Ellis LLP

216 Best Lawyers awards

Kirkland & Ellis LLP logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Technology Law

Biography

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.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

216 Best Lawyers awards

Kirkland & Ellis LLP logo

Overview

  • Harvard University, J.D., graduated 1990
  • Harvard University, J.D., graduated 1990

Client Testimonials

Neil is the consummate professional. He is attentive to the client's issues and interests, and his guidance on both legal and business related issues is superb. Neil has provided outstanding counsel with acquisitions, affiliations, partnerships, and channel-related deals. Unlike many lawyers who get caught up in the legal jargon which can jeopardize a deal and run up costs, Neil helps close the deal while at all times protecting his client's interests, minimizing his client's risks, and concentrates on negotiating the deal to closure while very carefully watching and managing his fees and his client's costs. Neil is an outstanding negotiator, always represents his client well, and is skilled at bringing divergent parties together to resolve issues and close the deal.

Charles Gibbons (Wausau Financial Systems)

Winter Park, FL

Neil is very experienced in Technology Law and outsourcing. I have used Neil to assist in negotiating a number of big-ticket, high-risk contracts in the IT area. He provides deep knowledge, wise counsel, and practical advice. He speaks the language of CIOs and other key business leaders. Additionally, he defends important points strongly, but he also brings a calm demeanor which makes it easier to reach agreement with the other side. He works to protect his client, but also to bring the parties together. I have always been very pleased with him and will continue to use him and his team.

Douglas Beck, (Alberto-Culver Company)

Melrose Park, IL

Neil is an excellent lawyer and business partner. He is extremely knowledgeable and can be trusted to negotiate effectively and with an eye on the continuing business relationship at hand. He is able to get the parties to a yes and complete the transaction in a manner that achieves an appropriate balance between serving his client's immediate interests and building a trusting business relationship that can be leveraged into the future.

Noel Elfant (DeLaval Inc.)

Vernon Hills, IL

Awards & Focus

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® 2026 for work in:
  • Technology Law
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Information Technology Law
  • IT Outsourcing Law
Special Focus:
  • Information Technology
  • Intellectual Property
  • Licensing
  • Outsourcing
  • Telecommunications
  • Transactions

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