Assistant Managing Attorney

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

Are you a practicing attorney seeking to take on a leadership role outside the traditional partner track? Join Kirkland & Ellis' prestigious Managing Attorney’s Office (MAO), a dynamic team at the forefront of legal strategy and innovation. This office is tasked with offering high-level legal analysis and guidance on complex procedural and strategic issues, while also fostering the development of team members at all levels.

As the Assistant Managing Attorney (AMA), you will oversee the day-to-day operations of the junior members of the MAO, ensuring court filings, docketing and other litigation-related tasks are completed in compliance with applicable rules and practices. Your role will be crucial in shaping the success of the department, delivering unparalleled client service, and driving the future of litigation practices across multiple jurisdictions.

This is an ideal position for an attorney who seeks to work in-house and influence the direction of a department without following the traditional partner track—offering an unparalleled opportunity to take your career in a new direction, utilizing your expertise in commercial litigation and procedure to have a broader impact.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

This is a critical role within Kirkland & Ellis, where your leadership and expertise will directly contribute to our continued success. Your responsibilities will include:

Legal Guidance & Strategic Direction

• Advise attorneys, paralegals, and staff on a wide range of procedural issues and strategic concerns arising at every stage of the litigation process in both state and federal courts.
• Conduct detailed analysis and legal research across federal, state, and local rules of procedure; deliver insights to inform case strategies.
• Provide institutional knowledge and best practices to litigators, paralegals, and staff, enhancing the firm’s approach.
• Lead advanced procedural/technical research efforts for case teams and provide training on new developments concerning court rules and procedures.

Docket & Administration Leadership

• Oversee the firm’s docket and calendar systems, ensuring the timely monitoring and maintenance of case deadlines.
• Manage coordination of court services and bar admissions for the office.
• Collaborate with team members to maintain compliance with court and filing requirements.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead a high-performing, cross-office team of approximately six MAO professionals across New York and Chicago, driving a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to team members, helping to shape their careers and foster a growth-oriented environment.
• Manage department administration and work collaboratively with litigation department and other business professionals.
• Assist the Managing Attorney with the development and implementation of MAO goals, objectives, and policies.

Qualifications & Requirements

WHAT YOU’LL BRING 

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school with current New York bar admission (additional states a plus).
• Proven commercial litigation experience with deep knowledge of federal and state procedural rules, particularly in New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, and California.
• Expertise in legal research (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Bloomberg Law, PACER) and docket management software (CourtAlert, eDockets, CompuLaw).
• Strong communicator with the ability to present complex legal issues clearly and persuasively.
• Strategic leader with a track record of building high-performing teams and aligning objectives with firm goals.
• Client-focused, solution-driven, and adept at managing multiple priorities in fast-paced environments.
• Contribute to the Firm's Service Excellence initiative to consistently improve its image internally and externally. Display professionalism, quality service and a “can do” attitude to internal members/departments of the firm as well as external clients and vendors via electronic and print communications over the telephone and in person.

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in New York City. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. 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.

Compensation Range:

• New York City: $180,000 - $235,000

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

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