Kirkland and Ellis

By Hollie Gould · Updated November 2025

International London

Values & Culture

Practice Areas

Private Equity & Venture Capital
Corporate & M&A
Investment Funds
Insolvency & Restructuring
Intellectual Property

Geographic Focus: Global

Training Contract

Kirkland offers an open assignment system allowing associates to choose the practice areas and matters on which they work.

Starting Salary: £60,000
Application Deadline: 14 December

Mentorship

Kirkland has a formal mentoring program starting from the summer associate stage, complemented by an informal mentoring network.

Apply on the Kirkland and Ellis website →

Notable Matters

Kirkland Advises TPG on Debt Financing for Altimetrik’s Acquisition of SLK Software

Kirkland advised TPG on the debt financing aspects of Altimetrik's acquisition of SLK Software.

Transactional

Kirkland Advises Civitas Resources on $12.8B Combination with SM Energy

Kirkland advised Civitas Resources in its $12.8 billion combination with SM Energy.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Kirkland Advises Kimberly-Clark on $48.7 Billion Acquisition of Kenvue

Kirkland advised Kimberly-Clark on its $48.7 billion acquisition of Kenvue.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Kirkland Advises Blackstone on Investment in TriMas Aerospace Acquisition

Kirkland advised Blackstone on its investment in the acquisition of TriMas Aerospace.

Private Equity

Kirkland Advises Resolution Life on Investment Funds-Related Matters in Connection with Sale to Nippon Life

Kirkland advised Resolution Life on investment funds-related matters in connection with its sale to Nippon Life.

Investment Funds

What Kirkland and Ellis Looks For

Key Competencies

Entrepreneurial spirit
Collaboration
Initiative
Autonomy

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Women’s Affinity Group
Associates Committee
Pro bono work

Pro Bono

Kirkland is dedicated to providing free legal services to clients who cannot afford counsel and supports charitable and law-related organizations through the Kirkland & Ellis Foundation.

Innovation

Kirkland employs innovative, pragmatic strategies and hard work to ensure that clients' legal needs are met.

Quick Application Angles

Highlight any early substantive legal work experience.
Emphasize your ability to take initiative and drive your own growth.
Demonstrate how you thrive in a collaborative environment.
Showcase any experience with mentorship or leadership roles.
Express interest in the open assignment system and how it aligns with your career goals.

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