Litigation Associate Attorney – Civil Defense

Tressler LLP; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement match

Bar dues paid

CLE support

Professional development

Parental leave

Paid time off

Job summary

Tressler LLP in Chicago, IL, is seeking a Litigation Associate Attorney with 2–4 years of civil defense experience to join our Chicago office. This role defends clients in civil litigation and arbitration, drafts pleadings and discovery, and collaborates with senior attorneys to develop case strategy.

The ideal candidate will have strong legal writing, case management, and client communication skills, the ability to manage matters independently while coordinating with partners, associates,

Qualifications

• 2+ years of civil litigation experience in state or federal court.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Experience with depositions, court appearances, or case management preferred.
• Excellent judgment, organization, attention to detail, and client communication.
• Ability to manage matters independently while collaborating with partners, associates, paralegals, and law clerks.

Responsibilities

• Defend clients in civil litigation and arbitration matters.
• Draft pleadings, written discovery, demurrers, and motions to strike.
• Communicate directly with clients, claims professionals, experts, witnesses, and opposing counsel.
• Review medical records, discovery materials, expert reports, and other case evidence.
• Participate in depositions, court appearances, mediations, and settlement conferences.
• Work closely with senior attorneys to develop case strategy and prepare matters for trial, including witness preparation, exhibit development, and pretrial motion practice.

Skills

Civil litigation

Legal writing

Client communication

Case management

Oral advocacy

Deposition experience

Job description

Litigation Associate Attorney – Civil Defense

Chicago, IL

Role Description

We are seeking a Litigation Attorney with two to four years of civil litigation experience to join our Chicago, Illinois office.

Our Litigation Practice Group represents clients in a broad range of defense matters, including personal injury, wrongful death, premises liability, product liability, transportation, construction, property damage, and medical malpractice disputes.

The ideal candidate will have strong legal writing, case management, and client communication skills. This position offers meaningful responsibility, direct client interaction, and the opportunity to develop hands‑on litigation experience while working closely with experienced litigators.

This is a hybrid position in our Chicago, Illinois office in Willis Tower.

What You’ll Do:

• Defend clients in civil litigation and arbitration matters.
• Draft pleadings, written discovery, demurrers, and motions to strike.
• Communicate directly with clients, claims professionals, experts, witnesses, and opposing counsel.
• Review and analyze medical records, discovery materials, expert reports, and other case evidence.
• Participate in depositions, court appearances, mediations, and settlement conferences.
• Work closely with senior attorneys to develop case strategy and prepare matters for trial, including witness preparation, exhibit development, and pretrial motion practice.

What We’re Looking For:

• 2+ years of civil litigation experience in state or federal court.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Deposition, court appearance, or case management experience preferred.
• Excellent judgment, organization, attention to detail, and client communication skills.
• Ability to manage matters independently while collaborating effectively with partners, associates, paralegals, and law clerks.

What Sets This Role Apart

• Early case ownership with meaningful client interaction and substantive litigation responsibilities.
• Direct mentorship from experienced litigation attorneys and accessible firm leadership.
• A supportive, team-oriented environment focused on attorney development.
• Significant hands‑on experience in court appearances, depositions, mediations, and arbitration proceedings.
• A clear path for long-term professional growth and advancement within the firm.

Featured benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with firm match
• Firm-paid bar and professional association dues
• Continuing Legal Education (CLE) support
• Professional development and associate training program
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off and firm holidays
• Firm-paid gym membership in Willis Tower

Interview Process Timeline

• Application: Our team will review your application. Please submit your resume.
• Screening Interview: Our Director of Recruiting will reach out to you to schedule a preliminary 30–45-minute virtual interview with the hiring manager(s).
• In-Person Interview: Here you’ll meet some of the team who will evaluate your skill set and assess if you are a good culture fit for the firm. You will have the opportunity to tour our office and meet with the entire team in person.
• Offer: Congratulations! If the hiring team thinks you’re a good match, we will extend an offer to join the firm.