Atty. Walter S. Holzer

Atty. Walter S. Holzer

Walt Holzer focuses on complex business transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, buyouts, recapitalizations, divestitures, venture capital and growth equity investing, and executive compensation. He has handled numerous transactions in a wide variety of industries for private equity, family office and strategic clients.

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Profile Summary

About Walter S. Holzer at a glance

Walter S. Holzer is a business attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Educated at Capital University (J.D., 1995). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law (2026). Serands clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Walt Holzer focuses on complex business transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, buyouts, recapitalizations, divestitures, venture capital and growth equity investing, and executive compensation
  • He has handled numerous transactions in a wide variety of industries for private equity, family office and strategic clients
  • Praised by clients for his "pragmatic approach, business acumen and sector knowledge" and his "expertise…and commerciality" and "valuable understanding of the most important areas of a deal," Walt has been recognized in multiple publications for his extensive experience in transactional work, including by The Legal 500 U.S. for Private Equity Buyouts every year from 2008–2013, 2015–2016 and 2018–2019, by Chambers USA as one of America's Leading Lawyers for Business in Corporate/M&A: Private Equity every year from 2009–2020, by International Financial Law Review for Corporate/M&A: Private Equity: Buyouts every year from 2019–2022, and by Lawdragon as one of the 500 Leading Dealmakers in America in 2021 and 2022
  • Walt has also been listed in PLC Which Lawyer? and Super Lawyers

Practice Areas Explained

Walter S. Holzer's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Walter S. Holzer 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.

Walter S. Holzer is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Illinois →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Illinois

Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois 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 Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Walter S. Holzer

Where is Walter S. Holzer's law office located?
Walter S. Holzer's law practice is located in Chicago, Illinois. The firm is Kirkland & Ellis LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Walter S. Holzer handle?
Walter S. Holzer focuses on business. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Illinois.
Where did Walter S. Holzer go to law school?
Walter S. Holzer earned their education at (J.D., 1995).
How can I contact Walter S. Holzer for a consultation?
You can contact Walter S. Holzer 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 Walter S. Holzer received?
Walter S. Holzer's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law; Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Best Lawyers in America — Venture Capital Law.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
Capital University
- 1995

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Venture Capital Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Transactions
- 2026

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