i don’t know you but you seem like a lovely person, your offer to help out on the forums is so nice. I’m incredibly happy for you! Dentons is lucky to have you.
well chambers said they get 1000 average so thats why I was surprised I guess
I think a lot more people than you'd expect are intimidated by firms like Kirkland to the point of not applying. I think, in part, this is down to people either being worried by the 'American firm' reputation and also some people think "Oh they pay so much everyone will apply there and I don't have a chance".
Also worth considering that K&E are pretty specialised in terms of its transactional, PE, sponsor-side focus. Might not be everyone's cup of tea, esp if you want a broad TC experience
as someone who has applied to quite a few US firms but not Kirkland, the reputation of Kirkland being a serious sweatshop put me off applying- I know at all top law firms you work long hours but I have heard the worst about kirkland and personally I don’t think it’s worth it to work there as a trainee where the salary difference is minimal- maybe quite a few people share this view?
Yep I didn't apply to Kirkland and this was exactly why!
Probably because Kirkland doesn’t have that many places too, as opposed to MC/SC. Also I don’t find Kirkland to be outgoing and have an active GR like some other American firms (S&S for example).
It’s also worth remembering that they don’t pay as much as Legal Cheek says they do - the dollar exchange rate fluctuates but $190000 was only £145000 when the pound was doing its worst last year and they’re usually more in the realm of all the other US firms which pay £130000 +
I am late to the party, but I am so so happy for you! It's been amazing to follow your journey on here and I cannot wait to hear about your adventures as a trainee. Congratulations!
They may pay a fixed exchange rate though like Latham & Watkins so as to prevent this from happening and offer a guaranteed level of base income. It's also important to note that these are base salaries that don't include bonuses so the reality is that lawyers will earn more than these figures anyway
Also to add if you make a big deal happen that adds a really big bonus but I don't know much about this.
I'd be surprised though if their guaranteed level of base income were normally higher than their US salary. Legal Cheek reported somewhere else that Kirkland and Latham's current salaries are 136 000 I think, still v high obviously but V&E are way out front, and S&C, Goodwin and Sidley are probably regularly above, with many other firms in the same ballpark.
I think we also need to take into account mental health. The recent TCLA survey and the pandemic really outline the need to have a balanced life and have more open communication within the work environment. Money is good but if I am miserable..cannot spend it!
