FAQs for Experienced Lawyers

How do I submit an application for a vacancy?
Applications for experienced lawyer roles can be made online, via our website, and should include a cover letter, CV and academic transcript.

What is the hiring process for an experienced lawyer?
Suitable candidates will be invited to an interview with a member of our HR team as well as partners and senior associates within the relevant team. Depending on the outcome of your interview, you may participate in a second-round interview or a "meet and greet" with relevant team members. The hiring process for experienced lawyers includes reference and conflicts checks.

What are the billable targets for an experienced lawyer?
Experienced lawyers should aim to average at least 6.5 billable hours each day.

Does K&L Gates have a bonus program?
Yes. K&L Gates has a bonus program that rewards performance beyond expectations. Details regarding the bonus program are shared with successful applicants during the induction program.

What training can I receive as an experienced lawyer at K&L Gates?
Your professional development commences on day one. You will receive an in-depth induction to the firm as well as training on relevant IT systems. The Australian Learning and Professional Development team regularly coordinate, present and facilitate learning sessions for experienced lawyers. Many of these sessions contribute to your continuing professional development (CPD) training.

How do I progress my career at K&L Gates?
Promotions at K&L Gates are announced annually in March. Whilst experienced lawyers are responsible for proactively managing their career and development, there is a wide range of formal and informal support available at the firm to assist you in reaching your career goals.

Does K&L Gates have a flexible work policy?
Yes, K&L Gates supports flexible working and recognises that all roles can be performed effectively with a degree of flexibility. The Flexible Work Arrangement Policy is shared during the induction program.

What other employee benefits does K&L Gates offer?
K&L Gates is invested in the health and wellbeing of our employees. We offer a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes many resources for maintaining healthy lifestyles. View details. 

What type of training can I expect to receive?
We offer a wide range of professional development programs on a variety of topics, including legal writing, public speaking, contracts and transactional drafting, deposition skills, openings and closings, and direct and cross-examination, to name a few. Additionally, you will receive training specific to your practice group, ensuring that you are always up-to-date on industry trends and cutting edge technologies.

How does the firm integrate new lateral associates and counsel?
Our Lateral Integration Program is designed to make sure you successfully integrate into the office, your new practice group, and the firm. Each new lateral associate is assigned a Partner Advisor, a Peer Advisor and an HR Advisor who are responsible for designing and implementing a structured onboarding and orientation, facilitating regular interaction with practice group members and office leadership, and providing guidance on navigating the myriad of firm resources available. 

How will I be assigned work?
Our work assignment process varies by office and practice group.  Some take a free-market approach, and some have assignment coordinators. One way or the other, partners and more experienced associates assign work coordinated within each practice group. Feel free to ask this question during your interviews!

What type of feedback can I expect?
You’ll receive informal and formal feedback from the lawyers who are supervising your work.  As part of our Annual Associate Review Process, supervising lawyers complete a written evaluation of the associate’s performance, focusing on strengths, weaknesses, and suggested areas for improvement. Lateral associates receive an evaluation after six months to ensure proper assimilation. We also encourage on-the-job, informal feedback and mentorship as much as possible. 

What can I expect during an office interview?
You’ll interview with a variety of partners and associates, both in your desired practice group as well as members of office leadership. Recruiting staff are also available to speak with about questions regarding the hiring process, the Lateral Associate Integration Program, or other firm resources.

Do I need to be admitted to the bar for the state where the K&L Gates office is located?
Yes. If you receive and accept an offer from an office located in a state where you’re not a member of the bar, you’ll need to gain admission in that jurisdiction either by test or waiver. If you have concerns about your bar membership, please discuss with your contact from the recruitment team.

If I need to take another bar exam, will K&L Gates pay for the cost of a bar review course and the bar examination?
Yes. We’ll pay for and/or reimburse all fees associated with taking one bar exam and one preparatory course for the jurisdiction where your office is located. The firm also offers associates taking the local bar exam for the first time a reasonable amount of paid time off to prepare for and take the exam.

What if I am working with a recruiter but I have a contact who’s a lawyer at K&L Gates?
Inform the recruiter in writing that you don’t want him/her to submit your résumé because you already have a contact at the firm. Then, send your résumé to your contact who will forward it to the recruiting department or lawyer in charge of hiring. A personal reference from a K&L Gates lawyer is always beneficial. In addition, an associate who submits your résumé could receive a referral bonus if you’re hired. 

What application materials do you require?
Please submit a cover letter that identifies your areas of interest, a résumé, a transcript, and a writing sample. As the process progresses, you’ll be asked to complete two conflicts questionnaires regarding your work history. You’ll also be asked to complete a background check authorization form. 

What are your billable hour requirements? If I meet the requirement, will I receive a bonus?
In order to be considered bonus eligible, associates and counsel must bill a minimum of 1,950 hours. Included in those hours is all billable work as well as an unlimited amount of pro bono work. Bonus amounts are discretionary and based on a variety of factors.