Kirkland & Ellis International LLP

Vault’s Verdict: “High-level, complicated work” keeps associates’ intellects challenged, and market-leading salaries keep their pockets well lined. The trade-off, unsurprisingly, “is having to work a lot as needed”. Meanwhile, trainees get as much responsibility as they want, enjoy “fantastic relationships with partners” and seem to thrive with the on-the-job style of training.

A lawyer’s life

•  “I think K&E is a good firm in terms of job satisfaction, but the long hours and at times mundane work involved in law can be difficult.” – Associate

•  “High-level, complicated work keeps me on my toes.” – Associate