Associate Attorney

Segal McCambridge; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Mentorship and career development

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Segal McCambridge in Chicago is seeking an Associate Attorney for our Commercial Litigation Group. The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of civil litigation experience and an active Illinois law license, with a desire to handle complex matters alongside seasoned trial lawyers in a collaborative, growth-focused environment.

You'll manage a caseload from inception to resolution, draft pleadings and motions, conduct legal research, take depositions, and participate in hearings, mediations, and

Qualifications

• Active Illinois law license required.
• At least 2 years of civil litigation experience.
• Experience drafting pleadings, motions, discovery, and other litigation documents.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical and advocacy skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A proactive mindset and desire to take ownership of your work.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage an active litigation caseload from inception through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and other litigation documents.
• Conduct legal research and develop litigation strategy.
• Take and defend depositions; attend hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
• Communicate directly with clients, insurers, opposing counsel, and experts.
• Collaborate with experienced partners while taking increasing responsibility for your cases.

Skills

Litigation experience

Draft pleadings & motions

Discovery experience

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Advocacy skills

Organizational skills

Proactive mindset

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Illinois Bar

Job description

Segal McCambridge is seeking an Associate Attorney to join our Commercial Litigation Group in our Chicago office. This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney with 2+ years of litigation experience who is looking to accelerate their career by handling complex, high-impact matters while working alongside accomplished trial lawyers in a collaborative environment.

From day one, you'll have the opportunity to manage your own caseload with partner guidance, interact directly with clients, appear in court, take and defend depositions, participate in mediations, and play an integral role in trial preparation. You'll gain exposure to a diverse range of litigation while building the skills and experience needed to advance your career.

This is a hybrid position offering a flexible combination of in-office collaboration and remote work.

What You’ll Work On

You’ll represent clients in sophisticated litigation matters, including:

• Commercial litigation, including contract disputes, business torts, fraud, and statutory claims
• Intellectual property litigation
• Product liability
• Professional liability
• Technology and cybersecurity disputes

What You’ll Do

As an Associate Attorney, you will:

• Manage an active litigation caseload from inception through resolution
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and other litigation documents
• Conduct legal research and develop litigation strategy
• Take and defend depositions
• Attend hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials
• Investigate facts and develop case strategy
• Communicate directly with clients, insurers, opposing counsel, and experts
• Collaborate with experienced partners while taking increasing responsibility for your cases

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Active Illinois law license
• At least 2 years of civil litigation experience
• Experience drafting pleadings, motions, discovery, and other litigation documents
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• A proactive mindset and desire to take ownership of your work
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensure in an additional jurisdiction
• Experience with mediations or arbitrations
• Trial experience

Why Join Segal McCambridge?

At Segal McCambridge, associates are more than supporting attorneys—they are trusted members of the litigation team. You'll work on sophisticated matters for national clients while receiving the mentorship, training, and courtroom opportunities needed to build a successful litigation career.

We offer:

• Meaningful responsibility early in your career
• Direct mentorship from experienced trial attorneys
• Exposure to complex, high-profile litigation
• A collaborative and supportive team culture
• Clear opportunities for advancement within a growing national firm
• Competitive compensation
• Performance bonus opportunities
• Business development and origination credit
• Hybrid work flexibility
• 401(k) with firm match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• Professional development and continuing education support
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee referral program

About Segal McCambridge

For nearly four decades, Segal McCambridge has built a reputation as a premier national litigation firm. Founded in Chicago in 1986, the firm has grown from four attorneys to a nationwide practice with offices across the United States.

Our attorneys represent Fortune 500 companies, national corporations, insurers, and businesses in complex litigation across a broad range of industries, including commercial litigation, class actions, employment, environmental, insurance coverage, life sciences, product liability, professional liability, technology and cyber risk, transportation, construction, food and beverage, and warranty matters.

If you're looking for a litigation role where you'll gain real responsibility, develop your trial skills, and build your career alongside experienced attorneys who are invested in your success, we'd love to hear from you.