Summer’s Career Story

Kirkland is a high-energy and dynamic firm that seamlessly blends all offices together. The Firm’s entrepreneurial culture, which allows associates to work on the deals they want to work on, fosters a forward-thinking environment that values creativity, resilience and growth. As associates, we’re encouraged to challenge conventional thinking, pursue innovative solutions, and learn from both our successes and setbacks while being supported along the way.

Kirkland’s culture creates a space where I can thrive professionally and personally. From the start, my colleagues took the time to explain complex concepts and gave me meaningful assignments that aligned with my development goals, showing a genuine commitment to helping me grow.

The open assignment system creates an entrepreneurial atmosphere, where attorneys find deals by networking with other attorneys. We have the opportunity to seek out work that aligns with our interests, strengths and developmental goals. The open assignment system allows us to advocate for our abilities, while rewarding initiative, quality of work and responsiveness.

From the outset, the Firm provides comprehensive training that introduces new attorneys to the various practice areas and the key people within them, which makes it easier to identify opportunities and build connections. Kirkland also has staff dedicated to facilitating staffing on deals that attorneys can utilize, making it easier to find work that aligns with your interests and availability. Additionally, attorneys are approachable and more than willing to meet, discuss their work and help you get involved. Often, more senior attorneys actively check in with associates to see who has capacity, creating an environment where support and mentorship are embedded in the workflow.

Since joining Kirkland, I’ve experienced tremendous personal growth. I’ve learned to navigate fast-paced environments, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines. Kirkland’s emphasis on excellence and ownership has accelerated my development and prepared me to take on more advanced roles within the Investment Funds Practice Group.

I’ve gained a deep sense of confidence in my own abilities. By leading client calls, managing complex assignments and working alongside talented co-workers, I’ve learned to trust my instincts and decision-making, which has led to me challenging myself in new opportunities. Kirkland has played a pivotal role in shaping my belief in what I’m capable of achieving.

From the moment I started at Kirkland, it was clear that the Firm prioritizes the growth of its attorneys. I participated in the Basic Training Academy (BTA) in Chicago, which provided a strong foundation, followed by months of daily programming designed to deepen our understanding of the various practice areas as general corporate associates. As I advanced beyond my first year, Kirkland continued to support my development through structured learning paths with required programming tailored to each class year. In addition, the Firm offers practice-specific training sessions for the investment funds group, covering key topics relevant to our work. I also frequently rely on Kirkland’s extensive training database, which serves as an invaluable resource whenever I need guidance or a refresher on a particular subject.

When I joined the Firm, I was paired with a peer mentor who provided guidance through regular check-ins and participated in various mentor-related events. This relationship created a comfortable space for me to ask questions and navigate the transition into firm life. I was also matched with a senior mentor within the investment funds group, which has been invaluable for discussing long-term career goals and growth within the practice.

One of the unique benefits of Kirkland’s collaborative model is the ease of cross-office mentorship. I’ve been able to connect with and learn from attorneys in other offices, gaining broader insights and perspectives. Informal training is embedded in daily interaction; every call, assignment and conversation presents a chance to learn something new, whether it’s technical knowledge or professional judgment. Frequently, other associates and partners take the time to ensure I comprehend various intricacies of a fund. In addition to the people, Kirkland hosts a wide array of learning opportunities that give you a chance to learn and network. I have grown expediently because of my time at Kirkland thus far.

One of my most recent activities outside of work is long-distance running and completing the New York City Marathon. Training for the marathon required a high level of discipline, time management and mental resilience, all of which are skills that directly translate to my work at Kirkland. Balancing a rigorous training schedule with the demands of practice taught me how to stay focused under pressure, manage competing priorities and push through challenges even when things get difficult. Running has also given me a valuable perspective on endurance and long-term goal setting, which is important for my development. The experience reinforced the importance of consistency, preparation and a positive mindset, traits that continue to shape how I approach both my personal and professional growth.