Senior M&A Clearance Analyst

Job ID: 8926

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Location: Washington, DC, United States

Category: Paralegal

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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 24 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

The Mergers & Acquisitions Clearance Team is a specialized group within Kirkland's Antitrust & Competition Practice Group. The team primarily supports Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Premerger Notification and Report filings submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on behalf of Kirkland clients, including many leading private equity firms.

The Mergers & Acquisitions Clearance Analyst will assist with and lead the preparation and submission of HSR filings and support the coordination of global competition filings. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The successful candidate will be self-motivated and able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a highly specialized team.

HSR Filing Preparation and Submission

Training will be provided as needed.

• Assist with and lead the preparation of HSR filings
• Input all items of the HSR form
• Coordinate with transactional attorneys, clients, and opposing HSR counsel to gather relevant filing information
• Draft tailored information requests for clients
• Research company NAICS and NAPCS codes
• Collect, prepare, and review HSR exhibits, including merger agreements, financial statements, and transaction documents
• Compile and organize detailed HSR exhibit logs
• Conduct research using EDGAR and SEC filings
• Coordinate with M&A Clearance Team members across offices to meet filing deadlines

Data Organization and Reporting

• Lead large-scale data organization projects
• Coordinate with C-suite executives and financial teams at private equity and portfolio companies during annual data collection initiatives
• Create and maintain HSR filing tracking templates in Excel
• Collect and compile sales and assets-by-country information
• Enter HSR filing and deal data into the team's Relativity database
• Maintain HSR working files and precedent materials in the firm's document management system

Training and Team Development

• Assist with the growth and development of junior team members
• Lead HSR and organizational training sessions
• Develop training presentations, templates, and learning materials
• Monitor client, private equity, and industry news
• Update and maintain team templates, resource materials, and presentations
• Participate in weekly team meetings, team trainings, and antitrust practice group meetings
• Assist with pro bono and other non-HSR matters as needed

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree required
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities in a high-pressure environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team

Experience & Technical Skills

The ideal candidate is a non-attorney professional with 6-8 years of HSR or antitrust experience (or related legal experience). A background in finance, economics, M&A, or private equity is beneficial but not required.

Candidates should possess strong technical skills, including:

• Microsoft Word
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• Outlook
• Adobe Acrobat
• Database and document management systems (e.g., iManage, Relativity)

Experience with legal, regulatory, compliance, transactional, or data-intensive work environments is highly valued.

What Makes You Successful

• Meticulous attention to detail
• Strong client service orientation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to research and interpret complex information
• Strong teamwork and relationship-building skills
• Commitment to accuracy, quality, and organization
• Ability to thrive in a deadline-driven environment
• Interest in mentoring and developing junior team members

Additional Requirements

• Availability to work overtime as needed
• Ability to commit to the role for at least two years

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in each of the below locations. 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: $100,000 - $125,000

New York City: $100,000 - $138,000

Washington DC: $100,000 - $138,000

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-MK1 #LI-Hybrid

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