Business Development Assistant (Contract)

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 assistant to join the Business Development (BD) Department in Houston. You will liaise closely with the lawyers in the Texas offices and the Firmwide Energy & Infrastructure team to handle a variety of functions, including business pitches and client presentations, business/relationship intelligence, contact relationship management, internal communications, awards and directories and event support.

We are looking for an exceptional communicator and critical thinker with a history of taking initiative and genuine intellectual curiosity. You will possess excellent organizational and project management skills, outstanding editing and proofing skills, the ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment, strong attention to detail and a professional and polished demeanor. You will be oriented toward continuous improvement - of both your own work product and of the team as a whole.

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 tim e 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 in the Houston office and around the Firm. Excellent judgment and discretion in handling confidential or sensitive information is critical in this role.

You will report to the Texas Business Development Director in Houston and will work closely with the BD team members in Dallas and Austin. You will also communicate and collaborate daily with the approximately 170 diverse problem-solvers and advisers dedicated to the broader BD, marketing and communications efforts of the Firm. Our international marketing team provides seamless service to our attorneys, with a focus on quality, innovation and responsiveness. We are looking for a self-starter with good judgement and an interest in a professional services career.

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

• Assist in the overall implementation of development plans and initiatives for the Texas and Energy & Infrastructure practices, including maintaining systems to track initiatives.
• Assist with planning, execution and tracking of events, including seminars, receptions, industry conferences, charitable sponsorships, speaking engagements, client entertainment & dinners and other events related to the promotion of the TX and Energy & Infrastructure practices. The candidate will assist with the program design and all aspects of the execution, including attendance tracking and follow-up.
• Provide administrative support to other Texas BD team members, including submitting expense reports, purchasing, phone support, filing, etc., and assisting with maintaining inventory of all promotional materials and implementing purchasing requests, as necessary.
• Assist with attorney biography updates and photography and update attorney pitch and website bios accordingly, as well as with other website updates.
• Maintain data in the Firm's contact relationship management (CRM) system by reviewing and curating targeted mailing lists for various marketing campaigns and client programming, recording activities such as client meetings, and updating current contact information.
• Assist with maintenance of the experience database, including data entry and recording updates.
• Help with survey responses, award nominations and directory submissions as needed.
• Assist in the production of bespoke, client-facing pitch materials, presentations, and responses to RFPs - including compiling, proofreading, formatting, editing, printing, binding and delivery. Maintain system to track client pitches and presentations.
• Assist in the maintenance of accurate, updated marketing collateral including practice descriptions, brochures, PowerPoint templates, case summaries, accolade summaries and attorney biographies.
• Assist with research and the preparation of intelligence reports on clients, potential clients, competitors, and target industries to understand market position, develop strategic plans and drive marketing efforts to maintain and grow the Texas and Energy & Infrastructure practices and our industry position.
• Assist with general online and database research.
• Assist with various other initiatives that intersect with other functional areas within BD.

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

• Provide administrative assistance, as needed, to the Energy & Infrastructure and Texas teams.
• 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, internally and externally, including existing and potential clients.
• 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.
• Solid command of MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint).
• Bachelor's degree.

Preferred

• At least one to two years' experience in the law firm/professional services environment.
• Experience with CRM/database software (e.g., InterAction, Salesforce, ContentPilot, etc.)
• Working knowledge of Chrome River, Adobe Photoshop and other programs.

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.