Tennessee Solicitor General Matt Rice Joining Kirkland & Ellis

Kirkland & Ellis announced today that Matt Rice, the Solicitor General of Tennessee, will join the Firm as a partner in its Litigation Practice Group.

Mr. Rice brings deep experience in appellate advocacy and complex litigation, including high-stakes matters involving attorney general offices and large-scale constitutional and regulatory disputes. As Tennessee's chief appellate lawyer, he led the state's litigation in high-profile cases across federal and state courts, managed the office's amicus practice, and oversaw Tennessee's multistate litigation.

"Matt is proof of concept for our Nashville launch: he's a top-of-profession type talent who will fit in seamlessly on our national platform," said Andrew Kassof, a member of Kirkland's Executive Committee. "His deep background and familiarity with state attorney general matters along with his ability to handle complex cases at the district court and on appeal will add immediate value for our clients, and we're thrilled to welcome him to Kirkland."

Before joining the Solicitor General's office in June 2022, Mr. Rice worked in private practice at Williams & Connolly LLP. He clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas of the U.S. Supreme Court and Judge Sandra Ikuta of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

"We are thrilled to welcome Matt to our Nashville team," said Tara Blake and Travis Swearingen, Nashville-based litigation partners at Kirkland. "Since launching our litigation practice in Nashville, our team has grown rapidly, allowing us to handle a broad range of complex commercial, mass torts, regulatory and securities disputes. Matt's extraordinary background complements our existing strengths perfectly and reinforces our commitment to building a premier litigation team in Nashville."

Mr. Rice is a graduate of Western Kentucky University and the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, where he graduated first in his class. Before his legal career, Mr. Rice played professional baseball for two seasons in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to join Kirkland's preeminent litigation practice as the firm expands its presence in Nashville," said Mr. Rice. "Kirkland's reputation is unparalleled - with a deep bench of talented litigators that take on some of the most consequential matters in the country. I look forward to joining the team and helping the firm's clients navigate complex legal disputes."