Proposal Specialist

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

Kirkland is looking for a skilled communicator, master organizer and natural collaborator to join our dynamic and growing Proposals Team. If you thrive in high-stakes, deadline-driven environments and love turning complex information into compelling narratives, this is your opportunity to shine.

As a Proposal Specialist, you’ll be at the heart of business development (BD)—crafting, coordinating and delivering bespoke responses for clients across our full spectrum of practices.

You’ll serve as a critical bridge between attorneys, knowledge managers, finance and practice development professionals, ensuring our proposals reflect both strategic excellence and the sophistication of a world-class firm. You will:

• Lead projects from kickoff to submission, managing timelines, juggling input from multiple stakeholders and maintaining laser focus on deadlines.
• Create, tailor and edit content to build responses that reflect the depth of our experience and brand.
• Collaborate with attorneys and BD colleagues to gather insights, synthesize information and refine messaging.
• Track data and performance metrics to inform future proposal strategies and maintain internal databases (CRM, Excel, SharePoint).

What You’ll Bring

• Communication Pro: Write and speak professionally, clearly, confidently and persuasively—capable of translating complex legal and financial ideas into accessible, compelling language.
• Project Leader: Keep others on track, manage multiple deadlines and follow-through on expectations.
• Detail Hawk: Exceptional writing, editing and proofing skills.
• Initiative & Curiosity: Anticipate roadblocks, ask the right questions and always go the extra mile—often before being asked.
• Tech-Savvy: Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable learning new platforms like Salesforce, legal research tools and client submission portals.
• Discreet & Professional: Capable of handling sensitive information with care and confidence.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• 5+ years of relevant experience (law firm preferred)
• Outstanding project management and communication skills
• Proven ability to write, proofread and format client-ready materials
• Ability to thrive under pressure with competing deadlines

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in communications, business, marketing, English or a legal-related field
• AP style fluency and legal/professional services writing experience
• Familiarity with legal industry research databases and CRM systems

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago, Bay Area, and Los Angeles. 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: $95,000 - $114,000

• Los Angeles:  $95,000 - $118,000

• Bay Area: $95,000 - $129,000

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

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.