Associate Attorney

Hawkins Parnell & Young, LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Health benefits including medical, dental, and vision

Mentorship by experienced partners

Paid parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Hawkins Parnell & Young, LLP is hiring an attorney in Chicago, Illinois, with 3–6 years in defense litigation. Responsibilities include managing litigated claims, attending mediations, and researching legal issues. Ideal candidates are licensed in Illinois, self-starters who excel in high-paced environments, and can handle multiple projects. The firm offers competitive compensation, mentorship, and comprehensive health benefits including 401(k), life insurance, and parental leave.

Qualifications

• Must be actively licensed and in good standing with the State of Illinois.
• 3 – 6 years of experience in defense litigation; toxic tort experience is a plus.
• Ability to thrive in a high-paced environment and handle multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of litigated claims and prepare them for trial.
• Attend depositions, hearings, and mediations as necessary.
• Analyze discovery, medical records, and expert defense strategies.

Skills

Defense litigation experience

Organizational skills

Client-focused mentality

Education

Licensed to practice law in Illinois

Job description

What You Will Be Doing

• Managing a caseload of litigated claims by preparing them for trial, including developing case-specific defense strategies
• Attending depositions, hearings, and/or mediations
• Analyzing discovery, medical records, expert defense strategy, and motion practice
• Researching legal issues and investigating people, businesses, and worksites
• Drafting of briefs, memos, and client updates

What You Need to Bring

• Actively licensed and in good standing with the State of Illinois
• 3 – 6 years’ experience in defense litigation, with toxic tort experience a plus
• Ability to thrive in a high‑paced environment, requiring exceptional organizational skills, juggling priorities, and adhering to strict deadlines
• Client‑focused mentality
• Must be a self‑starter who can handle multiple projects with competing priorities and understand the importance of deadlines
• Ability to work flexibly and independently within a strong team

What You Will Receive

• Competitive compensation including potential quarterly bonuses, year‑end bonuses, and referral incentives
• Mentorship by experienced partners
• Camaraderie through work and social activities with the firm’s local and national attorneys
• Allowance for CLE travel and bar expenses paid by the firm
• Marketing allowance
• 401(k) plan
• Health & welfare benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans available
• HSA and FSA plans
• Company provided life insurance
• Company paid long‑term disability coverage and available short‑term disability coverage
• Parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program

To be considered for this position, attach a writing sample to your application.

Hawkins Parnell & Young is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer