KIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL LAW FIRM continues its long-standing partnership with LINK

In 2021, LINK Unlimited Scholars announced a partnership with two of Chicago’s most recognizable firms, including one of its longest-standing partners, international law firm, Kirkland & Ellis. This partnership was significant because it allowed LINK to accept the largest-ever class of new Scholars (100 students in the Class of 2025).  

Kirkland & Ellis’ continued partnership with LINK is just another example of the firm’s DEI & social commitment efforts. Joi Bourgeois, their Global Director of Diversity & Inclusion stated, “We believe that promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the private sector starts with nurturing talented young people and ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed, and that’s what LINK Unlimited does so well.”

For over 20 years, Kirkland & Ellis employees have also served as LINK Mentors and in various capacities on LINK’s Board, including Chair, a position held for six years by recently retired Kirkland & Ellis Partner, Stephen Hackney.  

“LINK’s mission speaks not only to our values as a firm, but also resonates with our individual employees who have served as mentors. We want to see great kids in Chicago have every opportunity to succeed professionally. More than 30 Kirkland employees have served as mentors, and several former LINK Scholars have even gone on to work at Kirkland. It’s an incredible program and a great experience for mentors and scholars alike,” said Bourgeois. 

LINK current Board member and former Mentor, Aisha Lavinier stated: 

“Through LINK I have experienced firsthand the impact that intentionally spending time, giving attention and showing support has on a young student’s life, both academically and outside of school. My family has grown close to both of our mentees as we have experienced both joyful moments and tough times together. Seeing our mentees graduate high school is a great feeling but watching them graduate college and starting careers they find interesting is like an undeserved gift to us as mentors.” 

In addition to their generous financial support, Kirkland & Ellis has also invested in the leadership development of our LINK Scholars by providing them with internships and other permanent positions.  The LINK family is grateful for the partnership with Kirkland & Ellis and we look forward to continuing to grow and support Black youth in Chicago.