Kirkland/Bloomberg Recruiting Article Forum

[Anonymous User]

There's something very...Kirkland about thinking that angrily lashing out at your online reputation will improve your reputation.

[Monochromatic Oeuvre]

Hi! I actually know Andy Calder and have known him well since I was a 2L in law school (now a fifth year here at K&E Houston). Andy is actually a hilarious and great leader, and he cares about his associates. Personally, he made sure I got a month off when my dad had a stroke when I was a first year. The whole firm rallied around me too at that time. I also have never billed 2600 -- the most I have ever billed was like 2450 or something in 2020.

I've never looked at this site before, and I think it's super reminiscent of College ACB circa 2011 (which was just as toxic and fake as this seems to be). I guess my point is -- I don't appreciate you anonymously talking about my firm via your little anon accounts. I mean -- who are all of you? My name is Michelle Williamson, and I think anon posting in your little lair hunched over your little laptop / cell is super weird. Do you feel better bad mouthing my law firm and the head of my office? Maybe you should try taking your aggression out via workout or cooking dinner or something. And if you have an issue with Andy, and you don't even work here, I'm not sure why your opinion even matters or why you feel the need to opine.

To any of the K&E incoming associates or summer associates -- feel free to reach out if you have any questions from a legitimate associate at Kirkland that isn't trying to hide behind an American Psycho profile pic or other fake account. And I am happy to put you in touch with folks in another office or practice group too (I do debt finance). I think something that will help you all as you launch your careers is finding people at K&E to mentor and just be your friend -- I have met some of the best friends and mentors here during the last 4 years.

Cheers,
Michelle

Hi Michelle Williamson!

I wanted to assuage your fears about fake accounts, since I just came on here for Cravath lobster shitposting and saw you so graciously referenced me in your post. The anons can't distinguish themselves here, but obviously I can! I'm a senior associate, on my second Biglaw firm, work across from Kirkland regularly. The kind of person you might send your aggressive markups to at 6:30 on a Friday. Contrary to what you might be assuming, not everyone who posts here is misrepresenting themselves--they may even be your peers! I have not ever worked at Kirkland (nor do I have any desire to), but I have many friends who have and continue to (including in Houston) and use their evaluations, and the ones I read online from its purported associates, to form my opinion. Now, both of the firms *I've* worked for were run by megalomaniac borderline criminals who would post your job opening before your obituary, abused their associates and attempted to squeeze every last billable drop out of them while crowing about "family" in the press and earned themselves a special place in hell, but, you know, I have no firsthand knowledge of whether that's true at Kirkland! However, I have heard more than a few things that are concerning. So since you said to reach out to real, confirmed K&E associates, a few questions:

1. How far above 2500 were you in 2020 and what was your bonus? And can you comment on the characterizations by many K&E associates in a similar range as "meager" and "not above market anymore" at the time?

2. Can you confirm whether Andy Calder really sent that email threatening to fire all the associates who didn't take a restructuring assignment? Because it seems he hasn't confirmed it.

3. Do other associates in your firm, by and large, also have "sharp elbows?" Is that something you like in a firm? Is that something you'd use to sell the firm at OCI?

4. Do you ever flex your Peloton biceps and tell the OCI kids about your killer workout schedule when you talk to potential candidates concerned about the firm's reputation for overwork?

5. Would you describe Kirkland as a "work hard, play hard" firm? Like, with a straight face?

6. I once used College ACB to convey that my main impression of the Kappas at my school was "hot but boring," based on my interactions with them at a couple parties. Was that wrong? Should I not have done that?

7. Can you dispel those nasty rumors that Andy Calder wanted to kidnap the 101 Dalmations to skin them for their fur, and once killed his brother so he could finally rule Pride Rock?

Thanks so much for your help!

P.S. Be careful sharing your real info online--you never know what kind of freaks and weirdos might be lurking around!

[Anonymous User]

Oooh I finally realized who these KE happy warriors reminded me of. It's those Tesla drivers tweeting about how their car tried to kill them but don't worry they love Elon anyway.

[thisismytlsuername]

I'd like to second Monochromatic Oeuvre's post, particularly question one. Thanks Michelle!

