Associate, Digital Forensics & Cyber Risk - Disputes, Claims & Investigations

Stout Risius Ross; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 74,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Stout Risius Ross is seeking an Associate for its Digital Forensic & Cyber Risk practice in Chicago. You will conduct forensic investigations, preserve evidence, and analyze data across devices, cloud accounts, and networks.

You will mentor junior staff, produce defensible findings, and contribute to incident response and eDiscovery efforts. You should have 2–4 years in forensics or IR, a relevant degree, and hands-on experience with major forensic tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in cybersecurity, computer science, digital forensics, or related field.
• 2–4 years of hands-on digital forensics or incident response experience.
• Proficiency with major forensic suites: EnCase, FTK, Magnet AXIOM, Cellebrite, or X-Ways.

Responsibilities

• Acquire and preserve evidence from computers, mobile devices, cloud accounts, and removable media using forensically sound methods.
• Analyze file systems, registry artifacts, browser and email data, logs, and application data to reconstruct user activity.
• Maintain chain of custody and detailed case documentation.
• Write clear, accurate reports and summaries for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Support incident response, insider threat, fraud, and eDiscovery matters.
• Provide testimony or technical declarations when required.

Skills

Digital forensics

Incident response

Technical reporting

Communication

Scripting (Python)

Education

Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or related field

Equivalent experience

Tools

EnCase

FTK

Magnet AXIOM

Cellebrite

X-Ways

Job description

At Stout, we're dedicated to exceeding expectations in all we do - we call it Relentless Excellence . Both our client service and culture are second to none, stemming from our firmwide embrace of our core values: Positive and Team-Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Relationship-Focused, Super-Responsive, and being Great communicators. Sound like a place you can grow and succeed? Read on to learn more about an exciting opportunity to join our team.

Impact You'll Make

As an Associate, you will conduct forensic acquisition and analysis of digital devices and data to support investigations, incident response, and legal matters. You will work with limited supervision, produce defensible findings, and help mentor junior team members as we build out the Digital Forensic & Cyber Risk practice.

What You'll Do

• Acquire and preserve evidence from computers, mobile devices, cloud accounts, and removable media using forensically sound methods
• Analyze file systems, registry artifacts, browser and email data, logs, and application data to reconstruct user activity
• Maintain chain of custody and detailed case documentation
• Write clear, accurate reports and summaries for technical and non-technical audiences
• Support incident response, insider threat, fraud, and eDiscovery matters
• Provide testimony or technical declarations when required
• Assist in reviewing junior examiners' work and validating tools and methods

What You'll Bring

• 2-4 years of hands-on digital forensics or incident response experience
• Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, digital forensics, or equivalent experience
• Proficiency with at least one major forensic suite (EnCase, FTK, Magnet AXIOM, Cellebrite, or X-Ways)
• Working knowledge of Windows, macOS, and Linux file systems and artifacts
• Understanding of evidence handling, forensic imaging, and write-blocking
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple cases
• Certifications such as GCFE, GCFA, CFCE, EnCE, ACE, or CCE preferred.
• Mobile forensics and cloud forensics experience (M365, Google Workspace, AWS) preferred.
• Basic scripting skills (Python, PowerShell) preferred.
• Familiarity with memory forensics and malware triage preferred.
• Prior experience writing expert or court-ready reports preferred.

How You'll Thrive

• Exercise integrity and sound judgment when handling sensitive, confidential matters.
• Communicate clearly, collaborate across disciplines, and respond effectively to evolving priorities.
• Bring curiosity, analytical rigor, and a solutions-oriented approach to complex issues.
• Embody Stout's core values: Positive and Team-Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Relationship-Focused, Super-Responsive, and Great Communicators.
• Deliver Relentless Excellence through careful analysis, responsive client service, and dependable follow-through.

Why Stout?

At Stout, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program with competitive compensation, benefits, and wellness options tailored to support employees at every stage of life.

We foster a culture of inclusion and respect, embracing diverse perspectives and experiences to drive innovation and success. Our leadership is committed to inclusion and belonging across the organization and in the communities we serve.

We invest in professional growth through ongoing training, mentorship, employee resource groups, and clear performance feedback, ensuring our employees are supported in achieving their career goals.

Stout provides flexible work schedules and a discretionary time off policy to promote work-life balance and help employees lead fulfilling lives.

Learn more about our benefits and commitment to your success.

https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

Stout is an Equal Employment Opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of valid job requirements, qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.

Stout is required by applicable state and local laws to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The range for this role considers several factors including but not limited to prior work and industry experience, education level, and unique skills. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

A reasonable estimate of the current range is $74,000.00 - $135,000.00 Annual. This role is