2022 DIVERSITY DATABASE PREMIUM SPONSOR Kirkland & Ellis

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Kirkland & Ellis is seriously big, “bad” in the best possible way—and always ready to blow down the competition. Kirkland represents the most elite clients on some of the biggest deals out there, which means they’re in the market for associates who are ready and able to keep up. The firm wants top talent, but that doesn’t mean they only hire from the T14. Instead, the firm takes a holistic view of candidates; while good grades are important, equally so are drive and entrepreneurial spirit in order to thrive in the firm’s free market assignment system. “Go getters” will do well at Kirkland, where informal training and mentorship, along with prime assignments, are there for those ready to seize them. In spite of the fast-paced, high-intensity environment, associates rave about the firm’s culture, which they describe as energetic and social. Associates admit that the hours can be brutal, but note that hours in BigLaw are long across the board, and there is no billable hour requirement. At Kirkland, long hours are rewarded with early responsibility and interesting work, along with top-of-the-market, lockstep compensation. While some associates feel that bonuses aren’t what they used to be, they are still above market for high billers. Formal training at Kirkland is outstanding, and while formal mentorship does exist, associates will benefit from seeking out their own informal mentoring relationships. Wellness is a challenge when work demands are high, but Kirkland makes an effort to offer a vast array of wellness benefits. Diversity is an area for improvement, but moving in the right direction. When it comes to pro bono, Kirkland excels, with many associates billing hundreds of hours to pro bono clients with full firm support. Career prospects are promising, with income partnership a very realistic prospect and exit opportunities robust.