[legalpotato]

I'd like to second Monochromatic Oeuvre's post, particularly question one. Thanks Michelle!

Is #1 supposed to refer to 2021? I think most ppl who billed a lot in 2020 were happy with their bonuses. Not necessarily so for 2021.

[thisismytlsuername]

I'd like to second Monochromatic Oeuvre's post, particularly question one. Thanks Michelle!

Is #1 supposed to refer to 2021? I think most ppl who billed a lot in 2020 were happy with their bonuses. Not necessarily so for 2021.

Let's get her thoughts on both years! Hours, bonus, and how she felt about it.

[Anonymous User]

I don’t doubt the sincerity of Michelle’s post, but people will have a whole different range of experiences within a single firm. Michelle sounds kind and loyal, I’m sure partners who like her personally are going to be accomodating. YMMV if you are the average TLS autist. I’d imagine most people there lie on a spectrum between working hard and working insanely hard.

[Anonymous User]

I don’t doubt the sincerity of Michelle’s post, but people will have a whole different range of experiences within a single firm. Michelle sounds kind and loyal, I’m sure partners who like her personally are going to be accomodating. YMMV if you are the average TLS autist. I’d imagine most people there lie on a spectrum between working hard and working insanely hard.

Yes - very kind and likable person. Also gets accommodations 95% of ppl would never get (no hate - all the more power to her). Which is why she loves K&E. Honestly, we could all take a page out of Michelle's book.

[Anonymous User]

Hi! I actually know Andy Calder and have known him well since I was a 2L in law school (now a fifth year here at K&E Houston). Andy is actually a hilarious and great leader, and he cares about his associates. Personally, he made sure I got a month off when my dad had a stroke when I was a first year. The whole firm rallied around me too at that time. I also have never billed 2600 -- the most I have ever billed was like 2450 or something in 2020.

I've never looked at this site before, and I think it's super reminiscent of College ACB circa 2011 (which was just as toxic and fake as this seems to be). I guess my point is -- I don't appreciate you anonymously talking about my firm via your little anon accounts. I mean -- who are all of you? My name is Michelle Williamson, and I think anon posting in your little lair hunched over your little laptop / cell is super weird. Do you feel better bad mouthing my law firm and the head of my office? Maybe you should try taking your aggression out via workout or cooking dinner or something. And if you have an issue with Andy, and you don't even work here, I'm not sure why your opinion even matters or why you feel the need to opine.

To any of the K&E incoming associates or summer associates -- feel free to reach out if you have any questions from a legitimate associate at Kirkland that isn't trying to hide behind an American Psycho profile pic or other fake account. And I am happy to put you in touch with folks in another office or practice group too (I do debt finance). I think something that will help you all as you launch your careers is finding people at K&E to mentor and just be your friend -- I have met some of the best friends and mentors here during the last 4 years.

Cheers,
Michelle

Hi Michelle Williamson!

I wanted to assuage your fears about fake accounts, since I just came on here for Cravath lobster shitposting and saw you so graciously referenced me in your post. The anons can't distinguish themselves here, but obviously I can! I'm a senior associate, on my second Biglaw firm, work across from Kirkland regularly. The kind of person you might send your aggressive markups to at 6:30 on a Friday. Contrary to what you might be assuming, not everyone who posts here is misrepresenting themselves--they may even be your peers! I have not ever worked at Kirkland (nor do I have any desire to), but I have many friends who have and continue to (including in Houston) and use their evaluations, and the ones I read online from its purported associates, to form my opinion. Now, both of the firms *I've* worked for were run by megalomaniac borderline criminals who would post your job opening before your obituary, abused their associates and attempted to squeeze every last billable drop out of them while crowing about "family" in the press and earned themselves a special place in hell, but, you know, I have no firsthand knowledge of whether that's true at Kirkland! However, I have heard more than a few things that are concerning. So since you said to reach out to real, confirmed K&E associates, a few questions:

1. How far above 2500 were you in 2020 and what was your bonus? And can you comment on the characterizations by many K&E associates in a similar range as "meager" and "not above market anymore" at the time?

2. Can you confirm whether Andy Calder really sent that email threatening to fire all the associates who didn't take a restructuring assignment? Because it seems he hasn't confirmed it.

