Senior Enterprise Application Architect

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 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 You'll Do

Are you a strategic technology leader who enjoys shaping enterprise-scale solutions and influencing long-term application strategy? As a Senior Enterprise Applications Architect, you'll play a critical role in developing and implementing the Firm's enterprise application architecture-partnering closely with fellow architects and senior leaders to design future-state solutions that align with business objectives and architectural vision.

In this role, you'll balance strategic thinking with hands-on leadership, guiding architecture governance, evaluating emerging technologies, and collaborating across business and Information Technology (IT) teams to deliver secure, scalable, and value-driven application solutions.

• Enterprise Application Architecture Leadership - Contribute to the development of target-state application architecture that supports the broader Enterprise Architecture and Architecture Vision while addressing stakeholder needs.
• Strategic Alignment - Ensure application architectures align with organizational solution goals, standards, and long-term business objectives.
• Architecture Standards & Governance - Develop and maintain reference architectures, architecture building blocks (ABB), standards, and guidelines to ensure secure, compliant, and consistent technology solutions.
• Technology Selection & Oversight - Guide the evaluation, selection, and implementation of technology platforms and solutions that best meet enterprise needs.
• Roadmap & Capability Planning - Identify solution and capability gaps, and define strategies and roadmaps to drive continuous improvement.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with stakeholders across the organization to identify, prioritize, and support strategic initiatives.
• Innovation & Trend Analysis - Stay current on emerging application and technology trends, assessing potential impact and value to the organization.
• Executive Communication - Clearly communicate application target states, roadmaps, and progress updates to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Team & Practice Leadership - Lead and influence architects, technology owners, and subject matter experts to deliver cohesive, enterprise-wide solutions.

What You'll Bring

• Education - Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, data science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience - 8+ years of experience in an Enterprise Application Architecture function, preferably within a global organization.
• Architecture Expertise - Strong knowledge of architecture governance, application design patterns, and industry best practices.
• Standards & Governance Development - Proven experience establishing and implementing architecture governance, standards, procedures, and guidelines.
• Platform & Technology Knowledge - Hands-on experience with platforms such as Microsoft M365, SharePoint, Microsoft Azure, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Salesforce, MuleSoft, and ServiceNow.
• Leadership & Change Management - Demonstrated ability to lead teams, influence outcomes, and drive change across complex environments.
• Communication & Collaboration - Excellent communication, diplomacy, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across business and IT teams.
• Delivery Methodologies - Experience delivering value within both Agile and traditional project management lifecycle (PMLC) environments.
• Analytical Thinking - Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to assess trade-offs and design practical, scalable solutions.
• Preferred Enhancements - MBA, experience within a large professional services organization, vendor management experience, Artificial Intelligence (AI) frameworks and governance practices, and strong executive presentation skills.
• Certifications - Preferred certifications include TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) and Microsoft Azure Cloud certifications.
• Tools - Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint) and Visio.

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: $167,000 - $182,000

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