Diana’s Career Story

The Houston office is very welcoming and warm, especially when it comes to recruitment — our attorneys sincerely care about recruiting summer associates. We always make sure to attend events so our summer associates feel included and welcomed. The attorneys I met as a Kirkland summer associate and when I returned to the Firm as a first-year still show interest in my career development and are always there as a friendly face.

The sophisticated work that I’ve had a chance to do early on in my career has given me invaluable training. I’ve had the opportunity to work on various types of deals (public company, private equity, IPOs, even some restructuring) and advisory matters that have set up a good foundation for me as an attorney, and I learn a lot every day.

I was exposed to public deals early during my first year. My first deal with the Executive Compensation Practice Group was a public company merger, where we represented Six Flags in its merger of equals with Cedar Fair. As a first-year associate, I was able to join calls with opposing counsel and see how partners at Kirkland and other firms interact with one another. This experience led me to do more public company work, including ConocoPhillip’s acquisition of Marathon Oil Corporation.

The attorneys in my practice group have invested in me and my career and have given me opportunities to see various types of deals, including, most recently, the investor consortium to acquire EA, the largest take-private in history. They have also given me the chance to be involved in recruiting and other non-legal areas of work that are crucial as an attorney. The Firm recognizes the potential, interests and strengths of each attorney and creates opportunities for us to explore those areas further and be a resource to the Firm.

As someone who wants a long-term career at Kirkland, all the opportunities that I’m given daily are truly invaluable. I am grateful to have people in my corner who make sure I’m being given the chance to be involved at the Firm outside of just legal work and become a more well-rounded attorney.

I have found mentors and champions who advocate for me and give me the opportunity to challenge myself to be a better attorney. They see my potential and help me to further explore my strengths. Kirkland associates and partners are happy to give you autonomy, and I can truly take control over my learning and career development.

Kirkland’s open assignment system enables associates to experience various types of work and meet different people throughout the Firm. You can meet attorneys and see all the areas of law that each practice group focuses on, the approach each group takes, as well as how attorneys interact with one another and other groups. It’s great insight into the different factors you should consider as you’re choosing the practice group that’s the right fit for you and your overall career goals.