3. Do other associates in your firm, by and large, also have "sharp elbows?" Is that something you like in a firm? Is that something you'd use to sell the firm at OCI?

4. Do you ever flex your Peloton biceps and tell the OCI kids about your killer workout schedule when you talk to potential candidates concerned about the firm's reputation for overwork?

5. Would you describe Kirkland as a "work hard, play hard" firm? Like, with a straight face?

6. I once used College ACB to convey that my main impression of the Kappas at my school was "hot but boring," based on my interactions with them at a couple parties. Was that wrong? Should I not have done that?

7. Can you dispel those nasty rumors that Andy Calder wanted to kidnap the 101 Dalmations to skin them for their fur, and once killed his brother so he could finally rule Pride Rock?

Thanks so much for your help!

P.S. Be careful sharing your real info online--you never know what kind of freaks and weirdos might be lurking around!

Not Michelle, but another KE Houston associate. I just wanted to call out the dirty, slanderous fake news here - Andy Calder did NOT kill his brother for Pride Rock. That was his horrible, shifty little nephew Simba who was responsible for his own father's death. Andy loves the Pridelands and will rule them as a benevolent king.

Edit: I also really am a KE Associate who has had a pretty good experience, and thinks Andy is a nice dude. Just couldn’t resist the opportunity to meme!

[Anonymous User]

Hi! I actually know Andy Calder and have known him well since I was a 2L in law school (now a fifth year here at K&E Houston). Andy is actually a hilarious and great leader, and he cares about his associates. Personally, he made sure I got a month off when my dad had a stroke when I was a first year. The whole firm rallied around me too at that time. I also have never billed 2600 -- the most I have ever billed was like 2450 or something in 2020.

I've never looked at this site before, and I think it's super reminiscent of College ACB circa 2011 (which was just as toxic and fake as this seems to be). I guess my point is -- I don't appreciate you anonymously talking about my firm via your little anon accounts. I mean -- who are all of you? My name is Michelle Williamson, and I think anon posting in your little lair hunched over your little laptop / cell is super weird. Do you feel better bad mouthing my law firm and the head of my office? Maybe you should try taking your aggression out via workout or cooking dinner or something. And if you have an issue with Andy, and you don't even work here, I'm not sure why your opinion even matters or why you feel the need to opine.

To any of the K&E incoming associates or summer associates -- feel free to reach out if you have any questions from a legitimate associate at Kirkland that isn't trying to hide behind an American Psycho profile pic or other fake account. And I am happy to put you in touch with folks in another office or practice group too (I do debt finance). I think something that will help you all as you launch your careers is finding people at K&E to mentor and just be your friend -- I have met some of the best friends and mentors here during the last 4 years.

Cheers,
Michelle

Hi Michelle Williamson!

I wanted to assuage your fears about fake accounts, since I just came on here for Cravath lobster shitposting and saw you so graciously referenced me in your post. The anons can't distinguish themselves here, but obviously I can! I'm a senior associate, on my second Biglaw firm, work across from Kirkland regularly. The kind of person you might send your aggressive markups to at 6:30 on a Friday. Contrary to what you might be assuming, not everyone who posts here is misrepresenting themselves--they may even be your peers! I have not ever worked at Kirkland (nor do I have any desire to), but I have many friends who have and continue to (including in Houston) and use their evaluations, and the ones I read online from its purported associates, to form my opinion. Now, both of the firms *I've* worked for were run by megalomaniac borderline criminals who would post your job opening before your obituary, abused their associates and attempted to squeeze every last billable drop out of them while crowing about "family" in the press and earned themselves a special place in hell, but, you know, I have no firsthand knowledge of whether that's true at Kirkland! However, I have heard more than a few things that are concerning. So since you said to reach out to real, confirmed K&E associates, a few questions:

1. How far above 2500 were you in 2020 and what was your bonus? And can you comment on the characterizations by many K&E associates in a similar range as "meager" and "not above market anymore" at the time?

2. Can you confirm whether Andy Calder really sent that email threatening to fire all the associates who didn't take a restructuring assignment? Because it seems he hasn't confirmed it.

