Conflicts Counsel- Future Opportunities

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don’t just meet the standard for legal excellence — we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 22 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers’ commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

What You’ll Do

Are you a sharp legal thinker with a passion for risk management and a keen eye for detail? Join Kirkland & Ellis as a Conflicts Counsel and play a key role in evaluating potential conflicts tied to new matters and lateral hires. As part of the Business Intake & Conflicts Department, you’ll work closely with attorneys, the Office of the General Counsel, and global colleagues to ensure ethical compliance and support the Firm’s continued growth.

You’ll research complex legal relationships, offer strategic guidance, and help refine the Firm’s conflicts processes—all while supporting high-stakes decisions that impact daily operations. This role demands strong judgment, clear communication, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-responsibility environment.

This opportunity reflects our ongoing need for talented individuals to provide top-tier support to our attorneys at all levels. We welcome applications year-round, though response times may vary based on hiring needs and application volume.

• Advise attorneys on conflicts related to new clients, matters, and lateral hires
• Interpret and apply Firm conflicts policies; suggest improvements as needed
• Guide and review conflicts search processes for accuracy and consistency
• Lead complex search reviews and assist with peer training
• Draft and review engagement letters, waivers, and ethical wall memoranda
• Communicate with clients to negotiate retention and waiver terms
• Cross-train with Business Intake team to provide backup as needed
• Stay current on legal ethics issues and professional responsibility standards
• Remain available for sensitive or urgent matters, including after-hours needs

What You’ll Bring

• JD from an accredited law school
• Active bar license in a state where Kirkland & Ellis operates or in your residence state
• 4+ years of large law firm experience in conflicts, risk management, or compliance
• Proven expertise in conflicts identification and clearance
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• High level of discretion, professionalism, and client service orientation
• Ability to manage shifting priorities and work collaboratively across teams

If you're driven to protect firm integrity and elevate compliance processes, we’d love to hear from you!

Compensation

We do not have a current opening for this role. The salary for future needs may range from $158,000 - $180,000 depending upon the exact position, its location, and the years of experience required of the applicant. 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 provide 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 submit your resume for future consideration, please click "Apply Now."

Don’t worry if you don’t meet every requirement—while this posting is for future opportunities and response times may vary, we’re always eager to connect with top talent and may reach out if a matching role arises.

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.