Business Development Assistant (Rfps)

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
 
As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and alternative asset management; restructurings; high-stakes commercial and intellectual property litigation; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,500 lawyers) operating from 20 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

Kirkland & Ellis is seeking an organized Proposal Assistant with strong project management skills and an eye for detail to join our proposal team within the Firm’s Business Development (BD) Department. It’s an exciting time to join a collaborative team providing essential support for new and ongoing business opportunities.

The position supports the Firm in responding to Request for Proposals (RFPs) from current and prospective clients, showcasing our experience and qualifications across all practice areas of the Firm, including corporate (M&A, private equity, investment funds, etc.), intellectual property, litigation and restructuring. The assistant will support projects directed by the Business Development Associate Director of Proposals.

We are looking for an exceptional communicator and critical thinker with a history of taking initiative and a genuine intellectual curiosity. You will possess excellent organizational and project management skills, outstanding writing, editing and proofing skills, the ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment, a strong attention to detail and a professional and polished demeanor.

We operate from a team-first position and value honesty, diligence and open communication. Success in this role will depend upon your ability to collaborate effectively with team members (including seeking help and asking questions when needed), develop familiarity with the Firm’s various resources and systems, hone your instincts to anticipate questions and potential issues, independently manage your time and consistently “go the extra mile” without being asked. You will be expected to establish yourself as a trusted, responsive resource to your BD colleagues and attorneys across the Firm. Excellent judgment and discretion in handling confidential or sensitive information is critical in this role.

In this role, you will communicate and collaborate regularly with a global team of approximately 160 diverse problem-solvers and advisers dedicated to the broader BD, marketing and communications efforts of the Firm. Kirkland’s international BD team provides seamless service to our attorneys with a focus on quality, innovation and responsiveness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

• Assist with tasks related to producing the Firm’s business proposal responses, as outlined below.
• Prepare proposal drafts via multiple platforms, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and client online portals.
• Closely liaise with partners, associates, knowledge managers and other Business Development team members to draft and tailor proposal responses.
• Handle project management tasks, such as keeping multiple attorneys and practice group teams organized and ensuring all teams meet provided deadlines.
• Draft and edit content by gathering collateral from internal databases and numerous other Firm departments.
• Support extensive tracking and reporting via Microsoft Excel, SharePoint and InterAction (CRM).
• Assist with fee estimate reporting projects.
• Work closely with the Firm’s finance department to gather billing rates and other fee-related client inquiries.
• Manage various tracking databases.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Any other functions/duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills

Required

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with high-level attorneys, clients, staff and guests of the Firm.
• Ability to take initiative, adapt to change and work independently in high-pressure, deadline-driven scenarios while exercising sound judgment and making intelligent, informed decisions.
• Excellent client service orientation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with various levels of personnel.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize and execute a diverse range of tasks with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to handle ambiguity, weigh options and find ways to move initiatives forward to meet critical deadlines and produce results.
• Collaborative approach to working within a team, including the ability to take direction and implement feedback.
• Meticulous data entry, writing and proofing skills and a general facility for learning new software.
• Ability to thrive in an electronic environment and utilize technology to deliver information. Proficiency in methods of information acquisition, including the use of online information databases, tools and resources.
• Ability to synthesize data, complex financial and legal concepts and accurately capture ideas and themes in a narrative.
• Solid command of MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint).
• Ability to work overtime as needed — occasional nights, weekends and holidays.
• Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred

• One to two years’ experience in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Communications, English, journalism, marketing, business, history or legal-related degree.
• Strong writing skills, a solid command of the Associated Press style guide, grammar and journalistic writing principles.
• Experience with CRM/database software (e.g., InterAction, Salesforce, etc.).
• Working knowledge of Adobe, Chrome River, Powtoon, SharePoint and market intelligence/legal research platforms, including PACER, Westlaw, BoardEx, Rel Sci, Capital IQ, ThomsonOne, Preqin, Manzama, The Deal Pipeline, Pitchbook and Corporate Affiliations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This job operates in a professional office environment. 
• This role offers a hybrid work arrangement.

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.

Closing Statement

The www.kirkland.com job postings and recruiting mailbox are for candidates only. If you are a recruiter, search firm or employment agency, and do not have a signed contract with Kirkland & Ellis LLP ("K&E") and have not been asked specifically to submit candidates, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if K&E hires the candidate. Direct contact with K&E employees in an attempt to present candidates is inappropriate and will be a factor in determining any future professional relationship with the Firm.