The Legal 500 Future Lawyers verdict on Kirkland & Ellis

About the firm

The firm: Kirkland & Ellis is a global law firm specialising in advising on private equity M&A and financing transactions, fund formation, litigation and restructuring. The firm is pre-eminent in those areas globally across its 19
offices in the US, Europe and Asia. The firm has developed its leading position by focusing on empowering its lawyers with accelerated career paths to partnership, rewarding dedication, focus and teamwork and allowing its lawyers to be entrepreneurial and client-facing at all stages in their careers.

The clients: Advent International, Antin Infrastructure Partners, Apax, Bain Capital Private Equity, BC Partners, Blackstone, EQT, GIC, Hellman & Friedman, Montagu Private Equity, Nordic Capital, Starwood Capital Group, TA Associates, Thoma Bravo, TDR Capital, TPG, Triton, Vista Equity Partners, Warburg Pincus.

Other offices: Austin, Bay Area, Beijing, Boston, Brussels, Chicago, Dallas, Hong Kong, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Munich, New York, Paris, Salt Lake City, Shanghai, Washington, DC.

Who we are: We are a leading global law firm that is focused on meritocracy and enabling our lawyers to become leading partners as early as possible in their careers. We encourage all of our lawyers to accelerate their growth by advising on complex transactions and being client-facing and business-focused.

What we do: We advise global clients including holders of private capital on their M&A and financing transactions, investment fund formations, restructuring and litigation matters.

What we’re looking for: We hire trainees who are hardworking, motivated and focused on gaining as much experience as possible and want to become partners on an accelerated career path.

What you’ll do: Our trainees gain experience through active involvement in deals throughout their careers, together with extensive technical training.

Perks: Private medical insurance, BUPA health assessment, life insurance, income protection, travel insurance, pension scheme, corporate gym membership, dental plan, GP consultation service, fertility and family forming, employee assistance plan, cycle to work scheme, free breakfast, emergency back-up child/elder care, wellbeing apps, Kirkland concierge, 25 days’ holiday, season ticket loan.

Sponsorship: Kirkland covers the costs of PGDL/SQE fees, as well as providing a competitive maintenance payment.