Atty. James Brownstein

Atty. James Brownstein

James Brownstein is a corporate partner in the Los Angeles office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. His practice is primarily focused on private equity mergers and acquisitions, and he also represents private equity-owned companies in strategic mergers and acquisitions as well as routine corporate, governance and incentive equity matters.

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Corporate Law & More Attorney · Serving Los Angeles, CA

Profile Summary

About James Brownstein at a Glance

James Brownstein is a business and m&a attorney based in Los Angeles, California, practicing at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2026). Serves clients in Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About James Brownstein

  • James Brownstein is a corporate partner in the Los Angeles office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. His practice is primarily focused on private equity mergers and acquisitions, and he also represents private equity-owned companies in strategic mergers and acquisitions as well as routine corporate, governance and incentive equity matters
  • Prior to joining Kirkland & Ellis LLP, James worked as a corporate lawyer in Melbourne, Australia
  • His experience from Australia includes public and private mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions and corporate governance matters

Practice Areas Explained

James Brownstein's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James Brownstein handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Los Angeles.

Business & Corporate Law in Los Angeles

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

James Brownstein is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in California →

Mergers & Acquisitions in Los Angeles

James Brownstein is one of 49,430 m&a attorneys indexed nationally. Browse m&a attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Los Angeles

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Los Angeles are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Los Angeles Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Los Angeles-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Los Angeles or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About James Brownstein

Where is James Brownstein's law office located?
James Brownstein's law practice is located in Los Angeles, California. The firm is Kirkland & Ellis LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James Brownstein handle?
James Brownstein focuses on business, m&a. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How can I contact James Brownstein for a consultation?
You can contact James Brownstein directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has James Brownstein received?
James Brownstein's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law; Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Los Angeles Choose James Brownstein

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish James Brownstein's practice in the field of business and m&a.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering business and m&a, James Brownstein can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Los Angeles

A Los Angeles-based practice means James Brownstein attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues James Brownstein Handles in Los Angeles

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters James Brownstein has experience with under California law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Business formation and structure
Business
Contract drafting and review
Business
Partnership disputes
Business
Merger and acquisition support
Business

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact James Brownstein directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find James Brownstein Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Los Angeles commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like James Brownstein.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with James Brownstein directly.

James Brownstein's Practice Areas & Specializations

Awards & Professional Honors

Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- 2026

Client Reviews & Ratings — James Brownstein

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