Explore
Iconic Office
The Gherkin, London
Multi Award
Winning Firm
Recognising the best recruiters
and trainers among law firms
Over 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.
Over 350 lawyers work in our London office, on some of the most complex, high value and high-profile international matters. 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
U.S. Law Firm of the Year
IFLR, 2020
Number 1 for European buyouts by value
Mergermarket, H1 2020
Corporate and Commercial Firm of the Year; Finance Firm (Specialism) of the Year: Acquisition Finance
The Legal 500, 2020
Tier 1 Private Equity; Bank Lending: Sponsor Side; Restructuring: Bond holder and fund representation
IFLR 1000, 2020
Tier 1 Banking & Finance: Sponsors; Restructuring; Investment Funds: Private Equity; Private Equity: Buyouts: High-end Capability
Chambers UK, 2020
Number 1 for European Buyouts
Mergermarket, 2019
Private Equity Law Firm of the Year
Legal Business, 2019
Law Firm of the Year
City AM, 2019
European M&A Legal Adviser of the Year; Private Equity Deal of the Year
Mergermarket, 2019
Firm of the Year – UK; International Arbitration Firm of the Year – UK
Benchmark Litigation, 2019
International Firm of the Year; Corporate Rescue of the Year – Legal Team; Insolvency Law Firm of the Year (Over Three Insolvency Partners)
TRI, 2019
Best Work Placement Scheme (Vacation Scheme) – City Firm
LawCareers.Net 2020 awards
Best Trainer – US Firm in the City
LawCareers.Net 2019 awards
The LawCareers.net 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 ten years in a row and have won these awards 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.
2,700 Lawyers
Working across 15 offices
around the world
15 International
Offices
From Beijing to
Washington, D.C.
1 Global Firm
Serving a broad range of
clients around the world
Perspective
“We’re a leading global law firm with an unsurpassed reputation and 2,700 lawyers in 15 offices around the world.”
Brochure
Awards & Recognitions
LawCareers.Net – Best Work Placement Scheme (Vacation Scheme) – City Firm 2020
LawCareers.Net – Best Trainer – US Firm in the City 2019
Lex 100 – Quality of Work 2019/2020
Lex 100 – Living Up To Expectations 2019/2020