Senior Competitive Intelligence 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

Do you have a passion for uncovering insights that drive strategy and deliver impact? Kirkland & Ellis is seeking a Senior Competitive Intelligence Specialist to join our Competitive Intelligence team in Chicago.

As a key member of our international research and business development network, you’ll lead high-impact intelligence projects that support the Firm’s strategic priorities. Your work will include developing client and industry briefings, analyzing market trends, and delivering insights that fuel business development and cross-marketing efforts. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and brings strong judgment, communication skills, and analytical rigor to every task.

You will report to the Competitive Intelligence Manager in Chicago and collaborate closely with colleagues across departments and geographies.

• Strategic Research & Analysis: Conduct in-depth research on clients, competitors, and target markets to support growth strategies and enhance competitive positioning
• Cross-Practice Intelligence Support: Engage in research across practice areas and global industries, leveraging diverse resources to provide actionable insights
• Data Interpretation & Delivery: Compile, analyze, and present data in support of business development and firmwide initiatives
• News & Trend Monitoring: Monitor alerts and media to proactively identify developments relevant to firm strategy
• Collaborative Project Execution: Partner with internal stakeholders to support firm initiatives and business goals

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in Library and Information Science preferred
• 7+ years of experience in research or competitive intelligence, ideally in a law firm or professional services setting
• Expertise in legal and business research tools including Westlaw, Bloomberg Law, S&P Capital IQ, Pitchbook, Mergermarket, and more
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with CRM platforms such as InterAction or Salesforce
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels
• Strong project management skills with attention to detail, accountability, and adaptability in a dynamic setting
• Proactive, independent thinker with sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to meet tight deadlines

If you’re excited to turn information into influence and insights into action, we invite you to join our high-performing Competitive Intelligence team.

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. 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: $115,000 - $128,000

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-Hybrid #LI-NK1