Summer associates at Kirkland are fully immersed in our culture from the outset, exploring our practice areas, directly connecting with our attorneys, gaining insights into Firm operations, and experiencing life at Kirkland firsthand. When joining Kirkland, they quickly become part of the team. Providing solutions to high-profile clients, they are involved in real deals and cases — not just listening and learning — but relied upon to make valuable contributions.
In addition to gaining valuable experience working alongside our attorneys, summer associates participate in training, mentorship, and development programs designed by Kirkland attorneys to enhance their summer experience and prepare them to become successful associates at the firm.
Summer associates participate in our distinctive open assignment system, providing realistic exposure to our practice from day one. As they explore various matters, the Firm offers an integrated support network to help ensure access to robust development opportunities. They'll attend trials, hearings, depositions, closings, client calls and meetings, and participate in a special edition of Kirkland's trial advocacy and corporate training programs.
At Kirkland, we recognize the importance of nurturing community and building relationships with our attorneys and summer associates beyond your work. Our program is enriched with networking and social events crafted to foster lasting connections that extend well beyond the summer.
Our Approach to Recruiting
Our Firm emphasizes consistent engagement with students year-round, ensuring candidates are adequately prepared for the interview process and feel empowered to make informed decisions about their summer associate experience. We strongly encourage first-year students to learn about our Practice Groups by engaging with our Firm through on-campus and virtual events.
When applying, students select their primary practice group and office preference. During the interview, candidates will have the opportunity to further discuss their practice group and office interests.
Offers to return to the Firm are by practice group. Incoming Corporate associates spend approximately two years in our Corporate-General practice, gaining broad exposure while building relationships across all corporate practice areas before specializing in one, defined practice group, such as Capital Markets, Debt Finance, Investment Funds or Private Equity/M&A.
Prospective candidates can explore our Practice Groups via various in-person networking opportunities including DEI Market Mixers, Kirkland Home for the Holidays receptions, our Diversity Scholars Conference, and Corporate Academies. Additionally, students can gain insights directly from our attorneys through our curated webinar and podcast series, “Connecting with Kirkland,” which delves into topics pertinent to the law student journey.
Learn More about Kirkland’s Summer Associate Program.