Kirkland & Ellis and White & Case were the top mergers and acquisitions (M&A) legal advisers in the automotive sector during the first three quarters (Q1-Q3) 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 Deals Database reveals that Kirkland & Ellis achieved its leading position in terms of value by advising on $3.4 billion worth of deals. Meanwhile, White & Case led in terms of volume by advising on a total of 10 deals.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “White & Case was the only adviser to hit double-digit deal volume during Q1-Q3 2026. It was also the top adviser by volume during Q1-Q3 2025.

“Although Kirkland & Ellis advised on only half as many deals as White & Case, it led the chart by value during Q1-Q3 2026 due to its involvement in two billion-dollar deals*.”

Baker McKenzie occupied the second position in terms of value, by advising on $3.4 billion worth of deals, followed by Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison with $2.1 billion, CMS with $1.8 billion, and Sullivan & Cromwell with $1.8 billion.

Meanwhile, CMS occupied the second position in terms of volume with six deals, followed by Weil, Gotshal & Manges with six deals, Kirkland & Ellis with five deals, and DLA Piper with five deals.

*Deals valued more than or equal to $1 billion