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Does anyone know when biglaw firms (specifically Kirkland and Ropes) will start hiring again, especially in Investment funds, PE? How are these groups doing at the moment? Given funds are such a big part of these firms, would like to know from people that work there or know someone working there.

Background: finished second round interviews for an associate role (lateral) in investment funds/PE just before NYC went on pause and firms started a hiring freeze. Have not heard back since and have just been waiting. Feedback was positive so had high hopes a few months ago, not so sure now!

Thanks in advance!

I’m a BigLaw funds associate and we are busier than ever. Lots of clients forming new funds or pushing up timelines on existing launches. That being said, I think firms are still being conservative right now in hiring even if they are on solid financial footing.

I thought it was interesting that the ATL tracker listing those firms that have said they won’t do layoffs includes mostly firms known for strong funds practices.

Hang in there!! It seems like this practice area will stay strong for a while so I’d say you will hear back...it just might take a while. This is niche area and my impression is that competition is high for competent associates.

Not at one of the two named firms but I'm an associate in another top-tier funds practice, and we've continued hiring even through the crisis, with two new associates having started in the group in May. I would assume other practices, even if they're slow-rolling hiring a bit, will restart soon.

I'm at one of the firms listed in OP and in their asset management group. Things are busier than ever, but I'm unaware of any new hiring. We could use the help, though.

I've been getting blasted with recruiter emails in the past week for mid-level fund formation positions at Kirkland and Winston & Strawn, so it seems Kirkland may still be moving.

Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Wed May 27, 2020 1:42 am

I've been getting blasted with recruiter emails in the past week for mid-level fund formation positions at Kirkland and Winston & Strawn, so it seems Kirkland may still be moving.

I'm a funds associate at K&E. The firm doesn't have a formal hiring freeze for laterals, but they're only hiring people where there's a high level of conviction that they are very good and the firm is very nervous about hiring someone who got pushed out. All lateral hires need to get personally approved by Jon Ballis.