Kirkland & Ellis, named as a defendant in a Texas lawsuit seeking disgorgement of fees from a bankruptcy, is now seeking its dismissal, alleging that plaintiff Michael Van Deelen failed to state a claim. It also seeks sanctions against Van Deelen and the law firm representing him, Bandas Law Firm.

Kirkland’s involvement in the litigation stems from its working relationship with Texas law firm Jackson Walker in bankruptcies filed before former U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David Jones of the Southern District of Texas, who resigned last October following reports of his undisclosed romantic relationship with former Jackson Walker partner Elizabeth Freeman.