Litigation Associate

Buchanan; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Buchanan seeks an experienced Litigation Associate to join its complex civil litigation practice across multiple markets, including Chicago. You will handle high-stakes commercial and regulatory matters in state and federal courts, with opportunities to manage matters under senior guidance.

The role targets a 3–6 year associate with strong oral advocacy, writing, and collaboration skills, and a clear interest in commercial litigation and trial preparation.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• 3–6 years of litigation experience at a regional, national, or well-regarded local law firm.
• Strong oral advocacy, writing, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated interest and aptitude in commercial or complex litigation.
• Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Draft and manage pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery requests in complex litigation matters.
• Take and defend depositions and assist in developing litigation strategy.
• Appear in state and federal courts on pre-trial motions and hearings.
• Participate in arbitration, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Serve as a primary lawyer or lead communicator on client matters under the supervision of partners.
• Collaborate with colleagues to address strategic, factual, and legal challenges affecting client matters.

Skills

Oral advocacy

Writing

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Trial preparation

Depositions

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Overview

A leading national law firm is seeking a Litigation Associate to join its complex civil litigation practice across multiple markets, including Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, and Cincinnati.

The successful candidate will work on high-stakes commercial, corporate, and regulatory litigation matters in state and federal courts, as well as arbitration proceedings. This role provides significant exposure to client-facing responsibilities, courtroom experience, and opportunities to manage complex matters with guidance from senior attorneys.

This position is particularly well suited to a 3–6 year associate who is driven, collaborative, and eager to develop into a skilled trial lawyer.

What You’ll Do

• Draft and manage pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery requests in complex litigation matters.
• Take and defend depositions and assist in developing litigation strategy.
• Appear in state and federal courts on pre-trial motions and hearings.
• Participate in arbitration, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Serve as a primary lawyer or lead communicator on client matters under the supervision of partners.
• Collaborate with colleagues to address strategic, factual, and legal challenges affecting client matters.

About You

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• 3–6 years of litigation experience at a regional, national, or well-regarded local law firm.
• Strong oral advocacy, writing, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated interest and aptitude in commercial or complex litigation.
• Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively.
• Experience in trial preparation, depositions, and pre-trial practice is preferred.
• Active bar admission in the state where the candidate intends to practice.

Why Apply?

• Base salary range: $200,000 – $230,000 depending on experience.
• Performance-based bonus may be available.
• Competitive benefits package including health coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Opportunity to work on high-stakes litigation matters in major U.S. markets.
• Significant hands-on trial and deposition experience.
• Collaborative team environment with mentorship and structured professional development.
• Exposure to multi-jurisdictional litigation and complex commercial disputes.

The Process

Two-stage interview process.