Litigation Associate Attorney – Civil Defense

Tressler LLP; Naperville (IL); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k match

Bar dues paid

CLE support

Professional development

Parental leave

PTO

Commuter benefits

Gym membership

Job summary

Tressler LLP in Chicago, Illinois seeks a Litigation Attorney with 2–4 years of civil litigation experience to join our firm. The role offers direct client interaction, hands-on litigation exposure, and collaboration with seasoned litigators in a hybrid Chicago office.

Responsibilities include defending clients, drafting pleadings and motions, reviewing records, participating in depositions and hearings, and developing case strategy with senior attorneys.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of civil litigation experience in state or federal court.
• Active Illinois bar admission in good standing.
• Strong legal writing, case management, and client communication skills.
• Deposition, court appearance, or case management experience preferred.

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 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.

Skills

Civil litigation

Legal writing

Client communication

Case management

Oral advocacy

Education

Illinois bar admission

Job description

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.
• Active Illinois bar admission in good standing.
• 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
• Pre‑tax commuter benefits
• Firm‑paid gym membership in Willis Tower

Interview Process Timeline

1. Application – Our team will review your application. Please submit your resume.
2. 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).
3. In‑Person Interview – Here you’ll meet some of the team who will evaluate your skillset and assess if you’re a good culture fit for the firm. You will have the opportunity to tour our office and meet with the entire team in person.
4. Offer – Congratulations! If the hiring team thinks you’re a good match, we will extend an offer to join the firm.

About Life At Tressler

Tressler LLP is an award‑winning law firm with ten offices located in six states - California, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Trusted for 40 years, our firm has significant depth and experience in the resolution of disputes through mediation, arbitration, litigation, and trials. The majority of Tressler attorneys devote their practice to the representation of the insurance industry in coverage analysis and resolution, litigation, underwriting consultation, product development, claims management, and reinsurance. In addition, Tressler attorneys represent clients in commercial litigation, defense litigation, corporate transactions, government law, employment law and litigation, intellectual property, and condominium and common interest community association law. Tressler has been named to the prestigious Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” lists for the past six years. We are proud to be a Certified Great Place to Work in the U.S.A., a ranking based on our employee happiness scores and positive reviews of our management team.

Salary commensurate with experience: $113,000 USD - $140,000 USD