Kirkland & Ellis Interview Preparation
The powerhouse for private equity and M&A
3,200+
Applications
8-12%
Offer rate
$225k
Starting salary
Kirkland & Ellis — HireVue Practice
Your question
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Application process
How to get into Kirkland & Ellis — step by step
Online Application
Year-roundHighlight M&A or corporate experience. Be specific about transaction types.
OCI (On-Campus Interview)
September-OctoberPrepare for behavioral and technical questions. Know K&E's recent deals.
Callback Interview
October-NovemberMeet 5-6 lawyers. Discuss specific practice areas and deal experience.
Summer Associate Program
June-August (2L)Firms offer summers to top 1Ls. Excellent conversion to full-time.
Offer Extension
AugustMost summer associates receive full-time offers.
Interview questions
Kirkland & Ellis interview questions by round
Questions change at every stage. Know what to expect.
- 1Walk us through your involvement in a major transaction or legal matter.
- 2Why do you want to practice M&A law specifically?
- 3How do you stay current with market trends in private equity?
What they value
What Kirkland & Ellis looks for in candidates
M&A Acumen
Genuine interest in transactions, PE, and deal mechanics. K&E recruits attorneys passionate about big deals.
Intellectual Rigor
Strong analytical skills. You need to master complex deal structures and advise clients on critical decisions.
Client-Focused Mindset
PE clients are demanding. Show commitment to understanding client needs and delivering results.
Collaboration & Teamwork
K&E deals involve large teams. Demonstrate ability to work productively across practice groups.
Business Development Potential
K&E values lawyers who can grow client relationships. Show networking skills and relationship-building interest.
Compensation
Kirkland & Ellis salary & benefits
Graduate
$225,000
Intern
$3,850/week (summer associate, prorated ~$190k)
Bonus
$25k-$50k+ (varies by practice area)
Perks & benefits
Culture & work style
What it's actually like to work at Kirkland & Ellis
Insider tips
How to stand out at Kirkland & Ellis
Demonstrate specific knowledge of K&E's PE platform and recent landmark deals (e.g., large LBO financings, cross-border transactions).
Show understanding of private equity economics: IRR, MOIC, sponsor returns. Even a basic grasp impresses.
Highlight relevant experience: Corporate internships, business school projects, or coursework in M&A or securities law.
Express genuine enthusiasm for transactional work, not litigation or regulatory matters.
Discuss how you would contribute to client relationships beyond legal work (e.g., market insights, strategic thinking).
Compare
Kirkland & Ellis vs competitors
| Firm | Salary | Hours | Culture | Exit opps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkland & Ellis | $225,000 | —/week | Deal-driven environment: Work on transfo... | — |
| Sullivan & Cromwell | $225k | 2,000-2,200/year | Elite, NYC-centric. Highly selective M&A boutique. | PE funds, in-house counsel, smaller firms. |
| Lazard | $250k+ | 2,100-2,300/year | Financial advisory + legal. Investment banking culture. | PE/VC funds, investment banks, corporate development. |
| Latham & Watkins | $225k | 2,000-2,200/year | Global reach. Strong in finance and M&A across sectors. | PE funds, hedge funds, in-house counsel at multinationals. |
| Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz | $225k | 2,000-2,100/year | Boutique excellence. Merger defense and M&A. Very selective. | Corporate in-house, PE funds, partner track. |
FAQ
Kirkland & Ellis FAQs
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