Real Estate & Restructuring Business Development Specialist

Job

Updated:
Nov 26, 2025

Location:

Chicago, IL, United States

Category:
Business Development

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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.

What You'll Do

Are you a proactive, detail-oriented professional who enjoys transforming complex information into clear, compelling materials that support strategic growth?

In this Specialist role, you will support the Real Estate and Restructuring Groups within the Marketing & Business Development (MBD) Department in our Chicago office.

You will collaborate with attorneys and business development leaders to develop client-facing materials, support key initiatives, manage experience resources, coordinate events, and help strengthen market positioning. Reporting to the Restructuring and Real Estate Business Development Associate Director, with additional guidance from the Restructuring Business Development Director, you will contribute directly to client targeting, pursuits, and broader practice visibility.

* Strategic BD Support - Contribute to business development plans, initiatives, and tracking for both groups.

* Pitch Material Development - Create, edit, and finalize tailored pitch materials, presentations, and RFP responses.

* Collateral & Resource Management - Maintain updated practice descriptions, attorney bios, templates, case summaries, and accolades.

* CRM Management - Update contact lists, record client activities, audit data, and ensure accuracy in the Firm's CRM system.

* Meeting & Pitch Coordination - Support logistics for client meetings, pitches, and virtual programs.

* Event & Engagement Support - Assist with planning and tracking seminars, receptions, conferences, and sponsor ships.

* Research & Intelligence - Conduct market, client, and competitor research to support strategy and growth initiatives.

* Experience Tracking - Maintain and update experience data across Real Estate and Restructuring matters.

* Reporting & Analytics - Compile and interpret data for stakeholders across the Firm.

Rankings & Awards - Support submissions for Chambers, The Legal 500, and other key directories.

Biography & Content Updates - Coordinate and update attorney bios for pitches and the website.

What You'll Bring

* Bachelor's degree required; with 4-5 years' experience in a law firm or professional services setting.

* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with professionalism across all interactions.

* Excellent organization and project management, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.

* Initiative and sound judgment, especially in fast-paced or ambiguous situations.

* Collaborative mindset, with openness to direction and feedback.

* Exceptional writing, proofreading, and data accuracy.

* Comfort with research tools and technology, including online databases and information platforms.

* Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, compelling narratives.

* Professional presence, discretion, and business acumen.

* Technical Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint) and familiarity with CRM systems, such as Inter Action or Salesforce (preferred).

If you're eager to support high-impact business development initiatives across two leading practice areas, we'd love to hear from you!

Compensation

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 tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range:

Chicago: $95,000 - $110,000

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.

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