Kirkland & Ellis is pleased to announce that Ivan Schlager will join the Firm as a partner, where he will continue his practice advising clients on national security and regulatory issues, specifically, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Mr. Schlager has deep experience developing innovative structures for the largest and most complex cross-border transactions. He will be based in Kirkland's Washington, D.C., office.
"Ivan is among the top lawyers in the country for CFIUS and national security-related issues, which are prevalent in more transactions today than ever before. His addition to our formidable existing team creates a powerful offering for our clients," said Jon A. Ballis, Chairman of Kirkland's Global Management Executive Committee. "In addition to being a leading player in the CFIUS and national security areas, Ivan is a pragmatic deal lawyer who understands how various disciplines come together to get deals done."
Mr. Schlager has represented a diverse range of clients, from defense and telecommunications providers to private equity firms and companies in the media, financial services, energy, manufacturing and health care industries. In addition to structuring, negotiating and documenting transactions to address regulatory issues, including approval by CFIUS, Mr. Schlager has assisted clients with industrial security (including mitigation of foreign ownership, control or influence), international trade, export control and government contracting issues, as well as congressional investigations and other matters involving government relations and investigations. Mr. Schlager has developed many first-of-their-kind security agreements to obtain landmark CFIUS approvals.
"In my interactions with Kirkland over the years, I have been continually impressed with their extensive M&A/private equity platform," said Mr. Schlager. "This is an incredible opportunity to pursue new challenges as I embark on the next chapter of my career."
Mr. Schlager will join Kirkland from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where he was a partner in the Washington, D.C., office. Prior to joining Skadden, he served as the chief counsel and staff director to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, where he supervised subcommittee professional staff and devised legislative strategy.
"I've had the pleasure to know and work with Ivan for many years. He will be an outstanding asset for clients and the Firm," said Mario Mancuso, a former senior member of President George W. Bush's national security team, where he served as a CFIUS decision-maker, and a partner in Kirkland's Washington, D.C., office.
The American Lawyer recognized Mr. Schlager as the Transatlantic Lawyer of the Year: Regulatory in 2016, and Law360 honored him as an International Trade MVP in 2016 and 2015. He has also been recognized as a leading lawyer by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, The Legal 500 U.S. and other publications. Mr. Schlager earned degrees from Georgetown University Law Center and Northwestern University.
Mr. Schlager will join Kirkland's International Trade & National Security Practice Group upon completing obligations at his current firm.