John R O'Neil

Practice Areas

John O’Neil, a partner at Kirkland & Ellis, is widely regarded as a global leader in private equity. He was the architect and longtime leader of the firm’s Investment Funds Group, a cutting-edge global platform known for delivering innovative, bespoke legal strategies to the world’s leading sponsors and funds. In addition to his work in private equity, John has emerged as a leader in the convergence of sports, entertainment, and media.

During his tenure on Kirkland’s Executive Committee, John was an integral contributor to the firm’s global strategy, helping expand its leadership across sectors and reimagining how the firm delivers and measures client value.

John has been recognized by Chambers Global, Chambers USA, IFLR 1000, Legal 500, and Who’s Who Legal, where he was described as a “phenomenal lawyer” and “extremely smart and creative.” The Financial Times named him one of the most innovative lawyers of the past 20 years, commenting that “understanding the impact of technology on business has characterized the career of John O’Neil.”

Founders, fund managers, CEOs, team owners, and professional athletes look to John as a trusted business partner and thought leader known for dynamic thinking who brings people and solutions together. Believing that the transaction is just the beginning, John is considered an operational partner to visionaries looking to achieve extraordinary results.

John earned his J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law and graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He is admitted in Texas, New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois. Among his philanthropic efforts, John serves on the board of the Churchill Scholarship Foundation and is a member of the Yale Divinity School Dean’s Advisory Council. He was a longtime board member of the Constellation Fund.

Personal

John received his J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law and is a graduate of University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is admitted in New York, Massachusetts and Illinois. Among his philanthropic efforts, John serves on the board of the Constellation Fund.