Practice Assistant / Legal Secretary – Corporate

Kirkland-; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 61,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Chicago seeks a highly organized Practice Assistant to support attorneys, paralegals and clients in a fast-paced corporate environment. The role emphasizes meticulous calendar management, document handling and proactive client service.

You will coordinate meetings and travel, manage conflict checks and time entries, and collaborate with internal departments to ensure seamless, high-quality support across the firm.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of corporate legal support experience.
• Advanced Microsoft Word with strong document formatting.
• Minimum typing speed of 55+ WPM.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex attorney calendars and scheduling through Outlook.
• Coordinate meetings, conference calls, and travel arrangements.
• Process conflict checks, new client/new matter requests, expense reports, and attorney time entry.
• Prepare, revise, proofread, format, and finalize legal documents and correspondence.
• Maintain electronic and physical files per firm policies using document management systems.
• Deliver outstanding support to attorneys, paralegals and clients.

Skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Client service

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Overtime flexibility

Typing speed

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree or Paralegal Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Practice Assistant / Legal Secretary – Corporate

Category: Practice Services/Legal Secretary

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

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is seeking an experienced Practice Assistant to join our Chicago office. This role is ideal for a highly organized, service-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced legal environment and enjoys supporting attorneys, paralegals, and clients with exceptional administrative and document management support.

Position Overview

The Practice Assistant will provide comprehensive support to attorneys and paralegals across multiple practice areas. Responsibilities include complex calendar management, meeting coordination, travel planning, expense reporting, new business intake, attorney time entry, and serving as a key liaison between attorneys, clients, and internal business services teams. This position also supports the preparation, editing, and formatting of legal documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and correspondence. Some personal work may be required.

Strong candidates are proactive, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple competing priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and client service. The ability to anticipate needs, exercise sound judgment, and adapt in a dynamic environment is essential. Occasional travel may be required to support trial or business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage complex attorney calendars and scheduling through Outlook.
• Coordinate meetings, conference calls, and travel arrangements.
• Process conflict checks, new client/new matter requests, expense reports, and attorney time entry.
• Conduct internet research and provide general administrative support.
• Partner closely with internal departments including Conference Center, Reprographics, Digital Services, Accounting, and Court Services to ensure seamless support.
• Prepare, revise, proofread, format, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, memoranda, presentations, and spreadsheets.
• Utilize Microsoft 365, Adobe, Workshare Compare, and document management systems to support document production.
• Transcribe meeting notes, dictation, and other records as needed.
• Maintain electronic and physical files in accordance with firm policies and procedures using LegalKEY and document management systems.
• Deliver outstanding support to attorneys, paralegals, and clients.
• Collaborate effectively with fellow Practice Assistants and business professionals.
• Prioritize workload efficiently while proactively addressing requests and concerns.

What You’ll Bring

Required

• Minimum 5+ years of corporate legal support experience.
• High school diploma.
• Advanced Microsoft Word skills with strong document formatting capabilities.
• Minimum typing speed of 55+ WPM.
• Exceptional organizational, multitasking, and communication skills.
• Ability to work overtime and travel as business needs require.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree or Paralegal Certificate.
• Experience with Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Exposure to deposition and hearing preparation.

What We're Looking For

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Exceptional client service skills
• Proactive planning and organization
• Technical expertise and adaptability
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Relationship-building and teamwork capabilities
• Sound judgment and problem-solving abilities

Join Kirkland & Ellis and become part of a collaborative team that delivers exceptional support to some of the world's leading attorneys and clients.

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. 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.

Compensation Range:

Chicago: $61,000 - $149,000

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.