Training Contract at Kirkland & Ellis
Application guide, insider tips, and SQE funding details for 2026.
About Kirkland & Ellis
Kirkland & Ellis is the largest law firm in the world by revenue and the dominant force in global private equity. Its London office is one of the most prestigious TC destinations for candidates seeking PE-focused transactional work at the highest level.
Kirkland is widely known as a high-intensity, meritocratic environment. There is little bureaucracy and associates are expected to take on significant responsibility early. The firm is explicitly non-lockstep in compensation - performance drives pay. Hours can be demanding but compensation is the highest in the market.
Training contract at a glance
Kirkland & Ellis funds SQE preparation - Kirkland & Ellis funds SQE preparation for London trainees in full, including course fees and SRA exam registration fees. Use our SQE Cost Calculator to understand what you may still need to cover personally.
Preferred provider: BPP University Law School
What Kirkland & Ellis looks for
Academics
Outstanding academics - typically a first, though exceptional profiles with strong 2:1s are considered. The bar is high.
Core values they screen for
Experience
Prior private equity, investment banking, or corporate finance experience is highly valued. Kirkland actively looks for candidates who already understand deal structures.
Application timeline
Kirkland runs a highly selective process - research the firm thoroughly before applying.
Initial interviews focus on commercial awareness and PE knowledge.
Multiple partner interviews; expect challenging commercial questions.
Relatively fast decision-making compared to UK peers.
Application tips for Kirkland & Ellis
Deep knowledge of private equity is essential - understand the LBO model, fund structures, and current market dynamics before interview.
The firm is not looking for generalists; demonstrate a clear interest in transactional work and PE specifically.
Compensation is exceptional but so are the hour expectations - be honest with yourself about the trade-off.
Note on the SQE: Some firms view positively candidates who have already passed or are actively preparing for SQE1. It signals commitment to qualification. SQE explained →
Interview & assessment format
Process stages
- 1Written application
- 2First-round partner interview (commercial/technical)
- 3Second/third round partner interviews
- 4Final offer decision
Interview tips
- •Expect questions on live PE deals.
- •Be prepared to discuss deal economics and debt structures.
- •Show genuine enthusiasm for the business of law, not just the prestige.
Insider tips
Observations from those who know the firm well.
NQ salary at Kirkland is the highest in the London market by a significant margin.
The firm has limited tolerance for underperformance - it is genuinely up-or-out.
SQE funding at Kirkland & Ellis
Kirkland & Ellis funds SQE preparation for London trainees in full, including course fees and SRA exam registration fees. Given the firm's US heritage, it has arrangements with BPP for SQE preparation. Candidates should confirm current terms at offer stage as the firm's SQE funding policy has evolved rapidly since the route launched.
Preferred SQE provider: BPP University Law School
The full qualification journey
TC + SQE - here's the complete path from application to the roll.
SQE1 and SQE2 steps link to live pass rate data. Full SQE explained →
Got your TC? Now plan your SQE.
Your firm covers a lot - but you still need to pass SQE1 and SQE2. Here's where to start.
Ready to apply?
Applications are submitted directly via Kirkland & Ellis's official graduate recruitment portal.
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