While many of the biggest firms are growing their bench strength in high-stakes disputes and class actions, a trio of former Kirkland litigation partners is betting there’s room for a smaller approach to big litigation.

Ex-Kirkland partners Kent Hayden, Brendan Ryan and Zachary Ciullo this week launched Hayden Ryan & Ciullo in Chicago, calling it a bid to deliver years of strategic counsel experience, developed at the largest firm in the world, “through a more focused and efficient platform.”

In an interview, the partners said market increases in billing rates, along with all the competition and consolidation among the Am Law 100, open up opportunities.

“There are $5 million, $10 million, $20 million cases that oftentimes aren’t being defended or are settled quickly because you don’t want to pay the top Am Law firms the rates for those matters,” Ciullo said, “and you might not have a solid relationship with a regional firm.” He added: “We think that’s a great space for us to fill.”

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