Garrett’s Career Story

Kirkland’s culture is one of collegiality and professionalism. Every person you meet is kind, team-focused and driven. Kirkland is a place where you’re expected to participate in strategic decisions and substantive work early in your career.

Collaboration here is also real. I’ve always felt valued for my efforts because I know the partners and other Kirkland attorneys are genuinely interested in what everyone on the team thinks is the best move for the client.

The Salt Lake City office is a fantastic place to build a career. There is always an upbeat vibe and energy around the office, and everyone is happy to see you. I have met some amazing friends here, and I look forward to forging more friendships with my colleagues in the years ahead.

I’m proud to be a Kirkland attorney because the Firm’s history of success, innovation and leadership is unrivaled, as evidenced by the many nationwide industry awards we win every year. When you work at Kirkland, you know you’re working with the best of the best on some of the most challenging legal issues of our time.

Within one week of joining Kirkland, I was asked to join a trial team in the largest multi-district litigation in U.S. history. Two weeks later, I was sitting at counsel table in a federal courthouse second-chairing the cross-examination of an important expert witness. If you ask for an opportunity to advance your development, people here will give it to you.

Kirkland has stretched my legal abilities in ways I didn’t know were possible. The size, scope and significance of the majority of the matters we work on compel you to become the best attorney you can be. With brilliant colleagues on every team, it’s natural to elevate your own expectations to meet and exceed the needs of the client.

Here at Kirkland, I’ve been challenged to practice principles of both leadership and followership. As newer attorneys join the Firm, I make it a point to reach out, connect with them and offer mentorship. As I progress in my own career, I also make it a point to develop relationships with attorneys who are ahead of me in their careers so that I know what it takes to get where they are.

What has surprised me the most about Kirkland is the collegial atmosphere and mentorship I’ve received. Big Law has a reputation for being a tough place to work, but at Kirkland you really feel valued and part of a team where everyone wants you to succeed right along with them. Partners and senior associates are generous with their time, offering guidance and mentorship.

The open assignment system gives you an opportunity to take control of your career. If you don’t know what area of law you want to focus on, you can explore different areas. If the work you’re doing isn’t a good fit, you can always try something new. And, if you don’t even know where to start, Firm leadership within your office will help place you on teams and in areas that make sense to get you started.

Kirkland attorneys are willing to talk about their experiences in different areas of law and in different practice groups. Nobody wants to see an attorney, especially a junior associate, feel like they are “stuck.” Finding the right fit for you benefits everyone at Kirkland and, most importantly, our clients.

My experience with Kirkland’s formal training has been exceptional. Each year, Kirkland runs a week-long mock trial program for all associates: The Kirkland Institute of Trial Advocacy (KITA). The experiences I’ve had at KITA, both in terms of hands-on experience and feedback and direction, are unmatched. The fact that Kirkland partners dedicate multiple days to mentoring and teaching associates the ins and outs of trial work is a testament to the Firm’s commitment to developing the next generation of great trial lawyers.

On top of that, Kirkland offers hand-on deposition training each year, as well as numerous online CLE trainings for motion writing, discovery topics and so much more, all taught by partners or senior leaders at the Firm.