Business Development Assistant

About Kirkland & Ellis

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is a preeminent, full-service law firm with offices around the world and a staff as diverse as the practice areas we support. Our clients range from Fortune 100 companies to medium and small corporations, financial institutions, and private equity firms.  Known for our commitment to excellence, Kirkland strives to provide superior service to our clients as well as our fellow employees. From Information Technology to Human Resources, Paralegal Services to Business Development, Kirkland offers non-attorney professionals challenging careers in a variety of functional areas. Whether starting or growing your career, Kirkland can offer a performance-driven culture filled with bright and innovative teams of co-workers.

Essential Job Functions

We are seeking a resourceful, self-starter to assist with the general management of our business development team in New York, which includes supporting various marketing and client engagement initiatives, along with a variety of special projects. As the BD Administrative Assistant, you will provide administrative support to ensure efficient operation of the New York business development function, including answering phone calls, scheduling meetings/booking travel and organizing department resources and infrastructure. You will act as gatekeeper to the department, channeling and responding to requests quickly and appropriately. You should possess strong organizational, writing and time management skills with the ability to interact professionally with high-level attorneys, staff and guests of the Firm. Meticulous data entry, writing and proofing skills are also essential.

You will report directly to the NY BD Director, and will also communicate and collaborate daily with more than 135 diverse problem-solvers and advisers dedicated to the broader business development, marketing and communications activities of the Firm. Our international BD team provides seamless service to our attorneys with a focus on quality, innovation and responsiveness. [Your role will also intersect with many other administrative departments within the Firm including Accounting, Diversity & Inclusion, Support Services, Purchasing, etc.]

Essential Functions

• Act as gatekeeper to department, channeling and responding to requests quickly and appropriately;
• Manage all deliverables related to client-driven charitable requests including ads, ticket allocation, calendar invites, payment and communication with attorneys;
• Coordinate with attorneys on biography updates and update attorney PowerPoint and website bios accordingly;
• Update and communicate attorney business development allowances and provide guidelines on budget policy;
• Execute research and maintenance projects within the CRM environment (InterAction), as it pertains to contact maintenance and accuracy; and
• Prepare select departmental expense reports and check requests as needed.
• Schedule all new attorney orientations for Director;
•  Manage New York attorney photo shoots, including scheduling, supervising, and execution of the shoot;
• Schedule conference calls, Zoom meetings and department meetings;
• Draft copy for advertorials featuring firm clients
•  Assist with the execution of attorney and client-facing materials, including drafting, proofreading, formatting (must have exceptional PowerPoint skills), editing, printing, binding and delivery, when needed.
• The candidate may also be called upon to assist with various other initiatives that intersect with other functional areas within the business development context, including events.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills

• A four-year degree is required.
• Flexible for overtime as necessary.
• Must have solid command of MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Excellent client service orientation, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong ability to adapt to change and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage a diverse range of assignments and projects and prioritize multiple tasks.

A history of taking initiative is essential to success in this position.

Work Environment

• The ideal candidate will possess outstanding proofreading and communication (oral and written) skills, and the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment with meticulous attention to detail and a professional demeanor.

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

The www.kirkland.com job postings and recruiting mailbox are for candidates only. If you are a recruiter, search firm or employment agency, and do not have a signed contract with Kirkland & Ellis LLP ("K&E") and have not been asked specifically to submit candidates, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if K&E hires the candidate. Direct contact with K&E employees in an attempt to present candidates is inappropriate and will be a factor in determining any future professional relationship with the Firm.