Senior Risk Management Systems Specialist

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 someone who thrives at the intersection of risk management, data, and technology-and enjoys turning complex business needs into smart, scalable system solutions? As a Risk Management Systems Specialist, you'll play a critical role within the Risk Management department, partnering closely with the Risk Systems team, Information Technology (IT), and firmwide stakeholders to enhance systems, strengthen data governance, and support high-impact initiatives across the firm.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Risk Management Systems, this role focuses on improving and supporting Risk business processes through thoughtful system enhancements, high-quality data management, and forward-thinking project execution. You'll serve as a key connector between business users and technical teams, ensuring that system upgrades, enhancements, and application support align with operational priorities and evolving Risk Management needs. In this role, you may also support initiatives connected to the Office of the General Counsel as needed.

This position requires flexibility to support urgent or confidential matters, including availability during evenings or weekends when necessary.

• System Testing & Quality Assurance: Act as the primary tester for Risk Management system upgrades and projects, applying subject matter expertise to ensure functionality, accuracy, and reliability.
• Issue Resolution: Investigate, isolate, and resolve production issues across key Risk Management systems to maintain operational continuity.
• Requirements Gathering: Collect, analyze, and document business requirements for system enhancements, updates, and alignments driven by process changes or new technology.
• Business & Technology Liaison: Serve as a bridge between business users and the Risk Systems team to ensure data-related requirements are clearly defined, communicated, and prioritized.
• Process & Solution Alignment: Align people, processes, and technology to deliver high-quality, sustainable technical solutions.
• Data Governance & Integrity: Lead efforts to maintain accurate and complete client and matter data in support of strategic, functional, and firmwide data initiatives.
• Technology Optimization: Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across Risk Management through improved use of technology.
• Special Projects: Contribute to additional projects and initiatives as assigned in support of departmental and firm objectives.

What You'll Bring

• Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience: Five or more years of experience in business intake and conflicts or related Risk Management functions.
• Analytical Expertise: Proven experience as a business analyst, quality assurance tester, or in a similar systems-focused role.
• Risk Systems Knowledge: Strong understanding of Risk Management processes, including business intake and conflicts, and how systems support those workflows.
• Communication & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including Risk Systems, Information Technology (IT), and Business Intake and Conflicts (BIC) Training & Development stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving Mindset: Skilled at identifying issues, evaluating options, and delivering practical, forward-thinking solutions.
• Adaptability & Discretion: Willingness to adjust hours as needed to meet department goals and support urgent, sensitive matters with professionalism and confidentiality.

If you're energized by improving systems, strengthening data integrity, and helping Risk Management teams operate at their best, 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 the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and 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:

Bay Area: $134,000 - $161,000

Los Angeles: $134,000 - $144,000

Chicago: $129,000 - $149,000

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

The Firm will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records and criminal histories consistent with local laws.

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.