Litigation Member

the Opportunity; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Paid vacation

Parental leave

Wellness programs

Job summary

Miller Johnson in Chicago seeks an experienced Litigation Member to expand its commercial litigation capabilities in Illinois. This role leads complex disputes, drives strategy, and mentors junior attorneys while building client relationships across offices.

You will oversee pleadings, discovery, depositions, motions, and trials, collaborating with teams to provide sophisticated, practical solutions. A record of business development is valued.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to the Illinois Bar and good standing.
• Significant commercial litigation experience, including substantial Illinois state court practice.
• Existing portable book of business of $300k–$500k or proven business development ability.

Responsibilities

• Represent businesses and individuals in complex commercial disputes in Illinois state and federal courts.
• Lead matters through all phases of litigation—from assessment to appeal.
• Develop and execute litigation strategies aligned with clients' objectives.
• Analyze complex issues and provide clear risk and strategy guidance.
• Draft and oversee briefs, motions, pleadings, discovery, and related work product.
• Take and defend depositions, argue motions, and participate in hearings.
• Nurture client relationships and advise on litigation risk mitigation.
• Collaborate across offices to offer comprehensive legal solutions.
• Identify opportunities to deepen existing relationships and develop new business.
• Mentor and train junior attorneys to develop litigation skills.

Skills

Litigation skills

Collaboration

Mentoring

Business development

Client counseling

Education

Juris Doctor (ABA-accredited)

Job description

About the Opportunity

Miller Johnson’s Litigation practice represents businesses and individuals in a broad range of complex commercial disputes in state and federal courts. Our attorneys handle matters through the full lifecycle of litigation—from early case assessment and investigation through pleadings, discovery, depositions, motion practice, mediation, trial, and appeal—while also advising clients on business risks and strategies designed to prevent or resolve disputes efficiently.

As Miller Johnson continues to grow its Chicago office, we are seeking an experienced Litigation Member to help expand our commercial litigation capabilities in Illinois. This is an opportunity for a technically strong litigator who enjoys sophisticated work, values collaboration, and wants to play a meaningful role in building the practice and developing the next generation of litigators.

Why Miller Johnson

What sets Miller Johnson apart is not just the work we do, but how we do it. Here, you will find meaningful work, strong collaboration, and a supportive culture where your contributions are valued, your growth is encouraged, and authenticity matters. Guided by integrity and candor, grit, a down-to-earth approach, commitment to excellence, and commitment to impact, we foster an environment where attorneys can grow thriving practices, deepen client relationships, contribute meaningfully to the firm's future, and build fulfilling careers.

What You’ll Do

As a Member of our Litigation team, you will:

• Represent businesses and individuals in complex commercial disputes in Illinois state and federal courts.
• Lead matters through all phases of litigation, including case assessment, pleadings, discovery, depositions, dispositive motion practice, mediation, trial, and appeal.
• Develop and execute litigation strategies that reflect clients’ legal, business, and practical objectives.
• Analyze complex factual and legal issues and provide clear, practical advice regarding risk, strategy, and potential outcomes.
• Draft and oversee briefs, motions, pleadings, discovery, and other substantive litigation work product.
• Take and defend depositions, argue motions, participate in hearings, and serve as lead or key counsel in trials and other proceedings.
• Develop strong client relationships and serve as a trusted advisor on both active disputes and strategies to mitigate future litigation risk.
• Collaborate with attorneys across offices and practice areas to provide clients with comprehensive legal solutions.
• Identify opportunities to deepen existing client relationships and develop new business.
• Mentor and train associates and other junior attorneys, providing meaningful opportunities for them to develop litigation skills, judgment, and responsibility.
• Contribute to the continued growth and strategic direction of Miller Johnson’s Litigation practice and Chicago office.

What You Bring

The successful candidate will bring strong litigation skills, sound judgment, a collaborative approach, and an interest in helping grow both the practice and the attorneys within it.

Qualifications include:

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to the Illinois Bar and good standing.
• Significant commercial litigation experience, including substantial experience practicing in Illinois state courts.
• An existing portable book of business, ideally in the $300,000–$500,000 range, or demonstrated business development success and a clear ability and desire to continue building a practice.
• Strong knowledge of Illinois civil procedure, court practices, and litigation strategy.
• Experience independently managing sophisticated commercial litigation matters through multiple phases of the litigation lifecycle.
• Demonstrated strength in legal analysis, writing, depositions, motion practice, case strategy, and client counseling.
• Trial, evidentiary hearing, arbitration, or other substantive courtroom experience.
• Experience with insurance-related commercial litigation is a plus.
• Strong client relationship management and business development skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to mentoring, training, and developing junior attorneys.
• Excellent judgment, communication, and problem‑solving abilities.
• A collaborative, team‑oriented approach and the ability to work effectively across offices, practices, and experience levels.

Our Commitment

At Miller Johnson, we are committed to creating an environment where talented individuals can do their best work and build meaningful careers. We value diverse perspectives, foster authentic relationships, and believe our collective success is strengthened by the unique experiences and contributions of our people.

Compensation & Benefits

anticipated base salary range is commensurate with experience and qualifications in accordance with the Firm’s applicable bonus programs.

401(k) retirement savings plan with Firm matching contributions; paid vacation, sick time, and holidays; paid parental leave and adoption assistance; and additional employee wellness and pre‑tax benefit programs.

Miller Johnson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.