Blake Ellis

Blake Ellis is an associate attorney whose practice centers on investment funds and structured capital matters for sophisticated market participants. His work supports global private fund sponsors by structuring capital-efficient solutions that align legal strategy with complex financial objectives across evolving regulatory environments and cross-border investment considerations.

Blake earned a B.S., Finance, magna cum laude in 2019 from the South Carolina Honors College at the University of South Carolina. He later completed his J.D. in 2022 at Georgetown University Law Center, where he contributed to the Georgetown Environmental Law Review through focused academic writing.

Blake focuses on private fund formation and insurance-related investment structures designed to improve capital efficiency. His experience includes rated funds, insurance investing platforms, and complex vehicles that require coordination between fund sponsors, insurers, and institutional stakeholders across varied market conditions and regulatory frameworks in domestic and international contexts.

Blake also works with advanced credit and structured products, including captive CLO equity funds with EU risk retention compliant manager originators. He advises on collateralized fund obligations, private credit funds, and semi-liquid structures that balance liquidity goals with long-term investment strategies for diverse investor profiles.

Blake brings a practical approach to complex transactions by translating technical concepts into clear legal guidance. His work supports efficient execution while addressing structural, regulatory, and operational considerations that affect fund performance throughout the investment lifecycle, from formation through ongoing management and strategic restructuring phases.

Blake is admitted to practice law in Illinois and North Carolina, enabling him to assist clients across multiple jurisdictions. He applies disciplined analysis and attention to detail to help sponsors navigate evolving market demands with confidence in complex fund environments and structured investment settings globally.

Blake Ellis applies focused legal insight to support sophisticated investment strategies in a fast-changing financial landscape. By combining technical knowledge with practical execution, he helps fund sponsors pursue compliant, efficient structures that advance long-term objectives and respond to market complexity with clarity and consistency overall.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
• Member, Illinois state Bar Association
• Member, North Carolina Bar Association

Licensed State

• Illinois
• North Carolina

Education

• Georgetown University Law Center
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• South Carolina Honors College at the University of South Carolina
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges