Chicago firm Kirkland & Ellis has strengthened its New York office with the hire of restructuring partner Paul Basta from Weil Gotshal & Manges . Basta, who will join the firm's 100-lawyer restructuring group, focuses his practice on representing debtors, creditors and investors in restructuring distressed companies. Notable clients include Significant Global Crossing, Acterna Corporation, Rhythms NetConnections and Footstar. Kirkland's New York office now has more than 250 lawyers.