Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Practice Assistant / Legal Secretary

Kirkland & Ellis LLP$68K — $95K *
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • 3+ years of legal secretarial or administrative support experience.
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.
  • Proficiency in legal technology tools such as Chrome River and iManage DeskSite.
  • Strong attention to detail and effective communication skills.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and work in a team environment.

Responsibilities

  • Manage attorneys' calendars and schedule meetings and travel arrangements.
  • Process conflict checks and assist with New Client/New Matter requests.
  • Prepare, revise, and finalize legal documents and correspondence.
  • Proofread documents for accuracy and maintain organized files.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support operations.
  • Provide backup support to fellow Practice Assistants and handle confidential information.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage.
  • Flexible paid time off.
  • Retirement plan options.
  • Personal support and tailored learning opportunities.
  • Commitment to support professional development.
Full Job Description
What You'll Do

Are you a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys supporting high-performing legal teams?

The Washington, DC office is seeking a Practice Assistant to provide administrative and legal support to a team of attorneys and paralegals. In this highly visible role, you'll help drive efficiency, maintain organization, and ensure seamless day-to-day operations while contributing to exceptional client service. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who combines strong technical skills, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach with a commitment to excellence.

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.

If you're excited to support top-tier legal professionals, deliver exceptional client service, and make an impact in this Practice Assistant role, we'd love to hear from you!

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Washington, DC. 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:

Washington, DC: $68,000 - $95,000

How to Apply

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

Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.

About Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is an American law firm. Founded in 1909 in Chicago, Illinois, Kirkland & Ellis is the largest law firm in the world by revenue, the seventh-largest by number of attorneys, and is the first law firm in the world to reach US$4 billion in revenue. As of 2021, Kirkland & Ellis ranks third on Am Law's list of profits per equity partner. While Kirkland & Ellis was historically considered a firm focused on litigation, during the 2010s, it expanded private equity and restructuring practices which, together with large-scale commercial litigation, comprise the core legal service areas of the firm. Many attorneys from the firm have served as federal officials or judges, including United States Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and former Attorney General William Barr.
Learn more about Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Industry
Founded
1909

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Kirkland & Ellis LLP

More Legal & Accounting Jobs

Find similar Practice Assistant / Legal Secretary jobs: