Cyber Security Architect 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 a strategic thinker with a passion for securing complex enterprise environments? Join our Security Governance team as a
Cyber Security Architect I
, where you'll help shape the future of cyber defense at one of the world's leading law firms. This role plays a vital part in reducing risk across the organization by setting clear direction for secure technology delivery, identifying potential threats, and driving rapid, coordinated response efforts.

As part of the Security Governance department—which reports to the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and sits within the firm's Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)—you'll contribute directly to our compliance, risk mitigation, and architecture strategies. You'll work closely with senior stakeholders across departments to evaluate, design, and implement innovative solutions that protect our firm's critical infrastructure and sensitive data.

• Technology Evaluation & Implementation
  – Assess new and existing security technologies, configurations, and policies to align with industry best practices and firm objectives.
• Security Architecture Design
  – Contribute to the development of security reference architecture and whitepapers that address risk and align with firmwide solutions.
• Project Integration
  – Ensure seamless delivery of security architecture into project goals with strong hand-off practices to operational teams.
• Risk Management
  – Conduct comprehensive assessments of system vulnerabilities and threats; develop strategies to mitigate risk and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Strategic Collaboration
  – Participate in the firm's broader Architecture Review processes and contribute to the design and implementation of our cybersecurity strategy.
• Documentation & Communication
  – Create technical documentation and communicate complex security topics clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Incident Response & Investigation Support
  – Provide expert input during investigations and assist in response activities involving cybersecurity threats.
• Leadership & Influence
  – Work with cross-functional teams to guide change, inspire collaboration, and contribute to strategic security initiatives.

What You'll Bring

• Education
  – Bachelor's degree in Cyber Security or a related field is preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Experience
  – Minimum five (5) years in Information Technology with at least three (3) years in security, compliance, or risk roles focused on deploying cybersecurity technologies and policies.
• Framework Expertise
  – Familiarity with standards such as ISO 27001, NIST 800-53, Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), Center for Internet Security (CIS), and MITRE ATT&CK.
• Technical Proficiency
  – Knowledge of tools and platforms including advanced endpoint security, data loss prevention (DLP), Azure IaaS/PaaS, Microsoft 365 Security Suite, network intrusion prevention systems (IPS/IDS), firewalls, vulnerability management tools, and more.
• Certifications
  – CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), or other technical cybersecurity certifications preferred.
• Strategic Thinking
  – Ability to develop forward-looking security strategies, make well-informed decisions, and manage complex initiatives across departments.
• Collaboration & Influence
  – Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly, defuse conflicts, and motivate cross-functional teams.

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.