Eric’s Career Story

The culture at Kirkland is one that embraces leadership and individuals who are proactive and enjoy working with others. The Firm fosters a collegial environment that empowers and supports attorneys, especially junior attorneys, to do their best work.

The caliber of attorneys at this Firm is impressive; they work hard with a smile on their faces and lend a hand when needed.

I'm proud to be a Kirkland attorney because of the well-rounded experience we receive from day one at the Firm. From a corporate perspective, we handle cutting-edge transactions and are at the forefront of the legal industry. We consistently think through business ideas and strategies, and implement those solutions through our counsel.

I've grown tremendously during my experience at Kirkland. I'm in a place where I confidently communicate with clients. I'm able to think through both legal and business terms in my everyday practice. I've been given opportunities to hone my talent with the support of attorneys from various backgrounds.

This is an environment that embraces one being their holistic self. I've been able to successfully manage my career as well as my responsibilities to my family, community and alma mater. The Firm also encourages me to prioritize being a mentor to people around me, both professionally and personally.

At Kirkland, you're given opportunities from an early stage in your career. Partners and senior associates trust junior associates to execute important tasks for the overall transaction.

Kirkland empowers its associates, which positively impacts our day-to-day life and expedites our professional growth. I've been able to accomplish goals where, at comparative firms, it would likely take twice the amount of tenure to accomplish.

The most satisfying thing about being a corporate attorney is getting a transaction across the finish line with our clients happy with the outcome. I embrace the daily challenges of our practice, knowing that we are working toward a common goal with our clients.

Kirkland's open assignment system gives its attorneys the unique opportunity to work on matters we’re interested in and with partners and associates that we'd like to work with. As a junior associate, it's a win-win system, providing growth opportunities and connecting with partners and senior associates. I have formed amazing relationships at Kirkland. There's a genuine care for your colleagues here that I embrace.

Kirkland has a strong commitment to the community and to diversity. As a diverse attorney practicing in New York, where I was raised, I'm proud to be at a Firm that has struck the balance of doing the best legal work that can be done while giving back to communities that support it.

The Firm's diversity initiatives, pro bono efforts and mentorship opportunities are important to me, and equally as important to the Firm. It's amazing to be at a place that empowers one to give back in those ways.

Being a Black man in the legal profession, I appreciate having outlets like our Black Professional Network, which provides a progressive outlet — especially when current events occur that disproportionately affect my community.

I value the opportunity to provide excellent pro bono legal work to those in need who cannot afford proper representation. The Firm has also given me avenues to mentor scholars currently enrolled in high school, college and law school. I'm able to spend time helping people from communities similar to mine, which speaks to the Firm's commitment to giving back.