Atty. McClain Thompson

Atty. McClain Thompson

McClain Thompson is a litigation partner in Kirkland’s Washington office. He has litigated in state and federal courts across the country on behalf of clients like Avison Young, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Energy Future Holdings Corp., and Frontier Communications Corporation.

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Profile Summary

About McClain Thompson at a glance

McClain Thompson is a business and litigation attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Educated at Harvard University (J.D., 2014). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Serands clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • McClain Thompson is a litigation partner in Kirkland’s Washington office
  • He has litigated in state and federal courts across the country on behalf of clients like Avison Young, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Energy Future Holdings Corp., and Frontier Communications Corporation
  • McClain maintains an active pro bono practice
  • He represented three federal prisoners in successful clemency petitions
  • He currently represents a capital inmate in post-conviction proceedings in Tennessee state court
  • Before joining Kirkland, McClain clerked for Judge Duane Benton of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

Practice Areas Explained

McClain Thompson's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases McClain Thompson handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Business & Corporate Law

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

McClain Thompson is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in District of Columbia →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

McClain Thompson is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in District of Columbia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in District of Columbia

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

Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about McClain Thompson

Where is McClain Thompson's law office located?
McClain Thompson's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Kirkland & Ellis LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does McClain Thompson handle?
McClain Thompson focuses on business, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in District of Columbia.
Where did McClain Thompson go to law school?
McClain Thompson earned their education at (J.D., 2014).
How can I contact McClain Thompson for a consultation?
You can contact McClain Thompson 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 McClain Thompson received?
McClain Thompson's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
Harvard University
- 2014

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026

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