M&A Clearance Assistant

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 detail-driven communicator with an interest in law, economics, or antitrust? Join Kirkland & Ellis’s Mergers & Acquisitions Clearance Team—a key function within our Antitrust & Competition Practice Group. In this role, you'll support the submission of Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) premerger notification filings to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ), primarily on behalf of leading private equity clients. You’ll also assist in managing global competition filings and large-scale data organization efforts that support major corporate transactions.

This is an ideal opportunity for recent college graduates interested in entering the legal profession, or for professionals with 2–3 years of related experience seeking to build expertise in antitrust, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory law. You’ll work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment that values collaboration, precision, and initiative.

• HSR Filing Support: Input information into HSR forms, draft client-specific data requests, research NAICS/NAPCS industry codes, and review supporting exhibits for accuracy.
• Document Coordination: Compile, organize, and maintain detailed exhibit logs and HSR documentation using internal systems and SEC’s EDGAR database.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Communicate with team members across multiple offices to ensure timely and accurate submission of filings.
• Data Management: Track client HSR activity, manage Excel templates, input data into Relativity databases, and maintain document organization within the Firm’s systems.
• Research & Resource Development: Monitor news sources for client updates, refresh team templates and resources, and contribute to team meetings and training sessions.
• Ad Hoc & Pro Bono Support: Assist attorneys on pro bono matters or non-HSR-related projects as needed.

What You’ll Bring

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; academic background in finance, economics, or a related field is a plus.
• Experience: 0–3 years of related experience; strong interest in the legal field or antitrust practice preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong command of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and online research tools such as EDGAR.
• Detail Orientation: Exceptional accuracy and organization skills, with the ability to manage large volumes of data and documents.
• Adaptability & Initiative: Self-starter mindset with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and thrive in a high-pressure environment.
• Commitment: Willingness to work overtime and commit to the role for a minimum of two years.

If you’re eager to build legal experience while supporting high-stakes corporate transactions in a collaborative and fast-moving environment, we’d love to hear from you!

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago and NYC. 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:

• Chicago: $61,800 - $72,000
• New York City: $61,800 - $79,000

How to Apply

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

Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.

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. #LI-JN1 #LI-Hybrid