Lauren’s Career Story

Kirkland's culture is inclusive and incredibly hardworking. All of my colleagues are dedicated to their craft and producing a great product, and everyone is focused on making sure you're included and feel like part of the team. There's a big focus on creating a team environment for every deal or project.

Kirkland is a great law firm because of the incredible people who work here, attorneys and staff alike. I'm proud to contribute to the Firm's excellent reputation, and I continue to be impressed with my colleagues.

The most surprising thing about Kirkland is how many close personal relationships I've made. The friendships have been very special. Kirkland is a close community, and I feel very supported.

Kirkland gives junior attorneys the chance to take on substantive, challenging matters as early as they feel comfortable. I've been on a number of deals where I have been tasked to run checklist calls or talk with a client or with the attorneys across from us. It clearly shows that Kirkland trusts and values its attorneys, and I appreciate getting those opportunities.

The open assignment system is one of the best things about Kirkland. It allows you to choose your own path at the Firm, which makes the work more enjoyable and gives you the chance to shape your future. Not only do you get to choose the attorneys you work closely with, but you can also choose the deals you want to work on.

If you like working with a certain client, you can consistently take on their deals. Through that, you become close with the client, which makes for a better experience for everyone involved.

The caliber and types of deals I work on, the level of responsibility I'm given and the clients I interact with make the job fulfilling.

I've done multiple transactions with a woman-owned private equity firm. On a number of deals for them, I was working with just two partners. Even when I was more junior, the partners gave me a lot of responsibility, and it was amazing how much the client trusted me.

I've been a part of a number of different Firm initiatives. I am part of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, which has been a great experience. We meet once a quarter and discuss certain events. For example, last year we planned a dumpling-making class for Lunar New Year. I like the committee that I work with, and it's great to bring attention to different diverse holidays and events.

Pro bono work is one of the most unique experiences at Kirkland, and the opportunities are unlimited. You can take on litigation matters, corporate matters, criminal items, anything that you are interested in. Kirkland is supportive of its attorneys doing as much pro bono work as they want.

I'm currently working on a pro bono matter involving contract drafting for a woman who engages in training and mediation between government entities and landlords. We've met with her multiple times and figured out which consulting agreements and contracts she needs to run her business. It's fulfilling to provide the services that we provide our private equity clients to someone who might not be able to afford our typical hourly rate.

I really appreciate Kirkland's training programs. Your first week as an associate, you attend a group training with everybody in your class. You meet your colleagues and learn some great tips on how to be a better associate. I also love the Kirkland University platform. It is easy to use and has topic-specific videos.