Job Description

About Kirkland & Ellis At Kirkland & Ellis, we dont 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 Youll Do

Are you ready to take ownership of a global enterprise network and ensure its reliability, security, and performance? As a Network Operations Engineer at Kirkland & Ellis, youll play a vital role in supporting the firms 24x7 network infrastructure. This position combines implementation of cutting-edge technologies with the day-to-day management of our firmwide systemsdriving secure, reliable connectivity across offices worldwide.

Youll be part of a highly collaborative team, working closely with colleagues, vendors, and security partners to deliver exceptional operational support in a fast-paced environment. If you thrive on solving complex challenges, optimizing systems, and contributing to an industry-leading legal organization, this role offers both impact and growth.

• Enterprise Network Management Oversee switching, routing, firewalls, load balancing, wireless, authentication platforms (Cisco ISE, TACACS), DNS, NTP, and Windows/Linux server administration across Kirklands global network.
• Cloud & Virtual Environments Manage firm resources in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and Microsoft Azure environments.
• Technology Implementation Deploy and support Cisco hardware platforms (Catalyst 9000, Cisco ACI, Cisco ASR), F5 Big-IP (LTM/GTM/APM), Cisco FTD/FMC, Illumio Core, and wireless controllers (5520/9800).
• Performance & Security Apply WAN/LAN standards and best practices, support VPN solutions (Site-to-Site, SSL, IPsec), and remediate vulnerabilities in collaboration with security teams.
• Automation & Scripting Leverage scripting to streamline network operations and implement process efficiencies.
• Monitoring & Troubleshooting Utilize network tools such as Cisco FMC, SolarWinds NPM/NCM, Cisco Prime, DNA Center, Stealthwatch, Wireshark, and NetScout Ngenius to diagnose and resolve issues.
• Vendor & Provider Collaboration Partner with external providers to maintain connectivity, structured cabling (copper/fiber), and service-level agreements.
• Operational Support Participate in on-call rotations, handle incidents and requests via ServiceNow, and assist with hardware installation (including lifting up to 50 lbs.).

What Youll Bring

• Education Bachelors degree in computer science or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience 5+ years supporting large campus environments, with deep knowledge of enterprise networking.
• Certifications Cisco CCNA/CCNP or Azure Network Engineer Associate certifications preferred.
• Technical Expertise Proficiency in EIGRP, BGP, route manipulation, VSS, VPC, RSTP, GETVPN, IOSXE, NxOS, Cisco AnyConnect VPN, TACACS/RADIUS, syslog, and netflow.
• Problem-Solving Strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize multiple competing tasks.
• Collaboration & Communication Ability to build relationships, influence outcomes, and work across teams with professionalism and agility.
• Tools & Software Skilled with Microsoft Office Suite and ServiceNow platforms.

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: $137,000 - $144,500

How to Apply

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

Dont meet every job requirement? Thats okay! If youre excited about this role but your experience doesnt 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 employees 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.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Information Technology

Industries

• Law Practice

Chicago, IL

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