Kirkland & Ellis announced today that Jeremy Watson has joined the Firm as a partner in the Insurance Transactions & Regulatory Practice Group.

"Jeremy's experience and skillset perfectly complement Kirkland's dedicated insurance transactions team," said Jon A. Ballis, Chairman of Kirkland's Executive Committee. "His addition strengthens our capabilities in an increasingly active sector for our clients, and we're excited to welcome him to Kirkland."

Mr. Watson focuses his practice on sophisticated transactions in the insurance industry. He regularly represents insurance companies, private equity firms, asset managers and other industry participants in connection with mergers and acquisitions, reinsurance transactions, reinsurer formation and capitalization, venture capital and growth investments, and other strategic and investment transactions in the insurance industry. He also advises clients on regulatory, capital and governance issues involving the insurance industry.

"We have been growing our team with exceptional lawyers who are dedicated to the insurance industry and put a priority on client service," said partner Rajab Abbassi, who is a leading member of Kirkland's Insurance Transactions & Regulatory Practice. "Jeremy is a supremely talented attorney with a wealth of experience in the insurance industry. His addition is a transformational step in that continued growth."

In addition to Mr. Watson, Kirkland hired Jack Yaminand Jeremy Carrollearlier this year as partners in the Insurance Transactions & Regulatory Practice. The practice now has a multidisciplinary team of more than 40 attorneys focused on the insurance industry.

"Kirkland is known for its deep commitment to providing unparalleled client service," said Mr. Watson. "I am excited to join its best-in-class transactional practice and outstanding team of insurance lawyers."

Mr. Watson joins Kirkland from Sidley Austin, where he was a partner in the Chicago office for the last 10 years.

Kirkland's Insurance Transactions & Regulatory Practice Groupcounsels clients on high-profile transactions and regulatory matters in the insurance sector. The team brings together deep knowledge of the insurance industry with market-leading capabilities in M&A, reinsurance, private equity and capital markets to provide the highest-quality service to clients who are operating or transacting in the space. Kirkland's integrated regulatory team provides practical, bespoke advice that is business-minded and commercial, and is fully aligned with its clients' broader business and transactional goals. The practice regularly works with insurers, reinsurers, private equity firms, hedge funds, brokers and intermediaries, TPAs, MGAs, InsurTech firms, investment banks and other participants in the insurance industry.