Neil S. Hirshman is a partner in the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP focusing on intellectual property and technology-related transactions, both domestic and foreign, including outsourcing (business process and information technology), software development, software, trademark, patent and technology licensing, and strategic alliances. He has represented both customers and service providers in the outsourcing (onshore, nearshore and offshore) of many functions, including information technology, finance and accounting, human resources, real estate, procurement and e learning. Neil represented PricewaterhouseCoopers in its outsourcing transaction with Nortel Networks, which at the time was the largest multi-process, multi-country deal. Neil obtained his J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.S. in electrical engineering from University of Illinois and is a registered patent attorney. Neil is a frequent lecturer on many aspects of outsourcing, including the contracting process, risk mitigation, business continuity, intellectual property and bankruptcy.
Known as "business-savvy and creative," Neil was named a leading lawyer in Business Process Outsourcing and Technology & IT Outsourcing in Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business in 2007-2009. According to Chambers, Neil is a "smart and proactive attorney" who "knows his stuff" and "is able to bring parties together instead of pushing them apart." The 2009 edition described Neil as "'incredibly intelligent, which means he gets more done in half an hour than many lawyers would in four days.' A linchpin of the team, he is recognized by sources as an expert in BPO matters and has a broad IP and technology transactional practice."
Neil is the founder and chair of the Chicago Chapter of the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals, a global membership organization for companies involved in outsourcing. The IAOP named Neil its Member of the Year at the 2008 Outsourcing World Summit. Neil is a Certified Outsourcing Professional.