ACCELERATE

Throughout the programme, you’ll be introduced to the world of private equity and the transactions that underpin much of our practice.

You’ll gain invaluable experience working on a simulated PE transaction, understand the key issues, negotiate points and understand what is required to get a deal done. These sessions are designed to help you develop key skills including commercial awareness, problem solving, teamwork and communication, while providing a realistic insight into the work of a private equity lawyer.

You’ll also have the opportunity to hear directly from trainees, associates and partners about their experiences, career journeys and day-to-day work. Through networking opportunities and informal conversations, you’ll gain a genuine understanding of the firm’s culture and what makes our approach unique. This is the start of a journey to hopefully make the step towards an interview for a future training contract.

ACCELERATE is designed to help ambitious students gain early access to Kirkland & Ellis before they begin applying for training contracts. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes pass to our London office, our lawyers, and the world of private equity. Across the programme, you’ll hear directly from partners and associates, see how private equity transactions work in practice, and experience what life at Kirkland is really like. You will gain insights that most students don’t encounter until much later in their legal careers.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have:

• A clearer understanding of the private equity cycle.
• First-hand insight into the work undertaken by our lawyers.
• Greater awareness of the skills required to succeed at Kirkland & Ellis.
• Enhanced commercial awareness and professional confidence.
• The opportunity to build relationships with lawyers and members of our graduate recruitment team.
• A deeper understanding of our training contract and recruitment process.

Most importantly, you’ll leave with a realistic picture of life at Kirkland & Ellis and the opportunity to continue engaging with the Firm as your career develops.

ACCELERATE is aimed at students who are interested in learning more about private equity and motivated to develop their understanding of life at Kirkland & Ellis.

You do not need to have every aspect of your future career mapped out before applying. We’re looking for individuals who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, initiative, enthusiasm and a genuine interest in the work we do.

Whether you are already considering a training contract or are simply exploring your options, ACCELERATE provides an opportunity to learn more about the profession and determine whether a future career at Kirkland & Ellis could be right for you.