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 hands-on security professional who thrives on strengthening systems, closing gaps, and protecting critical business operations? As a Cybersecurity Engineer I, you’ll play a key role in configuring, maintaining, and enhancing the Firm’s security tools and technologies to safeguard our network, endpoints, and cloud environments.
In this role, you’ll monitor the security landscape, address vulnerabilities, and implement solutions that reduce risk while maintaining business continuity. You’ll collaborate closely with Information Technology (IT), Architecture, and Product and Project Management teams to securely onboard new applications and support strategic initiatives. From managing digital certificate lifecycles to enhancing endpoint protection, your work will directly support the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Firm systems.
You’ll also provide end-user support, coordinate efforts across cross-functional teams, and contribute to knowledge sharing within the cybersecurity function. This role includes participation in an on-call rotation and occasional after-hours or weekend support, ensuring continuous protection for the Firm.
The schedule for this position is:
- Ability to work weekends and after hours as needed
- Participation in an on-call schedule/rotation
- Strengthen Security Infrastructure – Upgrade and maintain network, endpoint, and cloud security systems by proactively monitoring the environment and addressing emerging risks.
- Identify & Remediate Gaps – Assess security posture, identify vulnerabilities, and implement enhancements to reduce risk exposure.
- Secure Application Onboarding – Partner with IT, Architecture, and Product/Project Managers to ensure new applications are deployed securely and align with firm-wide security standards.
- Manage Digital Certificates – Oversee lifecycle management for digital certificates deployed across the Firm through internal and external Certificate Authorities.
- Enhance Endpoint Security – Collaborate with business and IT teams to implement secure endpoint solutions that support confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
- Operate & Optimize Security Tools – Administer Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and observability platforms to maintain effective threat detection and response.
- Support Identity & Access Controls – Manage authentication technologies and role-based access controls across on-premises and remote platforms.
- Research & Resolve Complex Issues – Investigate advanced security and networking challenges, escalating issues as appropriate to ensure effective resolution.
- Promote Security Awareness – Contribute to knowledge sharing within the engineering team and help raise awareness of evolving cybersecurity threats and technologies.
- Deliver Service Excellence – Manage multiple initiatives simultaneously while providing responsive, high-touch support to internal stakeholders.
What You’ll Bring
- Education – Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience – At least five (5) years of experience in an IT-related field, including two (2) years in a cybersecurity-focused role.
- Security Tool Expertise – Hands-on experience administering NGAV and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) platforms (such as CrowdStrike), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems (such as Microsoft Sentinel or Splunk), and technologies including web proxy, privileged escalation management, application allowlisting, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB).
- Observability & Certificate Management – Experience with observability tools (e.g., Cribl or BindPlane) and digital certificate lifecycle management solutions such as Venafi.
- Identity & Encryption Knowledge – Understanding of authentication technologies, Identity and Access Management (IAM), and data encryption methodologies.
- Cloud Security Experience – Familiarity with cloud technologies such as Microsoft Entra and secure cloud integrations.
- Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills – Ability to research, analyze, and resolve complex security and networking challenges.
- Communication & Collaboration – Proven ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences and work effectively across cross-functional teams.
- Professional Certifications (Preferred) – CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).
- Additional Preferred Experience – Knowledge of legal industry environments and software architecture principles.
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: $114,000 - $134,000
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-AR1
