Practice Assistant / Legal Secretary

Kirkland & Ellis; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirkland & Ellis is seeking an experienced legal assistant to support attorneys and paralegals. The role involves managing calendars, travel, time entry, and document production using Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Acrobat.

You will help with conflict checks, client requests, and research, ensuring deadlines are met and compliance standards are maintained. The ideal candidate has a high school diploma (GED acceptable) and 3+ years of legal support experience, with strong organization,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3+ years of legal secretarial/administrative support experience.
• Advanced MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Adobe Acrobat skills.
• Familiarity with legal technology tools and document management systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication, client-service focus.

Responsibilities

• Manage calendars, schedule meetings and calls, coordinate travel, answer and screen calls, enter attorney time, process expenses.
• Process conflict checks and new client/new matter requests, assist with research and deadlines.
• Prepare, format, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, presentations, and spreadsheets.
• Proofread documents and maintain organized electronic and paper files following firm policies.
• Collaborate with Accounting, General Services, Conference Services and other teams to deliver support.

Skills

Legal support

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat DC

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Adobe Acrobat DC

iManage DeskSite

Carpe Diem

Chrome River

DocX Tools

Avaya

Job description

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don’t just meet the standard for legal excellence — we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers’ commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

What You’ll Do

• Attorney & Administrative Support: Manage calendars, schedule meetings and conference calls, coordinate travel arrangements, answer and screen calls, enter attorney time, process expense reports, and support daily attorney and paralegal needs.
• Client & Matter Coordination: Process conflict checks and New Client/New Matter requests, conduct attorney‑directed research, and help ensure compliance with firm procedures and deadlines.
• Document Creation & Production: Prepare, revise, format, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, presentations, spreadsheets, and other materials using Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and document management systems.
• Quality Control & Records Management: Proofread documents for accuracy and consistency, transcribe meeting notes and dictation, and maintain organized electronic and paper files in accordance with firm policies.
• Cross‑Functional Partnership: Collaborate with teams across Accounting, General Services, Conference Services, Court Services, Reprographics, and Digital Services to deliver seamless support to attorneys and clients.
• Teamwork & Professionalism: Provide backup support to fellow Practice Assistants, handle confidential information with discretion, and foster a collaborative, service‑focused environment while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

What You’ll Bring

• Education: High school diploma, General Educational Development (GED), or equivalent required.
• Experience: 3+ years of legal secretarial, legal administrative, or related professional support experience.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat DC, with the ability to produce polished, accurate work.
• Legal Technology: Proficiency with legal technology tools such as Chrome River, Carpe Diem, DocX Tools, iManage DeskSite, Adobe applications, and Avaya, with the ability to quickly adapt to new systems.
• Organization, Communication & Client Service: Strong attention to detail, effective written and verbal communication skills, and a proactive, client‑focused approach to delivering exceptional support in a fast‑paced environment.
• Collaboration & Adaptability: Proven ability to manage competing priorities, work effectively within a team, provide backup support when needed, and remain flexible in a dynamic legal setting.

Compensation

At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

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.