Jess Krannich is a nationally acclaimed litigation partner whose legal career has been defined by a commitment to excellence, strategy, and results. With more than two decades of courtroom experience and a formidable reputation for handling complex, high-stakes litigation, Jess is known not only for his legal acumen but also for his unwavering dedication to helping businesses thrive amid challenge and change. Jess’s clients appreciate his highly strategic, collaborative approach to their solving most complex legal and business problems and have noted the “unparalleled service and vision” he provides.
Following a federal clerkship, Jess’s legal career began at Kirkland & Ellis in its Chicago office, where he was soon recognized as a rising star in its complex commercial litigation practice. Jess became a partner at Kirkland and a nationally recognized, go-to litigator for bet-the-company commercial and intellectual property disputes. Jess was also a founding and managing member of Kirkland’s office in Salt Lake City; Jess grew up in Northern Utah and now resides in Salt Lake City.
In 2024, Jess joined Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati as a partner and managing member in its Salt Lake City office. The move reflects his deep roots in and commitment to the Rocky Mountain region and his passion for serving as a trusted advisor to high-growth, technology-forward companies. At Wilson Sonsini, Jess continues to drive the firm’s mission to deliver innovative legal solutions to some of the most transformative businesses in country. He has played an instrumental role in building one of the preeminent legal practices in the Intermountain West, serving clients nationally and internationally.
During his career, Jess has amassed nearly 20 wins in trials, arbitrations, and injunctive proceedings, earning accolades for his tenacity in the courtroom and his ability to achieve decisive victories in complex cases. Clients ranging from start-ups to publicly traded giants—including Apple, Chime, Google, LiveRamp, Myriad Genetics, NetDocuments, Owlet, Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Route, Tremendous, Vector Defense, and Warburg Pincus—have turned to Jess to represent them in high-risk matters. He has obtained multiple zero-liability or zero-damages awards resulting in billions of dollars in savings for his clients, and has collectively recovered more than $500 million on behalf of plaintiffs.
Jess has broad commercial experience, but his expertise is in the field of competition law and competitor disputes. Jess’s practice often involves disputes among competitors arising from intellectual property, anti-competitive practices, or commercial agreements. His contributions to the field include authoring a chapter of the Practicing Law Institute’s treatise on competition law, and Jess is frequently an invited speaker on competition law topics. Jess not only represents clients in competition disputes, he is a frequent counselor and advisor to executives and boards on how to improve management and internal processes and mitigate risk in this area. Many of Jess’s matters also involve Delaware law, are litigated in Delaware, and include statutory or governance issues that must also be navigated, so Jess frequently advises on governance matters as well. Clients commend his ability to demystify legal complexities, align litigation strategy with corporate goals, and identify levers that can drive outcomes while preserving operational momentum.
Jess’s influence extends well beyond his litigation practice. He serves on the Board of Governors of the Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce, where he contributes to shaping the regional business climate and advancing civic initiatives. His longstanding role as an adjunct Professor of Law at the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah is a testament to his belief in the power of mentorship and education. For over a decade, Jess has taught trial advocacy and advanced negotiation, training the next generation of legal minds with the same rigor and passion that have defined his own practice.
Despite the intensity of his work, Jess remains grounded in the values of integrity, community, and service. Whether advocating for clients, mentoring students, or collaborating with executive leaders, he brings a focused yet empathetic presence to every relationship. His approach is informed by both the precision of legal analysis and the strategic foresight of a seasoned counselor who understands how litigation intersects with brand reputation, investor confidence, and business operations.
Internationally, Jess’s work has taken him across jurisdictions, with exposure in Australia, Asia, and Europe, enhancing his ability to address cross-border litigation issues and regulatory considerations. His broad perspective has made him a valuable asset to multinational organizations and a bridge between legal frameworks and commercial realities in diverse global markets. While English is his primary language, his legal influence is distinctly global.
An avid skier, flyfisher, and traveler, Jess finds inspiration and renewal in the outdoors—passions that reflect his appreciation for clarity, preparation, and measured risk. These same qualities permeate his legal practice, where he is celebrated not only for his victories but also for his ability to guide organizations through uncertainty with confidence and composure.
Today, Jess Krannich is more than a litigator—he is a strategic partner to executive teams, a mentor to emerging talent, and a civic leader dedicated to elevating the legal and business landscape of the Intermountain West. His story is one of relentless pursuit: of justice, of excellence, and of lasting impact.
Character:
Jess exemplifies integrity and accountability in every aspect of his practice. His principled leadership and consistent service to clients, students, and the broader community reflect a deep-rooted commitment to doing what is right—always.
Knowledge:
With unmatched depth in commercial and competition law, Jess is a sought-after legal mind for complex and high-stakes matters. His published works, courtroom record, and academic contributions underscore his dedication to advancing legal thought and practice.
Strategic:
Jess approaches each case with a calculated blend of foresight, pragmatism, and creativity, enabling him to deliver results that go beyond legal wins to serve long-term business goals. His strategic vision allows him to mitigate risk while driving meaningful value for his clients.
Communication:
Clear, persuasive, and grounded, Jess’s communication style resonates with juries, judges, boardrooms, and classrooms alike. He has an uncanny ability to translate legal intricacies into actionable insights, fostering trust and collaboration at every level.
