Civil Litigation Associate Attorney

Orion Placement; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule after 90 days

Bonus opportunities

CLE support

Paid time off

Parental leave

Long-term advancement potential

Job summary

Confidential Employer in the Greater Chicago Area seeks an attorney with 3+ years of civil litigation experience to manage matters through all phases, draft pleadings, conduct discovery, and take depositions. You will work closely with experienced litigators and receive direct mentorship in a growing practice focused on sophisticated civil disputes.

Hybrid schedule after 90 days, a 1,700-hour annual billable requirement, a $10,000 sign-on bonus, and clear long-term advancement opportunities

Qualifications

• 3+ years of directly relevant civil litigation experience.
• Illinois Bar admission in good standing.
• Experience with commercial, business, contract, real estate, or complex probate disputes strongly preferred.
• Hands-on discovery, motion practice, deposition, and court appearance experience.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, organization, and client communication skills.
• Ability to independently manage responsibilities while collaborating effectively with a litigation team.

Responsibilities

• Manage civil litigation matters through all phases of the case lifecycle.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery, and other substantive legal documents.
• Conduct legal research and contribute directly to litigation strategy.
• Take and defend depositions.
• Prepare clients, witnesses, and experts for hearings, mediations, and trials.
• Appear in court for hearings, motions, and other proceedings.
• Participate in mediations, arbitrations, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation.
• Communicate directly with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel.
• Collaborate closely with partners on commercial, contract, business, real estate, construction-related, probate, and other complex civil disputes.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Advocacy

Analytical skills

Job description

• Build real courtroom and trial skills while working closely with experienced litigators who actively try cases
• Take meaningful ownership of sophisticated civil litigation matters instead of being limited to behind-the-scenes work
• Benefit from direct mentorship, practical feedback, and a clear long-term advancement path
• Enjoy a manageable 1,700 annual billable-hour requirement designed to support high-quality work and professional development
• Earn a 15% bonus after reaching 1,800 billable hours, with additional merit-based bonus potential
• Receive a $10,000 sign-on bonus for direct hires, paid in installments
• Join a growing, trial-focused practice where strong performance, initiative, and client service are recognized

Location

Greater Chicago Area. Attorneys may work from either our Schaumburg or Chicago office, with eligibility for a hybrid schedule after successfully completing the first 90 days of onboarding.

Note

Candidates must be admitted to the Illinois Bar in good standing and have 3+ years of civil litigation experience involving commercial disputes, contract disputes, business disputes, real estate disputes, complex probate disputes, or closely related matters.

About Us

We are a growing Chicago-area law firm representing individuals and businesses across sophisticated civil litigation and complementary legal matters. Our team combines strategic thinking, careful preparation, hands‑on advocacy, and individualized client service. We provide attorneys with meaningful responsibility, direct access to experienced litigators, and opportunities to develop into accomplished advocates. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Manage civil litigation matters through all phases of the case lifecycle
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery, and other substantive legal documents
• Conduct legal research and contribute directly to litigation strategy
• Take and defend depositions
• Prepare clients, witnesses, and experts for hearings, mediations, and trials
• Appear in court for hearings, motions, and other proceedings
• Participate in mediations, arbitrations, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation
• Communicate directly with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel
• Collaborate closely with partners on commercial, contract, business, real estate, construction-related, probate, and other complex civil disputes

Qualifications

• 3+ years of directly relevant civil litigation experience
• Illinois Bar admission in good standing
• Experience with commercial, business, contract, real estate, or complex probate disputes strongly preferred
• Hands-on discovery, motion practice, deposition, and court appearance experience
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills
• Sound judgment, professionalism, organization, and client communication skills
• Ability to independently manage responsibilities while collaborating effectively with a litigation team

Why You Will Love Working Here

This is an opportunity to become a stronger litigator, not simply hit a billing target. You will receive substantive case responsibility, direct mentorship, courtroom exposure, and opportunities to sharpen your advocacy skills. Our 1,700-hour billable requirement supports thoughtful case preparation and professional growth, while our hybrid flexibility, comprehensive benefits, bonus opportunities, CLE support, paid time off, parental leave, and long-term advancement potential make this an attractive place to build your career.