LATERAL ASSOCIATE
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
L.E.K. Consulting is one of the premier strategy consulting firms worldwide. At L.E.K., we are passionate about helping our clients succeed with breakthrough insights that drive real impact. Our clients view us as trusted partners that help address their most pressing challenges and biggest opportunities.
We bring together the rigor of data-driven analysis with the creativity and curiosity of a collaborative team. By hiring exceptional people and fostering a culture of ownership, inclusion, and continuous learning, we develop leaders who thrive on challenge and bring energy, optimism, and drive to every engagement. Founded in 1983, L.E.K. employs more than 2,200 professionals across five continents, and is consistently recognized as one of the industry’s best firms to work for. For more information, visit lek.com.
Locations: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York & San Francisco
Position Start Date: February 2026
JOB DESCRIPTION
If you are a bright, motivated professional looking to tackle some of the toughest and most interesting business problems, consider joining L.E.K. as an Associate.
Associates are at the heart of our client work. You’ll quickly take on meaningful responsibility and play a crucial role on each case team. From day one, you will lead research efforts, analyze data, generate insights, and help shape recommendations that make a real impact. We look for candidates who are curious, proactive problem-solvers and excited to collaborate in a fast-paced environment. A growth mindset, positive outlook and a drive to learn and lead are key to success in this role.
While casework varies every day, Associates’ primary responsibilities typically include:
- Conducting primary and secondary research on clients’ markets, customers, and competitors
- Performing rigorous analysis to drive insights and actionable recommendations
- Collaborating with team members to communicate key findings to the client in written presentations and verbal interactions that deliver maximum impact
L.E.K. offers associates the broadest range of fast-paced, high-impact, and diverse cases for maximum learning. We are also committed to investing in your training and development and fostering excellent analytical and leadership skills to prepare you for your progression in tenure, as well as for potential future opportunities in top graduate schools or roles in industry, non-profits, start-ups, or investment firms.
In addition to very competitive compensation and benefits, we promote Associates to Consultant and beyond, based on demonstrated performance.
Click here for more on the Associate experience at L.E.K.
WHY L.E.K.?
The Associate role at L.E.K. is differentiated from other firms in several key ways:
- Immediate workstream responsibility: L.E.K. Associates are expected to be integral members of the team from day 1, immediately driving mission-critical work to help solve critical challenges for our clients.
- Breadth of experiences: While our projects span most industries and services, our focus is strategy and M&A. Associates typically work on ~6-10 projects a year, providing greater exposure across clients and strategic issues, as well as faster development of business acumen.
- Fun, collaborative, stimulating work environment: L.E.K. teams spend substantially more time in their home office relative to teams at peer firms, and we pride ourselves on a vibrant social culture, including case team events, office parties, non-profit involvement, and much more.
- International exposure: Approximately 65% of Associates gain international exposure within their first 3 years, either through projects staffed across global offices, travel to international client locations, or, if they choose, by relocating to an international office on either a temporary or a full-time basis. Click here for more on our international Swap program.
- Upward mobility: L.E.K. is a meritocracy with an entrepreneurial culture and frequent feedback. We rapidly progress responsibility to accelerate our team’s development.
Qualifications and Experience Needed
- A bachelor’s degree from a renowned school with outstanding academic achievement
- 6 to 12 months of full-time professional experience post-graduation in a relevant field
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrated leadership, initiative and ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment
- Enthusiasm, resilience, and a desire to continuously learn and grow
L.E.K. Consulting offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience. The base salary is $95,000 (USD); L.E.K. also offers a performance bonus, profit sharing, and other benefits.
Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without the need for employer sponsorship. Unfortunately, we are unable to consider candidates requiring sponsorship for visas, including but not limited to TN, H1-B, F-1, STEM OPT/CPT, or any other work authorization.
L.E.K Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Note: As part of the selection process, candidates will be required to complete an assessment. This enables us to gain a more comprehensive understanding of each candidate’s skills, strengths, and potential.