Legal Secretary

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
 
As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and management; restructurings; high-stakes litigation and trials; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,500+ lawyers) operating from 19 offices across the United States, Europe and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

This position provides legal and administrative assistance primarily to a group of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Attorneys/Paralegals (primary assignments may also include other practice areas) and provides back-up assistance to other members, when necessary.  This position requires a professional, highly motivated individual capable of functioning in a fast-paced, challenging legal environment.  Strong interpersonal and communication skills along with the ability to work collaboratively as a team are also required. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Document Preparation:  Using word processing and document management software (MicroSoft Office Suite, DMS, etc.); prepares and revises a wide variety of documents, including correspondence, memoranda, and legal materials.  In conjunction with the preparation of such documents, the practice assistant is responsible for proofreading and correctly formatting all materials.

Administrative Support:  Processes conflict checks and New Client/Matter forms (KENI); enters time (Carpe Diem); processes expense reports (K&E Expense/Chrome River); receives, places, and screens telephone calls; schedules conference calls; coordinates and schedules travel arrangements; maintains attorney/paralegal calendars (Microsoft Outlook),tasklists; organizes group social events, distribution lists, etc..

Interacts on a daily basis with Departments within the Firm to facilitate highest possible legal support to assignments and clients, including Accounting (check requests); Mail Room (mail, FedEx, UPS, messengers); Conference Center/Catering (scheduling/arranging meetings and requested accommodations); Calendar Court Services; and Digital Services Department, etc.

Maintains paper and electronic files in compliance with current firm policies utilizing the Firm’s Document Management System.

Teamwork and Collaboration:  Provides assistance to other Practice Assistants when necessary to meet Firm and client needs; organizes and prioritizes workload so as to most efficiently enable and facilitate team effort to accomplish Firm and client goals.

Professional Demeanor:  Exhibits professionalism by recognizing and adhering to all Firm policies, including attendance guidelines dress code, security measures, and confidentiality requirements.

Qualifications & Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

The ability to work the core business hours of 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. with flexibility for overtime, as required.  Hybrid work arrangement.  Must have 3+ years of recent legal or related corporate experience, advanced proficiency in MS Word and formatting documents with a minimum of 55 words per minute.  PowerPoint and Excel experience are also strongly preferred.  A four year college degree or at least two years of relevant previous experience in a legal or corporate environment is preferred.  Background, or interest, in ESG is a plus.  

TECHNOLOGIES/SOFTWARE

Must be proficient in the following software:  Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.  In addition, must be able to use Citrix, Chrome River, Carpe Diem, DocX Tools, Adobe, iManage, DeskSite and Avaya telephone system. 

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

The www.kirkland.com job postings and recruiting mailbox are for candidates only. If you are a recruiter, search firm or employment agency, and do not have a signed contract with Kirkland & Ellis LLP ("K&E") and have not been asked specifically to submit candidates, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if K&E hires the candidate. Direct contact with K&E employees in an attempt to present candidates is inappropriate and will be a factor in determining any future professional relationship with the Firm. #LI-KP1