Global Practice Support Assistant

Job ID: 7617

Updated: Feb 22, 2024

Location:

Category: Legal Secretary/Practice Asst

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.

As one of the world's leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and alternative asset management; restructurings; high-stakes commercial and intellectual property litigation; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don't just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,500 lawyers) operating from 20 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

We are eager to hire dynamic, self-motivated, and organized professionals for our Global Practice Support team across our US offices!

Each US Kirkland & Ellis office is seeking customer service-oriented Practice Assistants ("PAs") to support an assigned group of attorneys, with the primary responsibility of helping associates navigate through the Firm. The Practice Assistant will benefit from integration into Kirkland's Global Support System (GPS), our Firm-wide network of skilled and experienced administrative professionals. The best applicants for this role will be able to adapt to and learn new software and programs quickly, be able to meet given and self-imposed deadlines consistently, work proactively as a problem solver, and is highly organized. Selected candidates should possess the ability to display general overall flexibility and enthusiasm, while building and participating in the Firm's initiative of providing a strong and knowledgeable support system for our new associates.

This position requires a professional, highly motivated, organized self-starter capable of functioning in a fast-paced, challenging legal environment. Strong interpersonal and communication skills along with the ability to work collaboratively within a team are also required.

Essential functions include those set forth below. Other duties may be assigned. Regular attendance is an essential function of the job.

Administrative Support:

Enters attorney time (Carpe Diem); processes expense reports (Chrome River); schedules conference calls (Inter-Call); coordinates and schedules travel arrangements through web-based application. Conducts internet research as directed by attorneys. Other general administrative duties and project work, including personal assistance, as needed.

Proactively interacts on a daily basis with departments within the Firm to facilitate highest possible legal support to assignments and clients, including Accounting (check requests); General Services (mail, FedEx, UPS, messengers); Conference Center (scheduling/arranging meetings and requested accommodations); Calendar Court Services; Reprographics Department; Digital Services, etc.

Legal Support:

Uses word processing and document management software (Microsoft Office 2016, including PowerPoint & Excel, Workshare Compare, Adobe Acrobat DC, DMS, etc.) to prepare and revise, format and finalize a wide variety of documents, including correspondence, memoranda, and legal materials. In conjunction with the preparation of such documents, the PA is responsible for proofreading, correctly formatting and questioning any inconsistencies in all materials. Transcribes dictation, minutes of meetings or taped records of conferences and meetings.

Records Management:

Establishes and maintains paper and electronic files in compliance with current Firm policies utilizing the Firm's LegalKEY system and Document Management System.

Customer/Client Service and Teamwork:

Provides assistance to the Firmwide global PA team whenever necessary to meet Firm and client needs; organizes and prioritizes workload so as to most efficiently enable and facilitate team effort to accomplish Firm and client goals. Fosters professional, cooperative and supportive relationships with peers, superiors and clients. Anticipates and identifies clients'/colleagues' current and future needs. Shares information and offers ideas and solutions in a team environment. Proactively remind attorneys of impending deadlines and obligations.

Professional Demeanor:

Exhibits professionalism by recognizing and adhering to all Firm policies, including attendance guidelines, dress code, security measures, and confidentiality requirements. Maintains positive, professional, courteous and flexible demeanor when dealing with clients and colleagues. Performs complex administrative activities which may be highly confidential and sensitive, and require discretion and diplomacy.

Qualifications & Requirements

We are seeking experienced professionals with excellent written and oral communication skills; superb customer service orientation; a proactive work ethic; attention to detail; the ability to work well under pressure in a constantly changing legal environment; the ability to adapt to and learn new software and programs quickly; excellent attendance, including punctuality, occasional flexibility for overtime; and the ability to work effectively and cohesively in a team-oriented environment. Strong organizational skills are also essential, including the ability to analyze, assess and prioritize work assignments, as well as the ability to multi task competing priorities effectively.

The ability to work the core business hours as is mandated for the office to which applicant is applying to, with flexibility for overtime, as required. Proficiency in MS Word, Adobe Acrobat DC, PowerPoint and Excel experience are also strongly preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

The www.kirkland.com job postings and recruiting mailbox are for candidates only. If you are a recruiter, search firm or employment agency, and do not have a signed contract with Kirkland & Ellis LLP ("K&E") and have not been asked specifically to submit candidates, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if K&E hires the candidate. Direct contact with K&E employees in an attempt to present candidates is inappropriate and will be a factor in determining any future professional relationship with the Firm. #LI-Hybrid #LI-KP1