I applied through university. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Kirkland & Ellis (Chicago, IL) in July 2010
Interview
Basic screening interview. Traditional "why us", "why did you go to law school", "tell us about a leadership experience"
Interviewer didn't seem interested in talking much about the firm. Sort of strange was not selling the firm much. Interview did last longer than expected in part because of follow up questions. Interviewer did seem engaged just not focused on selling why the firm was a good fit.
Very conversational, very easy, multiple people asked about life and school in general terms. Not a challenge at all. Would recommend preparing questions to ask interviewer ahead of time if there is extra time and you need to fill space.
Required to go to the office in person, interviewed with three attorneys back to back (thirty minutes each) and then had coffee with a few attorneys downstairs. Offered to pay for flight and hotel.
I applied online. I interviewed at Kirkland & Ellis (San Francisco, CA) in Jan 2026
Interview
The interview process involved two rounds: one screener with one attorney and then a callback with multiple attorneys. The questions asked were quite straightforward and I would recommend keeping questions ready to ask attorneys.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Describe how you displayed leadership in a time of hardship?