3. Do other associates in your firm, by and large, also have "sharp elbows?" Is that something you like in a firm? Is that something you'd use to sell the firm at OCI?

4. Do you ever flex your Peloton biceps and tell the OCI kids about your killer workout schedule when you talk to potential candidates concerned about the firm's reputation for overwork?

5. Would you describe Kirkland as a "work hard, play hard" firm? Like, with a straight face?

6. I once used College ACB to convey that my main impression of the Kappas at my school was "hot but boring," based on my interactions with them at a couple parties. Was that wrong? Should I not have done that?

7. Can you dispel those nasty rumors that Andy Calder wanted to kidnap the 101 Dalmations to skin them for their fur, and once killed his brother so he could finally rule Pride Rock?

Thanks so much for your help!

P.S. Be careful sharing your real info online--you never know what kind of freaks and weirdos might be lurking around!

Not Michelle, but another KE Houston associate. I just wanted to call out the dirty, slanderous fake news here - Andy Calder did NOT kill his brother for Pride Rock. That was his horrible, shifty little nephew Simba who was responsible for his own father's death. Andy loves the Pridelands and will rule them as a benevolent king.

Edit: I also really am a KE Associate who has had a pretty good experience, and thinks Andy is a nice dude. Just couldn’t resist the opportunity to meme!

Hey Michelle,

Are you going to chase me on KYC documents I sent you last week?

Sincerely,
All non “debt finance lawyers”

PS. Weird flex about jumping to a conference call. Something to look forward to summers!

[Anonymous User]

this kills me. incoming K&E SA here and it was so obvious they told associates in the interviews to stress that they are "not a sweat shop" in interviews because it came up repeatedly in every firm interaction I had

Same. One of the lateral SPs that interviewed me said they were wary of the sharp elbows culture when moving to K&E and observed that for about a year but it's changed over the last 4-5 years apparently. Could, of course, be a sales pitch but they brought it up when I asked them the difference between their experience at the two firms.

Yeah yeah hopefully it has actually changed but I definitely got taunted by some attorneys "get ready for 2,500 hours lol!!" when I took the job. I guess the only thing is that I had the same phrase get echoed so many times in interviews it geeked me a little.

Hi y'all. Very excited that you are joining us this summer -- it's going to be super fun!
I will admit, I'm not sure how this site works (very reminiscent of College ACB though -- what a throwback and nice to know anon posting sites are still just a toxic place for people to spread fake news and gossip). I've been at K&E since I was a first year (now a fifth year) and I have never worked over 2500, other than in 2020 (I do debt finance, so it was a tough year). I generally am in the 2000 - 2300 range, and very well compensated for it. To the initial poster -- sorry you had repetitive interview conversations. I always prefer to talk about queso or my new puppy in my interviews, not work, but I can't interview everyone. And, I would also note, I think I do have sharp elbows, because I work out a lot (intervals and arms on the peloton K&E bought me last year for the most part). Toned forearms and biceps mean boney elbows -- whatchagonnado. Maybe y'all should get off these anon boards and reach out to K&E associates if you are concerned about work and culture. I think finding some folks that will mentor you is key at any firm -- it helps you feel like you are welcomed and have a path (and an ear to complain to when work is hard). I bet Uncle Kirkland will pick up the tab if you wanted to do lunch or coffee too.

Can someone please explain how one can workout their arms using a peloton? This seems like a gamechanger

[Anonymous User]

Hi! I actually know Andy Calder and have known him well since I was a 2L in law school (now a fifth year here at K&E Houston). Andy is actually a hilarious and great leader, and he cares about his associates. Personally, he made sure I got a month off when my dad had a stroke when I was a first year. The whole firm rallied around me too at that time. I also have never billed 2600 -- the most I have ever billed was like 2450 or something in 2020.

I've never looked at this site before, and I think it's super reminiscent of College ACB circa 2011 (which was just as toxic and fake as this seems to be). I guess my point is -- I don't appreciate you anonymously talking about my firm via your little anon accounts. I mean -- who are all of you? My name is Michelle Williamson, and I think anon posting in your little lair hunched over your little laptop / cell is super weird. Do you feel better bad mouthing my law firm and the head of my office? Maybe you should try taking your aggression out via workout or cooking dinner or something. And if you have an issue with Andy, and you don't even work here, I'm not sure why your opinion even matters or why you feel the need to opine.

