Kirkland & Ellis and White & Case were the top mergers and acquisitions (M&A) legal advisers in the automotive sector during the first quarter (Q1) of 2026 by value and volume, respectively according to the latest legal advisers league table by GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform.

An analysis of GlobalData’s Financial Deals Database reveals that Kirkland & Ellis achieved the leading position in terms of value by advising on $1.3 billion worth of deals. Meanwhile, White & Case led in terms of volume by advising on four deals.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “White & Case was the top adviser by volume in Q1 2025 and managed to retain its leadership position by this metric in Q1 2026 as well. Moreover, it also held ninth position by value in Q1 2026.

“Meanwhile, Kirkland & Ellis was the only adviser with more than $1 billion in total value in Q1 2026. During the quarter, it advised on $1.3 billion deal for the acquisition of Jiffy Lube International and Premium Velocity Auto by Monomoy Capital Partners from Sopus Products.”

AZB & Partners occupied the second position in terms of value, by advising on $367.7 million worth of deals, followed by Fasken Martineau DuMoulin with $200 million, Jones Day with $71.6 million and Latham & Watkins with $70.9 million.

Meanwhile, AZB & Partners occupied the second position in terms of volume with two deals, followed by Jones Day with two deals, Wadia Ghandy with two deals, Dentons with two deals and DLA Piper with two deals.