Firm Overview
Kirkland & Ellis is the highest-revenue law firm in the world and has achieved this position through an aggressive private equity and M&A practice of exceptional depth, a market-leading restructuring group, and a culture of entrepreneurialism and performance-based compensation. The firm has grown dramatically through lateral partner hiring and continues to invest in its platform.
Associate Experience
Associates at Kirkland are expected to perform at an extremely high level from the outset. The culture is demanding and the workload intense, but the access to deals and matters is among the best available anywhere. Kirkland's non-lockstep model at the partner level creates a highly competitive but high-reward environment.
Lateral Recruiting Context
Kirkland is one of the most active lateral hiring firms at both the associate and partner levels. The firm's private equity and M&A platforms are deep enough to support substantial growth. Alumni from Kirkland are highly mobile — the firm's brand is recognized as a signal of exceptional performance under pressure.
Rankings
Chambers USA Band 1
- Private Equity
- Corporate/M&A
- Restructuring/Insolvency
- Litigation