To any of the K&E incoming associates or summer associates -- feel free to reach out if you have any questions from a legitimate associate at Kirkland that isn't trying to hide behind an American Psycho profile pic or other fake account. And I am happy to put you in touch with folks in another office or practice group too (I do debt finance). I think something that will help you all as you launch your careers is finding people at K&E to mentor and just be your friend -- I have met some of the best friends and mentors here during the last 4 years.

Cheers,
Michelle

Hi Michelle Williamson!

I wanted to assuage your fears about fake accounts, since I just came on here for Cravath lobster shitposting and saw you so graciously referenced me in your post. The anons can't distinguish themselves here, but obviously I can! I'm a senior associate, on my second Biglaw firm, work across from Kirkland regularly. The kind of person you might send your aggressive markups to at 6:30 on a Friday. Contrary to what you might be assuming, not everyone who posts here is misrepresenting themselves--they may even be your peers! I have not ever worked at Kirkland (nor do I have any desire to), but I have many friends who have and continue to (including in Houston) and use their evaluations, and the ones I read online from its purported associates, to form my opinion. Now, both of the firms *I've* worked for were run by megalomaniac borderline criminals who would post your job opening before your obituary, abused their associates and attempted to squeeze every last billable drop out of them while crowing about "family" in the press and earned themselves a special place in hell, but, you know, I have no firsthand knowledge of whether that's true at Kirkland! However, I have heard more than a few things that are concerning. So since you said to reach out to real, confirmed K&E associates, a few questions:

1. How far above 2500 were you in 2020 and what was your bonus? And can you comment on the characterizations by many K&E associates in a similar range as "meager" and "not above market anymore" at the time?

2. Can you confirm whether Andy Calder really sent that email threatening to fire all the associates who didn't take a restructuring assignment? Because it seems he hasn't confirmed it.

3. Do other associates in your firm, by and large, also have "sharp elbows?" Is that something you like in a firm? Is that something you'd use to sell the firm at OCI?

4. Do you ever flex your Peloton biceps and tell the OCI kids about your killer workout schedule when you talk to potential candidates concerned about the firm's reputation for overwork?

5. Would you describe Kirkland as a "work hard, play hard" firm? Like, with a straight face?

6. I once used College ACB to convey that my main impression of the Kappas at my school was "hot but boring," based on my interactions with them at a couple parties. Was that wrong? Should I not have done that?

7. Can you dispel those nasty rumors that Andy Calder wanted to kidnap the 101 Dalmations to skin them for their fur, and once killed his brother so he could finally rule Pride Rock?

Thanks so much for your help!

P.S. Be careful sharing your real info online--you never know what kind of freaks and weirdos might be lurking around!

Not Michelle, but another KE Houston associate. I just wanted to call out the dirty, slanderous fake news here - Andy Calder did NOT kill his brother for Pride Rock. That was his horrible, shifty little nephew Simba who was responsible for his own father's death. Andy loves the Pridelands and will rule them as a benevolent king.

Edit: I also really am a KE Associate who has had a pretty good experience, and thinks Andy is a nice dude. Just couldn’t resist the opportunity to meme!

This might be the first likable KE guy on here.

[thisismytlsuername]

Hi! I actually know Andy Calder and have known him well since I was a 2L in law school (now a fifth year here at K&E Houston). Andy is actually a hilarious and great leader, and he cares about his associates. Personally, he made sure I got a month off when my dad had a stroke when I was a first year. The whole firm rallied around me too at that time. I also have never billed 2600 -- the most I have ever billed was like 2450 or something in 2020.

I've never looked at this site before, and I think it's super reminiscent of College ACB circa 2011 (which was just as toxic and fake as this seems to be). I guess my point is -- I don't appreciate you anonymously talking about my firm via your little anon accounts. I mean -- who are all of you? My name is Michelle Williamson, and I think anon posting in your little lair hunched over your little laptop / cell is super weird. Do you feel better bad mouthing my law firm and the head of my office? Maybe you should try taking your aggression out via workout or cooking dinner or something. And if you have an issue with Andy, and you don't even work here, I'm not sure why your opinion even matters or why you feel the need to opine.

