The Kirkland & Ellis Foundation has gifted $5 million to Northwestern University School of Law, according to a press release from the school. The gift is also from 31 of the senior partners from the law firm who are alumni of the school. The gift will help to create the Kirkland & Ellis Scholarship Fund, which will offer scholarships for future students who enroll in the school’s JD-MBA program.
“This is of great significance because it will give us the flexibility to pursue initiatives that benefit our students, enhance our competitive position and set aside funds for the long-term interests of the Law School,” Daniel Rodriguez said. Rodriguezis the dean and Harold Washington Professor at Northwestern University School of Law.
“This gift from Kirkland & Ellis will provide a meaningful boost in our efforts to address what is among my highest priorities as dean: easing the financial burdens faced by our law students and young alumni, burdens which can be alleviated by a combination of short-term and long-term measures, including limiting tuition increases, reducing student debt and looking closely at the size of our law school class,” Rodriguez said.
“These tough issues, along with employment challenges in this new legal economy, must be confronted with bold initiative and creative tactics. This major gift, and the generosity on the part of successful Northwestern Law alums which it reflects, is just the momentum we need as we continue our aggressive fundraising efforts.”
One of the people responsible for the donation was Jeffrey C. Hammes, who graduated in 1985 from Northwestern Law. Hammes is also the chairman of the Kirkland & Ellis Global Management Executive Committee. Hammes is a member of the Northwestern Law Board.
“Our Firm and our individual partners have supported Northwestern Law School for many years,” Hammes said. “We are grateful for the strong relationship we have built with Northwestern and the many talented Northwestern alumni that have contributed to the success of our Firm. This latest gift reflects our continued support of Northwestern Law, its current dean, Dan Rodriguez, its faculty, staff and outstanding students, some of whom will be designated Kirkland & Ellis Scholars.”
Morton Schapiro, the president of Northwestern, said, “We are extremely proud of our relationship with Kirkland & Ellis and grateful for this generous gift. It is a testament to Kirkland’s confidence in our students and to Dean Rodriguez’s leadership and vision. The gift, which includes the contributions of so many Northwestern alumni currently working at the firm, clearly illustrates the impact our University has had on their lives and careers.”