Top US law firm Kirkland & Ellis has set a new record for partner earnings, with its equity partners averaging £8.2 million each in 2025. This represents a 20% increase from the previous year and more than four times what Magic Circle lawyers earned.
To put this in perspective, that’s like earning nearly £22,500 per day or £158,000 per week. The firm’s total revenue reached $10.6 billion (£7.9 billion) for the year, breaking the $10 billion barrier for the first time.
While Magic Circle firms average around £2 million and top US firms around £5 million, Kirkland & Ellis’ figures are staggering. Some partners will earn much more than this average, solidifying the firm’s position as a heavyweight in the legal world.
Source: https://www.legalcheek.com/2026/03/kirkland-ellis-partners-earned-22000-a-day-last-year