To any of the K&E incoming associates or summer associates -- feel free to reach out if you have any questions from a legitimate associate at Kirkland that isn't trying to hide behind an American Psycho profile pic or other fake account. And I am happy to put you in touch with folks in another office or practice group too (I do debt finance). I think something that will help you all as you launch your careers is finding people at K&E to mentor and just be your friend -- I have met some of the best friends and mentors here during the last 4 years.

Cheers,
Michelle

Hi Michelle Williamson!

I wanted to assuage your fears about fake accounts, since I just came on here for Cravath lobster shitposting and saw you so graciously referenced me in your post. The anons can't distinguish themselves here, but obviously I can! I'm a senior associate, on my second Biglaw firm, work across from Kirkland regularly. The kind of person you might send your aggressive markups to at 6:30 on a Friday. Contrary to what you might be assuming, not everyone who posts here is misrepresenting themselves--they may even be your peers! I have not ever worked at Kirkland (nor do I have any desire to), but I have many friends who have and continue to (including in Houston) and use their evaluations, and the ones I read online from its purported associates, to form my opinion. Now, both of the firms *I've* worked for were run by megalomaniac borderline criminals who would post your job opening before your obituary, abused their associates and attempted to squeeze every last billable drop out of them while crowing about "family" in the press and earned themselves a special place in hell, but, you know, I have no firsthand knowledge of whether that's true at Kirkland! However, I have heard more than a few things that are concerning. So since you said to reach out to real, confirmed K&E associates, a few questions:

1. How far above 2500 were you in 2020 and what was your bonus? And can you comment on the characterizations by many K&E associates in a similar range as "meager" and "not above market anymore" at the time?

2. Can you confirm whether Andy Calder really sent that email threatening to fire all the associates who didn't take a restructuring assignment? Because it seems he hasn't confirmed it.

3. Do other associates in your firm, by and large, also have "sharp elbows?" Is that something you like in a firm? Is that something you'd use to sell the firm at OCI?

4. Do you ever flex your Peloton biceps and tell the OCI kids about your killer workout schedule when you talk to potential candidates concerned about the firm's reputation for overwork?

5. Would you describe Kirkland as a "work hard, play hard" firm? Like, with a straight face?

6. I once used College ACB to convey that my main impression of the Kappas at my school was "hot but boring," based on my interactions with them at a couple parties. Was that wrong? Should I not have done that?

7. Can you dispel those nasty rumors that Andy Calder wanted to kidnap the 101 Dalmations to skin them for their fur, and once killed his brother so he could finally rule Pride Rock?

Thanks so much for your help!

P.S. Be careful sharing your real info online--you never know what kind of freaks and weirdos might be lurking around!

Michelle, where are we on this?

[Anonymous User]

How much did K&E recruiting pay you to do the official response to the K&E hate?

It’s like the Republican response to the State of the Union!

[Nothing but the Funk]

Hey former Kirkland Houston lawyer here. I'm the first to admit that I wasn't cut out for biglaw, I much prefer being a lazy government employee, but the culture there is absolutely as toxic as the worst on this form says it is. I worked my ass off billing close to 250 hours per month starting in my second or third month there, there is next to know actual raining (largely because everyone is so swamped), and the straw that broke my back being told I couldn't take time off to go home to see my Mother who had a stroke because the closing I was the most junior person on was just too important.

There are plenty of good people in that office, in fact most of the real assholes I encountered were from the NY office, but it is also such a phony, frat bro environment. If you are looking as an upcoming SA, be your own judge but be sure to ask people their real opinions and don't trust anything recruiting tells you (probably good advice regardless of the firm). If I had to do over again I would take the summer gig eat and drink myself silly and run for the hills, but that's just me.

[Anonymous User]

Hey former Kirkland Houston lawyer here. I'm the first to admit that I wasn't cut out for biglaw, I much prefer being a lazy government employee, but the culture there is absolutely as toxic as the worst on this form says it is. I worked my ass off billing close to 250 hours per month starting in my second or third month there, there is next to know actual raining (largely because everyone is so swamped), and the straw that broke my back being told I couldn't take time off to go home to see my Mother who had a stroke because the closing I was the most junior person on was just too important.

