Kirkland & Ellis reviews

3.8

70% would recommend to a friend

(939 total reviews)
avatar

Jon Ballis

87% approve of CEO

76% positive business outlook

Kirkland & Ellis has an employee rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars, based on 939 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Kirkland & Ellis employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Legal industry (3.8 stars).

Reviews by job title

939 reviews
1.0
Nov 28, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Excellent salary. I can't think of any other reason why staff would stay here!

Cons

The firm went to a "teaming" model in 2009 when they moved into a new building. Before the move, efficiency experts were brought in to roam the hallways looking for ways to cut costs. In the new building, the secretaries sit together in pods built for four people, but most contain just two or three. The firm has gradually decreased the number of secretaries in each pod to two or three while increasing the number of attorneys each secretary must support up to seven on average while backing up another 14 or so. We are treated like dogs, serfs and paid slaves while the firm has been reported in the trade papers and magazines to make between $1 to $2 Billion per year. This is the kind of secretarial job one takes when one is desperate and starving.

3.0
Dec 6, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

We had the best year we ever had last year while almost everyone completely remote. Yes, we worked more but it was balanced out by not having to commute and being able to do errands and chores throughout the day.

Cons

Now they’re forcing staff back five times a week, regardless or role or whether that is necessary. Also without regard to people’s workspaces. Junior staff often sits nearly shoulder to shoulder. Meanwhile most attorney offices sit vacant. It seems the same RTO requirement is not conveyed or enforced among attorneys. Also certain favorite departments of the CAO seem to be exempt as well.

5.0
Apr 3, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There is a lot of room for growth in this company. Great coworkers who have turned into family and management is flexible. Salary and bonuses are great. Free breakfast in the morning and also receive dinner allowance plus free cabs when we work late. Also a free gym in the building. New Perk: the building now has manicures/massages in the building for a small fee.

Cons

More consistent policies across all offices/departments such as casual Fridays and working from home a day or two out of the week.

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Glassdoor has 1,011 Kirkland & Ellis reviews submitted anonymously by Kirkland & Ellis employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Kirkland & Ellis is right for you.