Senior Product Manager I

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 passionate about transforming the way attorneys leverage technology to deliver outstanding client results? As a Senior Product Owner I (Practice Applications), you'll serve as the bridge between the firm's practice groups, attorneys, and IT teams-driving the development of tailored technology solutions that empower legal professionals to work smarter, faster, and more effectively.

Reporting to the Director of Litigation Practice Technology & Knowledge Management Applications, you'll collaborate with Knowledge Management (KM) Partners, IT leaders, business users, and legal staff to translate complex needs into clear, actionable technology requirements. You'll own the process from concept to delivery-applying both Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and Agile methodologies to design solutions that align with firm strategy and client needs.

This role is ideal for a highly technical professional who understands attorney workflows, thrives in a dynamic environment, and is driven to elevate the firm's legal technology ecosystem through collaboration, precision, and innovation.

• Lead Technology Translation: Act as the key liaison between practice groups, attorneys, and IT teams to translate business needs into functional and technical requirements.
• Drive Solution Design: Develop and document workflows, use cases, and user stories that enhance attorney and client experiences.
• Ensure Delivery Excellence: Manage business analysts (BAs), testing processes, and quality assurance (QA) coordination to ensure timely and accurate product rollouts.
• Maintain Methodology Standards: Apply SDLC and Agile principles throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring deliverables meet firm standards and business objectives.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with Knowledge Management, Practice Solutions, Data, and Business Intelligence teams to align goals and optimize outcomes.
• Oversee Testing & UAT: Coordinate user acceptance testing (UAT), evaluate results, and facilitate issue resolution to ensure successful deployment.
• Manage Competing Priorities: Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, balancing client expectations and firm priorities while maintaining exceptional service.
• Apply Project Management Skills: Lead small to mid-sized initiatives using project management best practices when a dedicated project manager is not assigned.

Analyze Data Trends: Interpret system and process data to identify opportunities for workflow improvement and strategic insights

What You'll Bring

• Education: Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience: 5+ years in a Product Owner, Business Analyst, or related role within legal technology.
• Legal Insight: Proven ability to partner directly with attorneys and legal professionals, with a deep understanding of law firm operations.
• Technical Expertise: Strong background in guiding IT teams, managing complex technology projects, and navigating evolving business processes.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to articulate technical information clearly to non-technical audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Relationship Building: Skilled at managing and influencing multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams toward shared goals.
• Organizational Strength: Highly structured, detail-oriented, and adept at managing multiple initiatives with a "whatever it takes" mindset.
• Collaborative Spirit: A proactive team player who thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments and values continuous improvement.

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: $135,000 - 153,000

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.