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

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

Job summary

Stout Risius Ross, LLC seeks an Associate to perform forensic acquisition and analysis of digital devices supporting investigations and incident response in Chicago. You will preserve evidence from computers, mobile devices, cloud accounts, and removable media, and analyze artifacts to reconstruct user activity.

You will maintain chain of custody, write clear reports for technical and non-technical audiences, and assist in eDiscovery matters.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.
• Assist in reviewing junior examiners’ work and validating tools and methods.

Skills

Digital forensics

Incident response

Written communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, digital forensics, or equivalent experience

Tools

EnCase

FTK

Magnet AXIOM

Cellebrite

X-Ways

Job description

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.

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.

What 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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

Compensation

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. The range for this role is $74,000.00 - $135,000.00 Annual. This role is also anticipated to be eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan.

Information about benefits can be found here - https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits.

At Stout, whether you're launching your career or bringing decades of expertise, you'll find the challenges, collaboration, and support that fuel real growth. We invest in our people because we know that exceptional client service starts with how we take care of our own. We reward outstanding performance, encourage continuous learning, and foster a culture where different perspectives strengthen our work and our team.

Additional Information Benefits Who We Are Firm Culture and History

Stout is committed to providing an alternative way to express your interest in our job opportunities if a disability inhibits you from applying online. Please call us at 248-208-8800 to communicate that you are utilizing this accommodation to express interest in a specific open position. Please reference the job code to help us process your request. Please understand that this option is only available to those in need of an accommodation related to a disability. All other requests regarding status of an application or a resume will not be provided by the use of this phone number.