qwant news | Apollo, BlackRock Deny Asking Kirkland To Abandon Optimum - Law360

**Apollo, BlackRock Deny Asking Kirkland To Abandon Optimum**
*By Tracey Read – March 27, 2026, 3:40 PM EDT*

Apollo, Ares, BlackRock and other major financial firms have denied the allegations made by Optimum Communications. Optimum claims the firms “bully‑ed” the law firm Kirkland & Ellis LLP into withdrawing as its transaction counsel in a telecommunications deal, seeking retaliation for a separate collusion lawsuit that Optimum filed in a New York federal court.

The dispute centers on whether the financial firms improperly pressured Kirkland & Ellis to step aside, thereby influencing the outcome of Optimum’s transaction and undermining its legal strategy. Optimum argues this conduct was meant to punish the company for its antitrust claims, while the defendants assert that no such coercion occurred. The case highlights ongoing tensions between large financiers and corporate counsel in high‑stakes litigation.

Read more: https://www.law360.com/articles/2458582/apollo-blackrock-deny-asking-kirkland-to-abandon-optimum

#apollo #blackrock #kirkland&ellis #federalcourt #antitrust

The Daily Beast Latest Articles | Epstein’s Disgraced Lawyer Who Secured Sweetheart Deal Leaves Firm by Laura Esposito

Kirkland & EllisThe man who secured Jeffrey Epstein’s notorious sweetheart deal that helped him avoid serious jail time is leaving the legal field.

Jay Lefkowitz, 63, announced on Monday that he will be retiring after three decades as a prominent litigator at Kirkland & Ellis’ New York offices.

The litigator is known for being Epstein’s henchman and the driving force behind the disgraced financier’s 2008 Florida plea deal, which allowed him to escape serious federal charges despite extensive evidence that he had abused and trafficked underage girls.

Read more: https://www.thedailybeast.com/jeffrey-epsteins-disgraced-lawyer-jay-lefkowitz-who-secured-sweetheart-deal-leaves-firm/

#jeffreyepstein #jaylefkowitz #kirkland&ellis #florida

Hello, The National Weather Service has issued a FLOOD WATCH for portions of northwest Washington, including all of King County, that will be in effect Wednesday afternoon through Friday afternoon. Flooding caused by excessive rainfall and heavy snow levels/snowmelt runoff may be possible, resulting in the flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Residents of flood-prone areas, or who transit these areas, should monitor forecasts, prepare for further Flood Warnings, and prepare to take action should flooding develop.

Thank you, Kevin Lowery

#Flood #Flooding #KingCounty #Seattle #Bellevue #Kirkland #Woodinville #Kenmore #Bothell #Shoreline #LakeForestPark #Washington