Contract Analyst, Law​/Legal

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 22 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.

Are you a detail-oriented legal professional looking to grow your career in a fast-paced procurement environment? Join our Procurement team as a Contract Analyst, where you’ll support the review, negotiation, and management of the Firm’s supplier agreements under the guidance of Lead Procurement Counsel. You’ll collaborate closely with Procurement Counsel, Strategic Sourcing professionals, and internal stakeholders to facilitate contracting activities that align with the Firm’s polices and risk management objectives.

In this role, you’ll assist with contract intake, drafting, negotiation and finalization of a wide range of agreements, including licensing, services, consulting, and renewals. This is a growth-oriented opportunity with the potential to expand responsibilities and progress within the department based on strong performance and desire to grow.

• Contract Drafting & Legal Review – Drafting and legal review of contracting documents, ensuring compliance with Firm policies.
• Stakeholder Coordination – Engage and coordinate internal stakeholders (e.g. Procurement Counsel, stakeholders, subject matter experts) as needed.
• Procurement Support – Support the Procurement organization in reviewing commercial service contracts, license and maintenance renewals, and other contractual documents.
• Provide Legal Guidance – Advise business teams and department team members regarding key commercial and legal considerations. Assist with interpretation of existing contract language and contract strategy, as needed.
• Contract Lifecycle Management – Prepare and disseminate information regarding contract activity and various criteria, as needed.
• Risk Management – Provide guidance, and escalate where appropriate, when business or legal issues occur during the course of existing contract relationships.
• Market Awareness – Keep current on best practices as it relates to contract structure, legal terms, and/or laws which may affect the Firm’s relationship with its vendors.

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree is required, with 1+ year of relevant commercial contract experience within a corporate legal or finance department.
• Analytical & Organization Skills – Strong analytical, problem solving, business acumen, and project management skills; attention to detail and organizational skills are critical.
• Judgment & Communication – Individuals in this role are expected to exhibit strong customer service and good judgment in communications with attorneys, staff, and vendors of the Firm, including safeguarding the confidentiality of client and Firm information.
• Adaptability – Ability to adapt easily to new software and other web-based tools.
• Motivation - Attention to detail, the capacity to learn, and implementation of feedback in a consistent manner within a dynamic and growing environment are imperative.
• Technology – Working knowledge of MS Office suite with advanced Word editing skills are required, plus experience with Adobe Acrobat Pro and Docu Sign are preferred.

If you’re ready to join a top-tier procurement team while advancing your legal career, we’d love to hear from you!

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…