Finance Associate (Former Kirkland Trainee) Tilly Kersley Graduate in French and German, Leeds University
“This is a meritocratic firm, where trainees aren’t limited by a fixed view of what trainees can do. If you work hard and do well, you get the opportunities to do better, more challenging work and keep progressing.”
It’s incredible to realise where I am today compared to two years ago. My legal knowledge has grown exponentially, becoming broader and deeper. I attribute that to hard work but also the training approach at Kirkland & Ellis. There’s a small intake, you learn on the job, alongside the formal training sessions, and collaborate with lawyers at all levels of the firm. All of which ensures you learn at pace, gain exposure to people and deals, get to demonstrate your capabilities, and take on new challenges. You’re very much part of the team from day one and can set your own course by putting yourself forward for the legal work you’re interested in. Everyone is genuinely invested in helping you go as far as you can. Associates and partners alike, take the time to go through things with you. I hadn’t considered private equity work until I met Kirkland & Ellis lawyers at a graduate fair. Their passion for the work came across immediately. They explained what it involves, clearly and intelligently, and I was able to make an educated decision about applying to the firm. Even on the Vacation Scheme, you’re involved in proper, substantive legal work straight away.
I discovered the whole process of a deal, had to complete tasks independently, and really felt my opinion was valued even then. When I started at the firm as a trainee, my first seat was debt finance. I’d experienced a taster workshop at the graduate fair and my interest continued from there. Debt finance was also my third seat – on secondment to our Hong Kong office. I was there for six months and I gained experience of banking deals you don’t always get exposure to in the UK. The training culture is consistent with the UK – you’re given immediate responsibility but also a lot of support from a friendly and collegiate team. It was great to experience working in a new city and to build on my Kirkland & Ellis network. I’m excited to have qualified into the debt finance team as an associate and looking forward to learning more as my career progresses. Being a trainee at Kirkland & Ellis means being committed to your career. This isn’t just a job. People at Kirkland & Ellis are passionate and driven about what they do but also really approachable. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by such motivated and talented people. The firm isn’t looking for cookie-cutter applicants. Be yourself, and if it’s right for you then there is no better place to train.
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