Meet New England's Newest Leaders in the Law, Part 2
As part of the inaugural New England Legal Awards, partner Amanda Border was recognized in the “Newest Leaders in the Law” category and was profiled in a Q&A.
"Amanda Border is a corporate partner in Kirkland & Ellis’ Boston office and one of the youngest U.S. women at Kirkland to make equity partner. She represents firm clients in complex corporate and transactional matters including mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, growth equity and minority investments, joint ventures, corporate reorganizations and general corporate matters relating to the portfolio companies of private equity clients. Amanda strives to deliver her clients the right balance of legal and business advice. Her clients have described her as responsive, thoughtful and an overall valuable powerhouse. She currently serves as the co-chair of recruiting and hiring in Boston.
What are the biggest challenges you have faced in becoming an attorney?
The biggest challenges I have faced in becoming a successful attorney in the private equity industry are the invisible but systemic barriers women and mothers face every day. In a profession and industry where the majority of the players are men, the norms, expectations and path to success have been historically set by men. The result is that the creation of mentor and client relationships (and the opportunities that come with those relationships which are critical to success) do not come as readily or intuitively for a woman. This reality has required me to be more proactive about my career, seek opportunities outside of the traditional paths, and force new conversations.
Who or what has inspired you to stay on track and realize your goal of becoming a lawyer?
My mom inspired me and taught me to keep going and never stop short of achieving my goals. My mom simply led by example, and I learned early on that hard work equates to success. As a young child I remember her logging long hours at the office, studying for her MBA, dedicating her “free” time to Easter Seals (a board I now serve on), championing an effort to get visual devices in local movie theaters for the deaf community and achieving numerous promotions and accolades in the office, all while managing her own battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Now, as a mother with a daughter of my own, I approach my career with the hope that I will inspire the same drive and sense of empowerment in her.
What goals have you set for yourself in the years ahead?
I define success in the impact I have on others. My career goals in the year ahead are twofold. Internally my goal is to train and develop junior attorneys so that my mentees are promoted and find success at K&E. Externally my goal is to continue to create meaningful relationships with my clients so that I remain a trusted, first call advisor."