There are plenty of good people in that office, in fact most of the real assholes I encountered were from the NY office, but it is also such a phony, frat bro environment. If you are looking as an upcoming SA, be your own judge but be sure to ask people their real opinions and don't trust anything recruiting tells you (probably good advice regardless of the firm). If I had to do over again I would take the summer gig eat and drink myself silly and run for the hills, but that's just me.

Can’t imagine why you didn’t make it.

Pls fix, thanks.

Your anecdote about the stroke is just straight up false dude, there’s not a partner or associate in the Houston office that would tell you that. If you’re going to lie, at least make it believable.

[Anonymous User]

I live in Houston and have been thinking of a lateral move (wanna call myself a partner, ngl). It’s not just the war stories, but the Kirkland responses such as the post above, that really puts me off. Working long hours under intense pressure is something I’ve learned to live with. However even after years of practicing, I cannot tolerate aggressive / passive aggressive behaviors and a lack of graciousness on top of it. To those Kirkland lawyers who suggest it is just “clapping back”, well you show your character when ppl are testing your patience, most ppl can play nice when others are acting kind (other than total a-holes, which thankfully are a limited commodity). Pretty much like most other things such as raising kids, being a politician, etc.

[Anonymous User]

I live in Houston and have been thinking of a lateral move (wanna call myself a partner, ngl). It’s not just the war stories, but the Kirkland responses such as the post above, that really puts me off. Working long hours under intense pressure is something I’ve learned to live with. However even after years of practicing, I cannot tolerate aggressive / passive aggressive behaviors and a lack of graciousness on top of it. To those Kirkland lawyers who suggest it is just “clapping back”, well you show your character when ppl are testing your patience, most ppl can play nice when others are acting kind (other than total a-holes, which thankfully are a limited commodity). Pretty much like most other things such as raising kids, being a politician, etc.

This. And there seems to be a culture that sees such responses as a positive, not just a frustrated reaction to stress. I think that is somewhat unique to KE. Not that elsewhere people are angels. But at least there's an awareness that this isn't how we should behave in public.

[Anonymous User]

Idk how you draw these conclusions from a message board of probably the same 5 people posting at each other. Especially when 2 of those 5 people are telling you that it’s actually not so bad.

There’s a rush to say Kirkland bad on here from people at firms that are just like Kirkland. Why don’t you take 4 years at the firm before coming to that conclusion like I did? Then at least it will be informed.

[Anonymous User]

Idk how you draw these conclusions from a message board of probably the same 5 people posting at each other. Especially when 2 of those 5 people are telling you that it’s actually not so bad.

There’s a rush to say Kirkland bad on here from people at firms that are just like Kirkland. Why don’t you take 4 years at the firm before coming to that conclusion like I did? Then at least it will be informed.

Actually my main source was networking vibe and working across them.

[Anonymous User]

I live in Houston and have been thinking of a lateral move (wanna call myself a partner, ngl). It’s not just the war stories, but the Kirkland responses such as the post above, that really puts me off. Working long hours under intense pressure is something I’ve learned to live with. However even after years of practicing, I cannot tolerate aggressive / passive aggressive behaviors and a lack of graciousness on top of it. To those Kirkland lawyers who suggest it is just “clapping back”, well you show your character when ppl are testing your patience, most ppl can play nice when others are acting kind (other than total a-holes, which thankfully are a limited commodity). Pretty much like most other things such as raising kids, being a politician, etc.

It is funny - I once told someone that "so and so is a nice person, they are just bad/mean when they get under a lot of stress." And that person corrected me that how you act or treat ppl whenever you are under a lot of stress is what determines if you are an asshole or not.

[Nothing but the Funk]

Hey former Kirkland Houston lawyer here. I'm the first to admit that I wasn't cut out for biglaw, I much prefer being a lazy government employee, but the culture there is absolutely as toxic as the worst on this form says it is. I worked my ass off billing close to 250 hours per month starting in my second or third month there, there is next to know actual raining (largely because everyone is so swamped), and the straw that broke my back being told I couldn't take time off to go home to see my Mother who had a stroke because the closing I was the most junior person on was just too important.

