kirkland ellis interview questions

#Preparing for Your Kirkland & Ellis Interview Common Questions and How to Ace Them

Interviewing at Kirkland & Ellis can be an intimidating experience. As one of the world’s largest and most prestigious law firms Kirkland attracts top legal talent from across the country. Competition is fierce and you’ll need to bring your A-game if you want to land a job.

The good news is that while Kirkland’s interviews are challenging, they’re also predictable. Understanding the firm’s interview format and culture can help you craft winning answers to common questions. With the right preparation, you can show Kirkland recruiters that you have what it takes to thrive at the firm.

In this article we’ll walk through

• An overview of Kirkland’s interview process and culture
• Common behavioral and technical questions asked
• Tips to prepare strong, compelling answers

Let’s get started!

Overview of Kirkland Interviews

Format

Kirkland & Ellis interviews typically follow a standard format:

• 1st Round: 30-minute video interview with a recruiter or junior associate

• 2nd Round: In-person “callback” interview consisting of:

  • 5 30-minute behavioral interviews

  • 1 30-minute technical interview relevant to your practice group

• 3rd Round (for summers only): More casual day of one-on-one interviews on-site

The process aims to assess technical skills, cultural fit, and communications abilities across multiple interactions. Panel-style behavioral interviews allow the firm to benchmark candidates across reviewers.

Culture and Values

When prepping answers, keep Kirkland’s core values top of mind:

• Excellence: Strive for exceptional quality in everything.

• Commitment to Client Service: Provide unmatched responsiveness and service.

• Entrepreneurship: Constantly innovate to improve delivery of legal services.

• Teamwork: Collaborate seamlessly across groups.

• Diversity: Seek out diverse perspectives.

• Integrity: Do the right things in the right ways.

Convey your alignment with these values in your answers. Demonstrate that you have the mindset to thrive in Kirkland’s meritocratic, driven culture.

Common Behavioral Interview Questions

Let’s review some of the most frequently asked behavioral questions along with tips for crafting strong responses:

1. Tell me about yourself.

Tips:

• Focus on your qualifications relevant to the role.

• Emphasize strengths like work ethic, leadership, and teamwork.

• Share 1-2 specific examples that demonstrate desired qualities.

• Keep it concise — 3 mins max.

Sample response:

“I’m currently a 3L at NYU Law specializing in patent litigation. As a chemical engineer, I gravitate towards complex technical cases. Beyond my STEM background, I also have strong team leadership abilities and a tireless work ethic. For example, when leading my engineering design team, I motivated my group to put in extra hours to successfully meet an important deadline after we encountered an obstacle. We ended up placing first overall in the design competition.”

2. Why Kirkland?

Tips:

• Show you’ve researched the firm and understand their strengths.

• Align with their core values like excellence and entrepreneurship.

• Share specific practice groups or offices that interest you.

Sample response:

“I’m interested in Kirkland for a few key reasons:

First, Kirkland has the top patent litigation practice in the world. The scale and quality of work attracted me initially. Beyond litigation, I’m also interested in your pioneering work in emerging tech like blockchain and AI. Kirkland is constantly innovating, which aligns with my entrepreneurial spirit.

Second, the firm culture is driven, collaborative, and diverse. I previously interned at a “lifestyle firm” but am seeking an environment with more ambition and meritocracy. I want to be challenged and work with the best.

Lastly, the Chicago office has strengths in my target practices of patent litigation and IP transactions. This office seems the ideal fit given my tech background and midwest roots.”

3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Tips:

• Pick 2-3 genuine strengths relevant to the role. Back with specific examples.

• For weaknesses, choose areas you’ve improved. Show how you’re working to overcome them.

• Focus on strengths over weaknesses.

Sample response:

“Strengths: Hard work, attention to detail, and teamwork. I have an exceptionally strong work ethic and will put in the hours needed to deliver excellence for clients and colleagues. For example, while interning last summer, I volunteered to take on an extra M&A closing checklist when a teammate was overloaded. I worked late nights to complete it perfectly and on-time.

In terms of weaknesses: Public speaking used to be difficult for me. As an introvert, speaking up in groups was intimidating. However, I knew presenting confidently would be critical for client interactions and court. I took a speech class and have steadily improved. Recently I volunteered to present our team’s engineering design proposal in front of 100 people. With practice, I’ve become much more comfortable presenting.”

4. Tell me about a time you faced a challenge. How did you overcome it?

Tips:

• Choose an example demonstrating grit, resilience, and problem-solving.

• Focus on your process, not just the outcome.

• Spotlight strengths like leadership, collaboration, and perseverance.

Sample response:

“As president of the pre-law society, I spearheaded organizing our school’s first mock trial competition. This event was our biggest undertaking as an organization. We only had two months to design the trial, recruit student teams, find attorney coaches, and fundraise for the hefty venue fees. Initially I was concerned we had bitten off more than we could chew.

I demonstrated perseverance by immediately getting to work. I personally designed the trial case based on my moot court experience. I then pitched attorney family friends for coaching help and obtained funding commitments from the pre-law alumni network.

There were roadblocks like venues cancelling last minute. But through creative problem solving and sheer will, our team pulled off an incredibly successful competition that is now an annual tradition. The experience proved to me that with determination and teamwork, I can tackle anything.”

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Tips:

• Demonstrate interest in long-term growth at Kirkland.

• Share goals aligned with Kirkland’s training programs and offerings.

• If interested in partnership, mention aspirations to make partner but acknowledge the difficulties.

Sample response:

“In 5 years, I hope to be an established associate in the Kirkland Chicago patent litigation group. I aim to have developed deep expertise in patent and IP law through rich hands-on experience. I expect to be leading small cases and playing a key role on larger matters. I’ll be known as someone partners rely on for excellent work product and judgment.

I also plan to take full advantage of Kirkland’s top-notch training. I’m particularly excited for the three week trial skills workshop for new associates. Longer-term, if I excel and demonstrate the potential, I’d be honored to be considered for partner someday. But I know the track record is limited. Most importantly, I see myself thriving as a valued Kirkland associate, continually enhancing my skills among the best in the business.”

Common Technical Interview Questions

In addition to behavioral questions, expect at least one technical interview tailored to your practice group. Common examples include:

Corporate Law

• Walk me through a basic M&A deal timeline.

• What issues arise in cross-border transactions?

• Explain representations and warranties in an acquisition agreement.

Litigation

• What’s the first thing you’d do if a new litigation matter arrived on your desk?

• How does the discovery process work?

• What makes a strong deposition?

Patents

• Explain the difference between utility and design patents.

• Walk me through the patent application process.

• What are the grounds for invalidating a patent?

Tips for Technical Questions

• Listen closely and seek clarification if unsure.

• Walk through nuanced issues step-by-step. Demonstrate technical depth.

• Use legal jargon appropriately but focus on explaining concepts clearly.

• If stuck, suggest how you would research to find the right answer.

With thoughtful preparation and practice, you can develop compelling responses to Kirkland’s behavioral and technical interview questions. The keys are understanding the firm’s culture, conveying your fit, and backing claims about your strengths with real examples and specifics.