Sophie’s Career Story

What makes Kirkland so special is, at the end of the day, we are one Firm, with top-notch corporate, restructuring, intellectual property and litigation practices. This model permits us to provide our clients with unparalleled access to legal services across all platforms.

Kirkland is a place where you’re surrounded by people who are committed to mentoring you. I believe working for a place where mentorship is highly valued and deeply rooted in the culture is crucial for both my long-term success and my day-to-day happiness.

Never did I imagine that I would form so many relationships with people who aren’t just invested in me professionally, but truly care about me personally. To find a workplace where I am valued and appreciated as an individual feels special.

I have been involved in a number of Firm initiatives, including the Women’s Professional Network (WPN), the Associates Committee and pro bono work. While all have been meaningful experiences, I think the opportunities to participate in various pro bono projects, across a wide variety of practice areas, makes Kirkland that much more special.

Despite being a corporate M&A attorney, I’ve been able to partake in a wide variety of pro bono matters, and I thoroughly enjoy seeing the impact our work can have on the community. My best friend, who I met as a summer associate, and I represented two different clients in their petitions for guardianship. One of our uncontested matters turned contested and, with the guidance of an incredible senior litigation partner, we participated in a lengthy pre-trial hearing, resulting in a favorable settlement agreement for the client.

I have also assisted nonprofits in revising their bylaws, assisted with a death penalty case, partaken in intake clinics at local community centers and represented a client in her application for a T visa as a victim of human trafficking.

The people, mentorship and opportunity for early responsibility keep me here. It's unique how quickly junior and mid-level associates become the face of the deal teams, constantly interacting with the client and more senior attorneys at the opposing counsel. I am encouraged to step outside my comfort zone and take on more responsibility. Not once have I been limited due to my class year or been told I can't try something because it’s above my level.

The most valuable part of Kirkland’s training program is the exposure it gives you to the various groups within corporate law. No matter one’s practice group, it’s very important and valuable to have some level of familiarity and knowledge across practice areas, and Kirkland’s formal training program ensures we receive that training and become more well-rounded attorneys.

Each deal is full of informal training and mentoring. At Kirkland, everyone has been willing to spend the extra time to sit down and explain something to me or answer any of my questions. This commitment to mentorship and training is what attracted me to Kirkland and has kept me here. I am surrounded by attorneys who are truly invested in my learning and development and want to see me succeed both professionally and personally.

The open assignment system enables you to choose the attorneys you want to work with, the matters you are interested in and the clients you want to work for. It also creates a culture where everyone must be, and wants to be, invested in your development and training.

All through middle school, high school and even college, I found a way to get out of oral presentations in class. Public speaking terrified me, and even in law school, I was anxious about being cold called. While this fear ensured I was always prepared and knew the material, the ample opportunities I have had at Kirkland, through both training and early responsibility, has given me the confidence to want to speak up and be a part of the discussion.

All my life I have played several sports and enjoy being a part of a team. What I find most rewarding about my job is being a part of the M&A team, where we each have our individual role, but together work toward getting the deal closed. Even in my first few years at Kirkland, I have started forming strong connections with my team, other Kirkland colleagues and clients. Closing a deal is much more memorable when you are working with a fully integrated team.

Kirkland has given me so many personal relationships and connections that I know will stay with me no matter where the future leads. From partners to classmates to clients, I am beyond thankful for the people I have met through Kirkland.