What is it Really Like Working in BigLaw?

Rebecca Adlington

October 12, 2022

A Day in the Life of a BigLaw Associate in New York

An interview with a former Kirkland & Ellis Debt Finance lawyer

What is it really like working in BigLaw in New York?

It’s a question lawyers around the world ask — particularly those considering a move to the U.S. market, or weighing up whether BigLaw is the right long-term fit.

To offer a candid, first-hand perspective, we sat down with Dom, a former Kirkland & Ellis associate who spent several years working in the firm’s Debt Finance practice in New York. Below, he shares an honest snapshot of a typical weekday at one of the world’s most demanding — and prestigious — law firms.

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Arriving at BigLaw

“I remember closing the door to my car outside 601 Lexington Avenue and looking up at the Citigroup Center. Walking through those doors — the same ones you see in shows like Suits — it really hit me that this was a career-defining moment.”

Like many international and U.S.-qualified lawyers entering BigLaw, Dom recalls feeling equal parts excited and apprehensive. Questions about workload, responsibility, training and lifestyle loomed large.

Years later, those same questions still come up regularly in conversations with junior and mid-level lawyers:

What are the hours really like? What does a typical day involve? And how sustainable is it?

Here’s how Dom describes a fairly standard day during his time in Kirkland’s New York Debt Finance team.

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7:00 – 8:00am | Early Start

Mornings usually began with a scan of overnight emails — often from London or Asia — followed by getting ready and heading into Midtown. During busy deal periods, emails could arrive well before sunrise.

“You quickly learn that New York is the hub — things move around the clock.”

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8:30 – 9:30am | Office Arrival & Breakfast

After arriving at the office, Dom would grab breakfast from the firm’s in-house food hall — a staple of BigLaw life.

“It felt closer to a high-end café than a staff canteen. Starbucks, hot breakfast options, fruit — and yes, the occasional cookie.”

If time allowed, breakfast came with views across Midtown and Central Park — a brief calm before the day accelerated.

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9:30am – 2:00pm | Core Deal Work

This stretch formed the backbone of the day.

As a Debt Finance associate at Kirkland, Dom’s work included:

Drafting and revising complex finance documentation
Supporting leveraged buyouts and sponsor-led transactions
Reviewing credit agreements, intercreditor arrangements and security documents
Joining partner and client calls
Coordinating with opposing counsel across jurisdictions

“The matters were sophisticated and fast-moving. You’re expected to be technically sharp, commercially aware, and responsive — all at once.”

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2:00 – 2:30pm | Lunch (Usually at the Desk)

Lunch was typically quick — often picked up from the office café or hot bar.

“It ranged from simple sandwiches to genuinely impressive food. On quieter days, you’d sit with colleagues — but often it was back to the desk.”

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2:30 – 6:30pm | Calls, Revisions & Problem-Solving

The afternoon brought a steady stream of document turns, internal discussions and client calls.

“There’s a lot of pressure, but also a lot of teamwork. If something blows up, everyone rallies.”

Short breaks — a walk to a colleague’s office or a quick laugh — helped maintain momentum. Kirkland’s internal support systems, including concierge services, also eased the logistical burden of long hours.

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6:30 – 8:00pm | A Brief Reset

Many partners stepped offline during early evening family time, creating a window to reset.

“Sometimes I’d get to the gym or grab dinner. Other times, during peak deal periods, I’d order food in and keep working.”

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8:00 – 11:00pm | Evening Push

Evenings often involved further document revisions, partner feedback and occasional client calls.

“This is where stamina matters. During deal season, nights can be long — but that’s part of the BigLaw trade-off.”

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11:30pm – Midnight | Wrap-Up

The day ended with time entry, admin and — if energy allowed — a quick episode of TV before lights out.

“You learn to switch off quickly when you can.”

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So, What’s BigLaw in New York Really Like?

According to Dom, the experience is intense — but formative.

“The hours can be demanding, but the exposure, training and calibre of work are exceptional. It’s not for everyone — but if you want to accelerate your career, it’s hard to replicate.”

He’s also quick to stress that no two firms — or teams — are the same.

Culture, expectations and work/life balance vary significantly across BigLaw, and even within individual practices.

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