I came to Kirkland in the spring of 2002. The law firm I came from had just disbanded, pushing me to find work at the soonest time possible. I interviewed with two firms – Covington & Burling and Kirkland & Ellis. I spent a great deal chatting with the people from Covington and decided right there and then that this would be my next firm. However, my employment agency asked me to interview with Kirkland as well, and advised that I had nothing to lose. So I went and interviewed with the kindest, friendliest, most gracious, affable, and good-natured professionals I had ever met in a law firm. I listened to my heart and changed my decision and told my employment agency that if Kirkland wants to hire me to immediately accept the offer on my behalf. However, the attorney who was supposed to make the final decision was on vacation and could not be reached. The clock was ticking so I signed my employment contract with Covington, but I was still hoping up to the last minute that Kirkland would call me. Over the weekend, my attorney-to-be called me at home and we talked about my career which would span for twenty years and more at Kirkland. I do not regret a single day of working at this amazing firm. It is hard to put into words how much I value and enjoy my time here. I had been asked by attorneys I assisted to join them in their after-Kirkland careers, but I just found myself smiling and saying I would like to stay. Kirkland is an amazing firm but it is the people who make it that way. With home a thousand miles away, Kirkland is my second home. I guess at the end of the day, I consider myself a “Kirkland girl” and nothing could take me away from this incredible place.