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Junior Paralegal Program (June 2025 Start - Most US Locations)

Job ID: 8264

Updated: Jan 31, 2025

Location: Washington, DC, United States

Category: Junior Paralegal

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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. 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 over 6,500 employees (including approximately 4,000 lawyers) operating from 21 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

Launch Your Legal Career with Kirkland & Ellis

Are you a recent or upcoming college graduate with ambitions to make an impact in the legal world before heading to law school? Kirkland & Ellis, one of the world’s premier law firms, is seeking driven, detail-oriented individuals who have an early passion for and curiosity about law, to join our two-year Junior Paralegal program, in one of our many U.S. offices. Participating offices include Chicago, New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Bay Area, Austin, Houston, and Dallas, please note your application is valid for all available locations. 

Beginning on June 23rd, 2025, our two-year program offers opportunity to build a solid foundation in the legal field, gaining hands-on experience in litigation or transactional work while developing professional skills that will set you apart as a future legal professional. From day one, you’ll be part of a class of collaborative, high-performing peers, and embedded with a team who will value your contributions and support your growth.

If you’re ready to immerse yourself in meaningful work, develop valuable skills, and establish connections that will last a lifetime, apply today and take the first step toward a successful legal career.

About the Role

As a Junior Paralegal, you’ll join our renowned Paralegal Program, designed to provide unparalleled training and hands-on experience. This role is the perfect steppingstone for those looking to learn the fundamentals of law and gain substantiative legal experience before starting law school.

You’ll choose between focusing on litigation or transactional matters, gaining exposure to high-stakes cases, complex deals, and cutting-edge legal work. Along the way, you’ll collaborate with top-tier attorneys and legal professionals, build lasting relationships, and make a meaningful impact in the world of law.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation Track:

  • Prepare case documents, maintain pleadings and discovery files, conduct document reviews, and create exhibits for depositions and trials.
  • Support attorneys through research, case organization, and preparation of materials for court proceedings.

Transactional Track:

  • Assist with preparing, filing, and organizing corporate and financial documents.
  • Track deal timelines, create closing binders, and manage transactional records.

Across Both Tracks:

  • Draft, proofread, and format legal documents, correspondence, and presentations using Microsoft Office and Adobe tools.
  • Maintain and organize case files—both paper and digital—ensuring accuracy and accessibility.
  • Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and departments like IT and document services to ensure seamless operations.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking driven, highly motivated recent graduates and spring 2025 graduates who bring a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a collaborative mindset to our team. We welcome candidates from diverse undergraduate backgrounds—whether you studied liberal arts, business, pre-law, or another field, your unique perspective and skills will add value to our program.

Qualifications & Requirements

Your Qualifications:

  • Professionalism: Demonstrates discretion, confidentiality, and adherence to Firm policies.
  • Team Player: Thrives in a collaborative environment, ready to assist peers and attorneys in achieving shared goals.
  • Dependable & Accessible: Strong work ethic, reliable attendance, and flexibility for overtime and travel as needed.
  • Organized & Detail-Oriented: Capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and focus.
  • Strong Communicator: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a polished, client-focused approach.
  • Tech-Savvy: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat is preferred, with a willingness to learn new tools.

Why Kirkland & Ellis?

  1. World-Class Training: Our comprehensive onboarding and two-year development program will give you the tools to succeed in law school and beyond.
  2. Meaningful Work: From day one, you’ll play an important role with our teams, working on high-profile cases and deals, and partnering alongside some of the best legal minds in the industry.
  3. Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with peers, attorneys, and professionals who will support your journey during your time at Kirkland & Ellis, law school and beyond.

Take the next step toward achieving your legal career aspirations. Join Kirkland & Ellis and make your mark in the legal world!


Compensation

The salary for the Junior Paralegal position will be $65,000, non-exempt (eligible for OT) for all of our US offices. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

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

The Firm will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records and criminal histories consistent with local laws.

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-SB1