Proposal Coordinator

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 23 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 highly organized communicator who thrives on turning complex information into compelling, client-ready materials? As a Proposal Coordinator , you’ll play a key role within the Firm’s Marketing & Business Development (MBD) team helping showcase the depth of Kirkland & Ellis’ experience and capabilities to current and prospective clients.

In this role, you’ll support the Firm’s responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), collaborating with attorneys and business development professionals to craft tailored, polished submissions across a wide range of practice areas, including corporate, intellectual property, litigation and restructuring. Working closely with the Business Development Associate Director of Proposals, you’ll help coordinate proposal development from start to finish; bringing together insights, data and content that highlight the Firm’s strengths.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys balancing writing, project management and cross-team collaboration in a fast-paced environment. Success in this role comes from curiosity, strong organization and the ability to anticipate needs while keeping multiple stakeholders aligned and on schedule. You’ll also build trusted relationships across the Firm, becoming a go-to resource for colleagues seeking responsive, high-quality proposal support.

• Proposal Development & Coordination – Assist with the preparation and production of client proposal responses, ensuring submissions are clear, accurate and aligned with firm standards.
• Content Drafting & Editing – Draft, edit and refine proposal content using internal resources, databases and materials from across the Firm to craft compelling responses.
• Cross-Team Collaboration – Work closely with partners, associates, knowledge managers and business development colleagues to gather insights and tailor proposal materials to client needs.
• Project Management – Coordinate proposal timelines, track deliverables and help keep attorneys and practice group teams organized to meet deadlines.
• Multi-Platform Document Preparation – Create and format proposal drafts using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and client submission portals.
• Data Tracking & Reporting – Maintain proposal tracking and reporting using Microsoft Excel, SharePoint and Salesforce (CRM).
• Fee & Financial Coordination – Support fee estimate reporting and collaborate with the finance team to gather billing rates and address client fee inquiries.
• Database & Resource Management – Maintain proposal tracking systems and databases that support business development initiatives across the Firm.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree required; degrees in communications, English, journalism, marketing, business, history or a legal-related field ; with at least 3 years of experience in a law firm or professional services environment is preferred.
• Communication & Writing Skills – Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, including strong editing and proofreading skills and familiarity with Associated Press (AP) style and journalistic writing principles.
• Organization & Project Management – Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate stakeholders and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Collaboration & Client Service – Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and interact professionally with attorneys, clients and colleagues at all levels.
• Analytical Thinking – Ability to synthesize complex legal, financial and business information into clear, persuasive narratives.
• Technology & Research Tools – Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel) and comfort learning new systems; experience with Salesforce (CRM) and market intelligence platforms such as Deal Point Data, Mergermarket, Bloomberg, London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) Workspace, or S&P Capital IQ is a plus.
• Adaptability & Initiative – Ability to navigate ambiguity, take initiative and move projects forward while exercising sound judgment and attention to detail.
• Professionalism & Discretion – Strong judgment and ability to handle confidential or sensitive information responsibly.
• Flexibility – Willingness to work overtime as needed, including occasional evenings, weekends or holidays.

If you’re excited to bring organization, curiosity and strong writing skills to a collaborative team that supports high-impact business development initiatives, 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: $72,000 - $81,000

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. #LI-Hybrid #LI-MP1