Legal Education & Development

We provide our attorneys with an unparalleled legal education. Our innovative, comprehensive curricula offer extensive learning opportunities to equip our attorneys with the skills they need to grow professionally and exceed client expectations. At the root of every program is the goal of fostering excellence, empowering teams and cultivating smart collaboration.

Perspectives

Partners dedicate hundreds of hours to bring unique insight, advice and practical experience to our associates, while forming personal and mentoring bonds that further enrich associates’ growth. - Jim Basile, Partner

Overview

Our curricula is developed by partners, associates and industry experts in alignment with practice group benchmarks. Kirkland’s innovative and holistic approach to learning includes a Firmwide commitment to mentoring, career advice and on-the-job teaching.

Our award-winning Learning Education & Development Team delivers more than 1,300 learning programs annually, in a variety of formats, from hands-on workshops to digital modules, preparing attorneys at every level and in every practice group.

Basic Training Academy (BTA)

BTA is an immersive learning experience that supports the growth of the next generation of exceptional deal lawyers. Through practice-specific discussions and interactive breakouts led by Kirkland partners, associates learn topics such as the life cycle of a deal, project management and business acumen.

Kirkland Institute for Trial Advocacy (KITA)

KITA is the largest, most comprehensive trial program among major law firms and Kirkland’s annual, flagship litigation program. Associates learn through doing, and over 90 senior partners are there to offer hands-on, live feedback, teaching, mentorship and experience.

Kirkland University (KU)

Kirkland University offers extensive learning opportunities. Programs increase in sophistication as associates advance to equip attorneys with the skills they need to grow professionally and exceed client expectations.

40+ Dedicated Attorney Mentors

Focused on substantive learning & development

1,400+ Internal Training Programs

4,400+ Hours of Continuing Legal Education

Attained in 2024