Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Kirkland’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion has made the Firm more vital, more competitive and better able to serve a broad and varied client base in complex matters. Diversity, equity and inclusion at Kirkland transcends race, gender, age, ethnicity and sexual orientation. Our attorneys boast rich and varied backgrounds, knowledge and skills, and we value and encourage diversity with respect to each individual’s work style, career path and experiences.
Kirkland continues to build and maintain a culture that values and gathers strength from our differences. To achieve this goal, a dedicated and active group of partners and associates forms Kirkland’s Firmwide Diversity and Inclusion Committee. The committee is made up of racial/ethnic diversity, gender and LGBTQ+ subcommittees to continue to help drive diversity into existing work streams and facilitates Kirkland’s diversity leadership in the legal industry.
In 2020, Kirkland pledged to donate $5M over five years to support organizations focused on ending racism, achieving inclusion and advancing social justice. Coupled with our pro bono engagements and existing philanthropic partnerships, these funds will accelerate the important work being done toward a more hopeful, peaceful and equitable future.
In 2021-2022, Kirkland was named to:
The 2021 American Lawyer “A-List” for the ninth straight year
Seramount's 2022 “Best Law Firms for Women” list for the eleventh time
- The 2022 Human Rights Campaign Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality for the fifteenth straight year
Pro Bono
Pro bono matters provide opportunities for associates to take on leadership roles while making a significant, positive difference in the lives of individuals and families who cannot afford legal counsel.
We staff and support pro bono work with the same enthusiasm and resources that we devote to our billable work.
Pro bono opportunities are available to all Kirkland attorneys — including summer associates — and the Firm offers a wide variety of projects to appeal to different interests, time commitments and levels of experience.
As soon as attorneys start at Kirkland, they can bring in their own pro bono matters. The Firm also generates a substantial number of pro bono opportunities through partnerships with dozens of legal service organizations.
While attorneys are expected to maintain an appropriate balance between billable and pro bono work, there is no cap on the number of pro bono hours an attorney may contribute in a year. Attorneys receive the same billable hour credit for pro bono work as for client work.
In 2021 Kirkland:
Dedicated over 122,000 hours to pro bono
Had 76% of U.S. lawyers contribute pro bono legal service
Gave more than $28M in charitable donations and commitments to organizations