Transactional Business Development Specialist

About the role

Kirkland & Ellis is a global law firm known for setting the standard for legal excellence. Our culture is built on teamwork, innovation, and a dedication to continuous growth. We handle complex legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, leveraging the expertise of our 7,000+ professionals, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide.

What You’ll Do

• Develop, edit, and finalize customized presentations, pitch decks, and RFP responses that reflect Kirkland’s market-leading M&A/Private Equity experience.
• Serve as a go-to resource for the Firm’s M&A credentials, ensuring accurate data entry and insights from league tables and internal databases.
• Maintain and enhance practice descriptions, attorney bios, brochures, PowerPoint templates, and rankings.
• Prepare strategic reports on prospects, industries, and competitors to support client targeting and market positioning.
• Agregate and interpret key metrics for internal and external stakeholders to inform BD strategies.
• Build trusted relationships across MBD, Transactional practice teams, and firmwide departments to deliver coordinated and effective results.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• 5+ years of experience in M&A/Private Equity, business development, financial services, or professional services project management.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills – ability to engage with senior stakeholders and deliver polished, client-ready materials.
• Exceptional project management and organization – skilled at juggling competing priorities under tight deadlines.
• Critical thinking and initiative – capable of working independently and navigating ambiguity to move projects forward.
• Technical proficiency – fluency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with research tools (e.g., Mergermarket, Bloomberg, PitchBook) and CRM platforms like InterAction or Salesforce.
• Attention to detail and data accuracy – meticulous approach to editing, proofing, and database upkeep.
• Professional presence and discretion – comfort working with confidential and high-stakes information.

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also provide personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Chicago Compensation Range

$90,000 - $110,000

How to Apply

To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now." Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.