Litigation Partner

Gould & Ratner LLP; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) and profit sharing

Hybrid in-office/remote role

Paid caregiver leave

Generous vacation and sick time

Job summary

Gould & Ratner LLP in Chicago is seeking an experienced attorney to join its Litigation Practice with significant commercial and/or real estate litigation experience, including first chair trial work. The firm values an established book of business and the ability to manage client relationships within the firm’s succession plan.

The role offers a flexible schedule with a hybrid remote/in-office presence, opportunities to lead matters from inception to completion, and a path toward career growth

Qualifications

• 10+ years of litigation experience in state and/or federal court.
• Significant commercial and/or real estate litigation experience.
• Must have an established book of business and portable clients.
• Qualified to waive in or sit for IL bar exam; Illinois licensure or comity eligibility required.

Responsibilities

• Develop litigation strategy and oversee all aspects of litigation.
• Lead cases from inception to completion and mentor junior attorneys.
• Manage clients and coordinate with the firm’s existing client relationships.
• Collaborate within a team to support succession planning.

Skills

First chair trial experience

Litigation strategy development

Client relationship management

Team leadership and mentoring

Oral advocacy and deposition skills

Detail-oriented

Job description

Gould & Ratner LLP is seeking an experienced attorney to join its Litigation Practice. This attorney will have significant commercial and/or real estate litigation experience, including first chair trial experience, developing litigation strategy, managing clients, and overseeing and handling all other aspects of litigation. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who is highly motivated and seeking a positive career trajectory. We are looking for an attorney who has an established book of business and who can also step into and assist with key existing client relationships and be part of the Firm’s overall succession plan. The role allows a flexible work schedule with a hybrid remote/in-office presence.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of litigation experience, including first chair trial experience in state and/or federal court, developing litigation strategy, managing clients, mentoring junior attorneys, and overseeing and handling all other aspects of litigation.
• Significant experience handling commercial and/or real estate litigation (breach of contract, shareholder/LLC disputes, restrictive covenants, breach of fiduciary duty, UCC disputes, title disputes, issues relating to leases, reciprocal operating agreements, easements and other real estate related documents, etc).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build relationships with the Firm’s current clients, develop additional client relationships and business.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills; able to efficiently manage multiple matters and produce exceptional work product under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work as part of a team but also lead a case from inception to completion.
• Drive for excellence and willingness to take initiative to solve problems; ambitious and highly motivated attorney who always strives to achieve the best possible result for the client.
• Detail‑oriented and thorough; meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of practice.
• Sharp oral advocacy skills with deposition and/or courtroom experience (oral argument, witness examination, opening/closing statement, etc).
• Portable business required.
• Candidates must be currently licensed in Illinois or licensed in another state with a UBE score that qualifies in Illinois for comity, be eligible to waive in, or be willing to sit for an upcoming IL bar exam (open to relocation candidates that meet these requirements).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit package and competitive compensation (see https://www.gouldratner.com/uploaded_images/GR-salary%20scale-benefits-page-2-01-21-25.pdf).
• Emphasis on professional & business development.
• Low turnover, collegial and collaborative environment.
• Healthcare (medical, vision, dental), life and long‑term disability insurance.
• Competitive compensation, benefits package including 401(k) and profit sharing.
• Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave.
• Generous vacation, personal, and sick time allowance.
• Pre‑tax commuter benefits and wellness programs (e.g., in‑office gym and massages; 24/7 tele‑medicine).
• Hybrid in‑office/remote role. Gould & Ratner’s current in‑office policy requires attorneys to be in the office 10 days a month.