Physical Security Specialist

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

At the direction of the FW Physical Security team and working closely with the Associate Director of NY Operations, the Physical Security Specialist (NY) will will plan, organize, and oversee the day-to-day operations of Kirkland & Ellis’ security and life safety initiatives in the New York office.  This position is accountable for ensuring that the security programs and standards of the Firm are effectively implemented at this location and maintained by property management per lease requirements.  The standard hours for the position may require work after normal business hours in case of an emergency situation or to coordinate special events as necessary. 

Essential Functions: (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

• Enhance and maintain written security policies, procedures and programs to include Access Control, Alarm Response, Life Safety, and Emergency Response Plans. 
• Provide support to ensure consistent standards relative to the preparation and training of emergency evacuation and crisis teams. 
• Identify vulnerabilities by conducting assessments.  Develop appropriate and required security measures, techniques, and methods to improve the protection of personnel and activities of the Firm.
• Work with FW Physical Security Team to manage the access control platform by performing audits of badge records, clearances to sensitive areas, programming of hardware and alarm events, etc.  Coordinate and verify the necessary access levels for K&E personnel with base building systems at this location.
• Oversee access control vendors for projects involving new system installations, upgrades, and modifications of existing and future office locations.  Coordinate the programming and acceptance testing of hardware to include access control, intrusion, and CCTV systems.
• Conduct ongoing functionality testing of technical security systems to ensure proper coverage and operation.  Identify system malfunctions, trouble shoot and work closely with vendors to resolve these and any break/fix issues.
• Provide support to local personnel involving response to emergency situations such as fire and evacuation, medical situation, workplace violence, etc.
• Document safety and security related incidents and assist with investigations that impact Kirkland & Ellis in an effort to resolve and prevent recurrence.
• Coordinate security services for special functions to include access and protection of guests.  Other special circumstances may involve employee escorts, etc.
• Help manage other security programs to include Emergency Communications, Global Intelligence and Travel Risk Management, Workplace Violence Prevention, etc.  Assist in the implementation of new projects.
• Build and maintain positive relations with vendors, business partners, law enforcement, and professional associates.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills:

The selected candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Criminal Justice Administration or Business Administration or the minimum of 7 years of equivalent experience in a corporate or professional services environment.

Candidate must also possess the following skills:

• Has a proven track record of outstanding work ethic, with at least 2 verifiable references from previous employers
• Understanding OSHA rules/regulations that govern high rise office buildings
• An employment career with a proven record of positive career growth.
• Ability to evaluate methods to improve security and loss prevention systems on a continuous basis through the use of auditing, review and assessment.
• Practical interview and interrogation experience (a certificate is preferred).
• Investigative experience to include providing depositions as well as sworn testimony.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor at all times under every circumstance and a quality service attitude.
• Excellent punctuality and attendance.
• Utilizes exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Handles multiple tasks and manage a fast-paced environment when needed.
• Is able to interact with staff, vendors, executives and clients on all levels in a positive manner.
• Must be able to make quick and accurate decisions.
• Is flexible regarding scheduled hours/days of work.

Technologies/Software:

• Practical experience operating security systems preferably with Software House access control systems and ExacqVision CCTV software.
• Possesses basic user MS Office Suite skills with the ability to prepare word documents, spreadsheets and basic presentations.

Certificates, Licensures, Registrations:

• ASIS International certification preferred - CPP, PSP, etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

How to Apply

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

For applicants who are based in NYC, visit the following link for pay range information: https://staffjobsus.kirkland.com/pages/JOBID7117

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-Hybrid #LI-LC1