**Top Wachtell Lawyer Offered $80 Million to Jump to Rival Firm**

Kirkland & Ellis is poised to hire a leading distressed-debt lawyer from Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. The move would be a major hire in the competitive legal industry. Sources say Kirkland has offered partner Joshua Feltman a guaranteed pay package. The deal is worth approximately $80 million over three years. Feltman is a key figure in Wachtell's restructuring practice. He advises companies in financial distress. His potential departure would be a significant loss for Wachtell. Guaranteed multi-year pay deals are rare at the top tier of law firms. This offer highlights the intense competition for elite legal talent. It also shows the high value placed on specialists in corporate restructuring. Neither Kirkland & Ellis, Wachtell, nor Feltman has commented publicly. The terms of the offer could still change.