About Us – Kirkland & Ellis International LLP

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A Global Firm

Iconic Office

The Gherkin, London

Multi Award
Winning Firm

Recognising the best recruiters
and trainers among law firms

Around 350 Lawyers

Working in our London office

Kirkland London

When you join Kirkland as a trainee you’ll quickly be part of the team providing solutions to high-profile brands as well as major private equity firms behind some of the biggest corporate transactions.

Around 350 lawyers work in our London office, on some of the most complex, high value and high-profile matters in Europe. Within a month, you’ll be heavily involved in real deals and cases with them, not just listening and learning but relied upon to make a valuable contribution. When you join Kirkland & Ellis as a trainee you’ll quickly be part of the team providing solutions to high-profile brands as well as major private equity firms behind some of the biggest corporate transactions.

Industry Acclaim

The matters you’re involved in will continue to grow our reputation for top quality corporate work, that’s been recognised by our peers as well as with industry awards.

The way we work and what we deliver has been praised by Chambers and Legal 500 who said we provide a “terrific combination of creative problem solving, high-quality execution and exceptional attention to detail”, and “huge market share allows them to see more deals and situations and puts them in a strong position to advise on other matters. The lawyers are very strong.”

Perspective

“Kirkland is a thriving and energetic place to work. A key success factor has been the recruitment of talented and diverse individuals whose ideas drive the firm forward. If you want to work at a firm that promotes achievement and growth, we invite you to learn more about Kirkland.”

Recent Awards

Private Equity Deal of the Year
IFLR, 2019

Number 1 for UK Buyouts
Mergermarket, H1 2019

Private Equity Law Firm of the Year
Legal Business, 2019

Tier 1 Private Equity: Bank Lending: Sponsor Side; Restructuring
IFLR 1000, 2019

Tier 1 Banking & Finance: Sponsors: Restructuring
Chambers UK, 2019

Best Trainer – US Firm in the City
LawCareers.Net 2019 awards. The awards, which recognise the best recruiters and trainers among law firms, were based on a large survey of thousands of trainee and newly qualified solicitors. Kirkland has been nominated for nine years in a row and have won this award and the ‘Best Recruiter- US Firm in the City’ award several times.

Global Overview

Kirkland is a recognised major force on the global stage, practising English, US and international law. Our global footprint of offices and international outlook mean we’re trusted by many of today’s big global brands.

Working with an international team of colleagues will develop your insights into the laws and legal systems of different countries and grow your ability to advise clients on solutions for their operations in multiple territories.

Growing your ability to find a path through complex and often conflicting laws is an important part of your development at Kirkland and you will be given early exposure to the wide ranging international challenges our clients face.

One significant way to experience the global nature of our firm during your training is through applying for an international seat. If successful in your application, for six months you can live and work in either New York or Hong Kong and gain experience of the legal systems and processes that operate in these countries. During your time overseas you’ll make many useful contacts amongst colleagues. People who you’ll continue to work with and gain support from throughout your time at Kirkland.

We look for trainees who have an international outlook. Those who recognise the global stage our clients operate on, are excited by the prospect of practicing law across international borders, and who look forward to the prospect of working with diverse teams from the Kirkland team around the world.