There are plenty of good people in that office, in fact most of the real assholes I encountered were from the NY office, but it is also such a phony, frat bro environment. If you are looking as an upcoming SA, be your own judge but be sure to ask people their real opinions and don't trust anything recruiting tells you (probably good advice regardless of the firm). If I had to do over again I would take the summer gig eat and drink myself silly and run for the hills, but that's just me.

Can’t imagine why you didn’t make it.

Pls fix, thanks.

Your anecdote about the stroke is just straight up false dude, there’s not a partner or associate in the Houston office that would tell you that. If you’re going to lie, at least make it believable.

Remember that this is the exact kind of people you are going to work with there kids. Grammar nazis and folks who can't accept something that doesn't line of with their view of the world.

[Anonymous User]

I live in Houston and have been thinking of a lateral move (wanna call myself a partner, ngl). It’s not just the war stories, but the Kirkland responses such as the post above, that really puts me off. Working long hours under intense pressure is something I’ve learned to live with. However even after years of practicing, I cannot tolerate aggressive / passive aggressive behaviors and a lack of graciousness on top of it. To those Kirkland lawyers who suggest it is just “clapping back”, well you show your character when ppl are testing your patience, most ppl can play nice when others are acting kind (other than total a-holes, which thankfully are a limited commodity). Pretty much like most other things such as raising kids, being a politician, etc.

It is funny - I once told someone that "so and so is a nice person, they are just bad/mean when they get under a lot of stress." And that person corrected me that how you act or treat ppl whenever you are under a lot of stress is what determines if you are an asshole or not.

Talmudic proverb (that I'm probably garbling but the gist is) 3 times when a man shows his true face: his pocket, his anger, and his cups.

[Anonymous User]

Hey former Kirkland Houston lawyer here. I'm the first to admit that I wasn't cut out for biglaw, I much prefer being a lazy government employee, but the culture there is absolutely as toxic as the worst on this form says it is. I worked my ass off billing close to 250 hours per month starting in my second or third month there, there is next to know actual raining (largely because everyone is so swamped), and the straw that broke my back being told I couldn't take time off to go home to see my Mother who had a stroke because the closing I was the most junior person on was just too important.

There are plenty of good people in that office, in fact most of the real assholes I encountered were from the NY office, but it is also such a phony, frat bro environment. If you are looking as an upcoming SA, be your own judge but be sure to ask people their real opinions and don't trust anything recruiting tells you (probably good advice regardless of the firm). If I had to do over again I would take the summer gig eat and drink myself silly and run for the hills, but that's just me.

Can’t imagine why you didn’t make it.

Pls fix, thanks.

Your anecdote about the stroke is just straight up false dude, there’s not a partner or associate in the Houston office that would tell you that. If you’re going to lie, at least make it believable.

What a hilarious response. "I don't believe this is true so you *must* be lying"

[Anonymous User]

Hey former Kirkland Houston lawyer here. I'm the first to admit that I wasn't cut out for biglaw, I much prefer being a lazy government employee, but the culture there is absolutely as toxic as the worst on this form says it is. I worked my ass off billing close to 250 hours per month starting in my second or third month there, there is next to know actual raining (largely because everyone is so swamped), and the straw that broke my back being told I couldn't take time off to go home to see my Mother who had a stroke because the closing I was the most junior person on was just too important.

There are plenty of good people in that office, in fact most of the real assholes I encountered were from the NY office, but it is also such a phony, frat bro environment. If you are looking as an upcoming SA, be your own judge but be sure to ask people their real opinions and don't trust anything recruiting tells you (probably good advice regardless of the firm). If I had to do over again I would take the summer gig eat and drink myself silly and run for the hills, but that's just me.

Can’t imagine why you didn’t make it.

Pls fix, thanks.

Your anecdote about the stroke is just straight up false dude, there’s not a partner or associate in the Houston office that would tell you that. If you’re going to lie, at least make it believable.

Remember that this is the exact kind of people you are going to work with their kids. Grammar nazis and folks who can't accept something that doesn't line of with they're view of the world.

FIFY. Your welcome.