Mary’s Career Story

Kirkland has a culture that rewards attorneys for being driven and dynamic. The Firm encourages attorneys to take control of their career paths early on through the open assignment system. Kirkland attorneys are passionate, have a strong work ethic and operate in an entrepreneurial manner.

It is an absolute pleasure to serve on the Associates Committee in my local office and to represent the Los Angeles associates in our Firmwide Associates Committee. I enjoy hearing about my fellow associates’ experiences and helping develop solutions that improve their experiences at the Firm. Our local Associates Committee initiated a Firmwide program to provide new junior associates with a variety of tech items to support our hybrid work schedule.

As a first-generation law student and attorney, I am passionate about paying forward the generosity and advice I received from mentors who paved the way for me. I serve as a mentor to both current and prospective law students through two different organizations the Firm partners with. I get so much joy helping current or prospective law students strategize and execute on their goals.

Associates at Kirkland receive responsibility from day one and play an integral part in keeping the deal team organized and on track. Associates often serve as the first point of contact for a client on a project. Although this responsibility may seem intimidating initially, you will adjust quickly and surprise yourself with how much you learn in a short amount of time.

The open assignment system is something that sets Kirkland apart from other firms in that it allows attorneys to have a certain level of autonomy over their careers, the type of work they engage with and the team of attorneys they work with. As a new attorney participating in the open assignment system, you are exposed to not only different types of work across practice groups, but also attorneys with a wide variety of working and supervisory styles.

Kirkland’s training programs are some of the best in the industry because they are taught by leaders in the field. Kirkland’s inter-office virtual training provides associates with the opportunity to learn from some of the top attorneys at our Firm. These trainings are well-tailored and focus on topics and substantive mechanics relevant to the major practice groups.

Without a doubt, the best training you can receive as an associate is in-office training — whether formal or informal — by a senior associate or partner. Despite their busy schedules, the senior associates and partners in our office lead several in-person local trainings throughout the year.