Kirkland & Ellis Reviews
81% would recommend to a friend
(714 total reviews)
Jon Ballis
87% approve of CEO
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Found 714 of over 760 reviews
Updated Nov 22, 2023
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Top Review Highlights by Sentiment
Excerpts from user reviews, not authored by Glassdoor
- "Expect to be frustrated and burnt out within 6 months of starting this job between the workload and the unprofessional manager." (in 16 reviews)
Ratings by Demographics
This rating reflects the overall rating of Kirkland & Ellis and is not affected by filters.
- 5.0FEATURED REVIEWAug 31, 2023Litigation Practice AssistantCurrent Employee, more than 8 years
Pros
Kirkland provides an exceptional work environment to its employees. I enjoy working with some of the most talented attorneys and assistants in the business. The work is really interesting and the job still presents a challenge. Working at Kirkland has been a game changer for me and for my family because the benefits and the salary are truly unmatched. I couldn't ask for a better employer which is why I have remained her and will retire from here.
Cons
I have been here for this length of time because there are not really any Cons as far as I'm concerned. You know what your job is and you do it. It is all what you make of it. You will work hard at Kirkland but you will enhance your skills, work with wonderful co-workers and have a lot of fun in the process.
2 - 5.0Nov 14, 2023AccountantCurrent Employee
Pros
Reliable, good work culture, pay
Cons
Could be more diverse, more leadership openings
- 3.0Oct 25, 2023Anonymous EmployeeFormer Employee
Pros
Kirkland & Ellis is the most prestigious law firm I have ever worked for. The office is beautiful, the chef is incredible, and the events are wonderful. You will work extremely hard, but will play harder. Everyone is intelligent from the attorneys down to the business professionals. The standard is top tier, and nothing less. The pay is great, and the opportunity to grow within your department is limitless. Even if you want to transition into a different department, you will have many transferable skills to do so. Other employers are extremely impressed if KE is on your resume.
Cons
Kirkland & Ellis has an awful office culture where inclusivity does not exist. There just isn't enough diversity. The people of color (black people in particular) that are attorneys are rarely in the office. That is a problem to summer associates who are people of color & need to be able to visually see themselves at the firm. Representation is so important. Partners are not friendly and the office environment is very cliquey. There is simply not enough people of color. That is always visible, but you will also feel excluded as well. You will rarely be included, respected, & acknowledged. We are just a quota to them to stay in international business. Other than that, be prepared to work long hours, work extremely hard, and gain a lot of weight (if you struggle with self-control). You'll have fun at events & be fed very well.
3 - 1.0Nov 22, 2023Technology Training SpecialistFormer Employee, less than 1 yearWashington, DC
Pros
Free coffee and food in office
Cons
- Poorly trained management that refuses to believe or listen to anyone who is not a manager. - Outdated technology that is subpar compared to competitors. - No room for growth as promotions are based on tenure. - HR and managers are clueless on their roles and federal regulations. - This firm's reputation is what saves it and not the terrible outputs by the technology/training departments. - Hybrid schedule is enforced regardless of your duties and assignments because managers need to be able to Crack the whip (under the guise of a need for an "in office presence.") - No education or conference reimbursement. In fact, conferences are discouraged for non-managers. - You will not be given a training plan, but told you're somehow behind in your training.
- 4.0Sep 5, 2023Conflicts Analyst IICurrent Employee, more than 1 year
Pros
Compensation - competitive - Overtime always available if there are requests in the queue (there usually are) - Analysts are non-exempt, receive compensation for overtime - 7 hour workday / 35 hr work week - 401k via Vanguard Health - Decent health, dental, and vision insurance - Domestic partner insurance coverage - Calm app premium subscription - 12 free therapy sessions per year with Spring Health, good app Flexibility -Ability to have some control over your work/life balance -Fully remote Professional Growth - Very professional environment - Training tailored to your pace - Management and peers available to you - Excellent Conflicts Training & Development - Seems to be opportunities for promotions
Cons
- Long conflicts training - official training is ~ 3 months and you become independent after 6-12 months depending on your experience and learning pace -Weekend on-call required, but only ~ 4x/yr. One holiday on-call weekend required per year. On-call can be unpredictable and stressful. (However, a pro is that you are well compensated for this overtime). -Not the best traditional PPO insurance I've ever had in terms of deduction and co-pays, but again, not bad either - Not much time for parental leave, but consistent with other US companies - "Defined Contribution" - there are pluses and minuses, but the Firm does not do typical matching 401k contributions. You have to wait over a year after start date to start receiving the annual contributions and over 2 years for 100% vesting
- 5.0Nov 11, 2023Technology Support Analyst IIICurrent Employee, more than 1 yearSan Francisco, CA
Pros
Great Salary, Bonus and allows job advancement for staff within the company. Takes care of employees.
Cons
None that I wouldn’t find in a law firm industry (Office Politics). Medical Benefits should be based on location.
- 5.0Nov 1, 2023Senior Information Governance SpecialistCurrent Employee, more than 1 yearChicago, IL
Pros
Free food, snack and beverages constantly available. Flexible in-office policy Good compensation and great 401K contribution
Cons
Supporting Private Equity aka The Man
1 - 5.0Sep 29, 2023Business Development SpecialistCurrent Employee, more than 1 yearChicago, IL
Pros
Since starting at Kirkland, I've had the opportunity to work with some of the smartest, most hardworking people I've ever met. I feel supported in all aspects of my job, and have found a community of people that are a joy to be around in and outside of work.
Cons
It's not so much of a con, but you need to be prepared to work hard and quickly. It's important to be able to adapt and rise to meet challenges.
- 5.0Sep 13, 2023Revenue Operations SpecialistCurrent Employee, more than 5 yearsChicago, IL
Pros
I happen to be on a great team with a great manager, so that makes a world of difference. Excellent pay and benefits, and I like how the company takes the cost of living into consideration which affects bonuses and pay raises.
Cons
Sometimes the workload can be overwhelming, but since the company continues to experience growth, that's to be expected. I expect certain changes within our group to make the load balanced among team members.
- 5.0Oct 20, 2023AssociateFormer Employee, more than 3 yearsChicago, IL
Pros
You’ll learn twice as much as your peers at smaller firms in the same amount of time. Sophisticated work and great exit options.
Cons
“No billable requirement” isn’t a real thing. 2000 as a base is expected.
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Kirkland & Ellis Reviews FAQs
Kirkland & Ellis has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5, based on over 760 reviews left anonymously by employees. 81% of employees would recommend working at Kirkland & Ellis to a friend and 85% have a positive outlook for the business. This rating has improved by 2% over the last 12 months.
81% of Kirkland & Ellis employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews. Employees also rated Kirkland & Ellis 3.4 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.8 for culture and values and 4.2 for career opportunities.
According to reviews on Glassdoor, employees commonly mention the pros of working at Kirkland & Ellis to be culture, career development, benefits and the cons to be management, work life balance.
