Marketing & Business Development Assistant, Transactional

Job ID: 9009

Updated: Oct 1, 2026

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Category: Marketing & Business Development

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About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don't just meet the standard for legal excellence - we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers' commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

What You'll Do

Are you a detail-oriented professional who enjoys turning data, research and insights into compelling business development materials?

Kirkland & Ellis is seeking a Marketing & Business Development Assistant to join the Firm's Marketing & Business Development (MBD) Department in our Chicago office supporting our premier Private Equity/M&A practice.

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with attorneys and colleagues across the Firm to deliver high-quality, client-facing materials, conduct market research and maintain critical business development data and systems. Your work will directly support strategic business development initiatives and help showcase the Firm's experience, relationships and market-leading position.

The MBD department operates from a team-first position and values collaboration, accountability, intellectual curiosity and open communication. You'll have success in this role by bringing a proactive approach, strong business judgement and commitment to delivering exceptional service to attorneys, clients and colleagues.

You will report to the Associate Director of Practice Development in Chicago and collaborate regularly with an international team of problem-solvers and advisers dedicated to the broader business development, research, marketing and communications efforts of the Firm.

• Provide Pitch, Proposal & Presentation Support: Assist in the production of bespoke, client-facing pitch materials, presentations, and responses to RFPs, including compiling, proofreading, formatting, editing, printing and delivery.
• Conduct Research & Market Intelligence: Conduct research on clients, potential clients, competitors, industries, markets and emerging trends using internal and external platforms, including Bloomberg, CapIQ, Mergermarket and PitchBook to support decision-making.
• Analyze Data & Prepare Reporting: Compile, organize and prepare data related to client relationships, market activity, matters, transactions and business development efforts to support attorneys, business development professionals and other Firm stakeholders.
• Manage Business Development Content: Maintain accurate, updated and reusable content related to practices, industries, attorneys and representative matters for use across business development initiatives.
• Support Experience & Deal Tracking: Support the review, approval and submission of transaction data to external ranking and market intelligence providers, ensuring consistency, accuracy and effective positioning of the Firm's experience.
• Maintain CRM & Marketing Systems: Maintain data within the Firm's CRM and other MBD systems, including managing mailing lists, updating contact records, tracking client interactions, conducting database audits and supporting data integrity initiatives.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree required; experience in a law firm, private equity firm, investment bank, consulting firm or other professional services environment if preferred.
• Relationship Management & Client Service: Excellent client service orientation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with various levels of personnel, internally and externally, including existing and potential clients.
• Organization & Execution: Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize and execute a diverse range of tasks with a high level of attention to detail and manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Research & Analytical Thinking: Ability to gather, analyze, synthesize, and communicate transaction, client and market information clearly and effectively.
• Writing & Attention to Detail: Strong writing, editing, proofreading and content development skills with a demonstrated commitment to accuracy, consistency and quality.
• Communication & Teamwork: Outstanding written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills with a collaborative approach to working within a team, including the ability to take direction and implement feedback.
• Professionalism & Discretion: Professional demeanor, sound judgment, diplomacy and discretion when handling sensitive business information and interacting with attorneys, clients and colleagues.
• Initiative & Adaptability: Proactive approach to learning, problem-solving and managing competing priorities, with the ability to adapt to changing business needs in a fast-paced environment.
• Technology & Systems Proficiency: Solid command of Microsoft 365, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Teams, with the ability to learn new technologies quickly. Experience with CRM, database, content management or relationship intelligence platforms is preferred, along with a strong commitment to data integrity.
• Industry Knowledge & Market Intelligence: Familiarity with private equity, M&A, transactional practices or related legal practice areas; experience using market intelligence and research platforms such as Bloomberg, CapIQ, Mergermarket and PitchBook is highly desirable.

If you're excited to support high-impact business development initiatives, work alongside leading legal professionals, and grow your expertise in the Private Equity/M&A space, we'd love to hear from you!

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 offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range:

Chicago: $58,000 - $72,000

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. #LI-Hybrid #LI-CC1

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