Staff Attorney

Wilson Elser; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive compensation

Generous PTO

401(k) match

Medical, dental, vision, life and long

Job summary

Wilson Elser is seeking a Staff Attorney to join its high-impact litigation team in a hybrid work environment across multiple offices. You will develop and execute discovery strategies for national portfolio on behalf of major international client, collaborating with in-house and outside counsel.

The ideal candidate holds a JD and a license to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with experience in litigation discovery, investigations, or complex civil litigation, plus strong written and

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Experience handling litigation discovery, investigations, or complex civil litigation.

Responsibilities

• Investigate complex litigation matters and identify case-specific discovery issues before they become problems.
• Draft thoughtful, well-supported discovery responses and objections tailored to the unique facts of each case while maintaining consistency with broader national litigation strategies.
• Partner with in-house counsel and outside law firms to develop practical, strategic discovery solutions.
• Analyze trends across cases and contribute to the development of best practices and national discovery initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with a highly skilled legal team in a dynamic environment that values critical thinking, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Help identify opportunities to improve discovery processes, reduce risk, and drive greater efficiency.

Skills

Analytical skills

Legal writing

Collaborative mindset

Ability to work in fast-paced env

Experience with AI tools

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

AI tools

Job description

At Wilson Elser, we are redefining what it means to work at a national law firm. With more than 1,400 attorneys across 46 offices nationwide, we are recognized among the top 100 law firms by The American Lawyer and ranked #30 in the National Law Journal’s survey of the nation’s largest law firms.

Our continued success is built on a culture of collaboration, innovation, client service, and mutual respect. We are committed to fostering an environment where attorneys are empowered to grow their careers, contribute meaningfully, and thrive professionally.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation. If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Staff Attorney position, in any of our offices.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement.

The Position

Join a High-Impact Litigation Team

If you're a litigation attorney who enjoys solving complex problems, thinking strategically, and collaborating with talented legal teams, this opportunity offers something different.

You'll play a key role in developing and executing discovery strategy for a sophisticated national litigation portfolio on behalf of a major international law firm client. You'll work alongside experienced attorneys, engage directly with in-house and outside counsel, and help shape discovery approaches that influence cases across the country.

This role is ideal for an attorney who enjoys investigation, issue-spotting, strategic analysis, and working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where every day presents new challenges.

The Position

• Investigate complex litigation matters and identify case-specific discovery issues before they become problems.
• Draft thoughtful, well-supported discovery responses and objections tailored to the unique facts of each case while maintaining consistency with broader national litigation strategies.
• Partner with in-house counsel and outside law firms to develop practical, strategic discovery solutions.
• Analyze trends across cases and contribute to the development of best practices and national discovery initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with a highly skilled legal team in a dynamic environment that values critical thinking, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Help identify opportunities to improve discovery processes, reduce risk, and drive greater efficiency.

What We're Looking For

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Experience handling litigation discovery, investigations, or complex civil litigation.
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to identify legal and factual issues quickly.
• Outstanding legal writing and communication skills.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively with attorneys across multiple teams and jurisdictions.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Experience using AI tools and large language models to enhance legal workflows is a plus.
• Personal injury litigation experience is preferred.

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to move beyond routine discovery work and become part of a team that helps shape litigation strategy on a national scale. You'll work on challenging, meaningful matters, collaborate with accomplished legal professionals, and make a tangible impact for a premier international law firm client.

If you're looking for a role that combines strategic thinking, collaboration, and sophisticated litigation work, we'd love to hear from you.

Wilson Elser offers a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our attorneys both professionally and personally. A variety of factors are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, education, licensure and/or certifications, geographic location, market demands, other business and organizational needs, and other factors permitted by law. Final salary wages offered may be outside of this range based on other reasons and individual circumstances. This position is considered full-time and therefore qualifies for benefits including 401(k) retirement savings plan, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

Salary Range: $100,000 USD - $150,000 USD

Why Join Wilson Elser?

• Meaningful Work: Handle sophisticated matters alongside experienced attorneys and partners
• Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive team environment that values mentorship and professional development
• Advancement: Gain opportunities for long-term growth within a nationally recognized firm
• Hybrid Flexibility: Enjoy a flexible hybrid work arrangement that supports work-life balance
• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive compensation, generous PTO, 401(k) match, and robust medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
• Additional Perks: Access to corporate discount programs and employee benefits

At Wilson Elser, we are redefining what it means to work at a national law firm. With more than 1,400 attorneys across 46 offices nationwide, we are recognized among the top 100 law firms by The American Lawyer and ranked #30 in the National Law Journal’s survey of the nation’s largest law firms.

Our continued success is built on a culture of collaboration, innovation, client service, and mutual respect. We are committed to fostering an environment where attorneys are empowered to grow their careers, contribute meaningfully, and thrive professionally.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation. If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Staff Attorney position, in any of our offices.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement.

The Position

Join a High-Impact Litigation Team

If you're a litigation attorney who enjoys solving complex problems, thinking strategically, and collaborating with talented legal teams, this opportunity offers something different.

You'll play a key role in developing and executing discovery strategy for a sophisticated national litigation portfolio on behalf of a major international law firm client. You'll work alongside experienced attorneys, engage directly with in-house and outside counsel, and help shape discovery approaches that influence cases across the country.

This role is ideal for an attorney who enjoys investigation, issue-spotting, strategic analysis, and working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where every day presents new challenges.

The Position

• Investigate complex litigation matters and identify case-specific discovery issues before they become problems.
• Draft thoughtful, well-supported discovery responses and objections tailored to the unique facts of each case while maintaining consistency with broader national litigation strategies.
• Partner with in-house counsel and outside law firms to develop practical, strategic discovery solutions.
• Analyze trends across cases and contribute to the development of best practices and national discovery initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with a highly skilled legal team in a dynamic environment that values critical thinking, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Help identify opportunities to improve discovery processes, reduce risk, and drive greater efficiency.

What We're Looking For

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Experience handling litigation discovery, investigations, or complex civil litigation.
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to identify legal and factual issues quickly.
• Outstanding legal writing and communication skills.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively with attorneys across multiple teams and jurisdictions.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Experience using AI tools and large language models to enhance legal workflows is a plus.
• Personal injury litigation experience is preferred.

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to move beyond routine discovery work and become part of a team that helps shape litigation strategy on a national scale. You'll work on challenging, meaningful matters, collaborate with accomplished legal professionals, and make a tangible impact for a premier international law firm client.

If you're looking for a role that combines strategic thinking, collaboration, and sophisticated litigation work, we'd love to hear from you.

Wilson Elser offers a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our attorneys both professionally and personally. A variety of factors are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, education, licensure and/or certifications, geographic location, market demands, other business and organizational needs, and other factors permitted by law. Final salary wages offered may be outside of this range based on other reasons and individual circumstances. This position is considered full-time and therefore qualifies for benefits including 401(k) retirement savings plan, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

Salary Range: $100,000 USD - $150,000 USD

Why Join Wilson Elser?

• Meaningful Work: Handle sophisticated matters alongside experienced attorneys and partners
• Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive team environment that values mentorship and professional development
• Advancement: Gain opportunities for long-term growth within a nationally recognized firm
• Hybrid Flexibility: Enjoy a flexible hybrid work arrangement that supports work-life balance
• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive compensation, generous PTO, 401(k) match, and robust medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
• Additional Perks: Access to corporate discount programs and employee benefits

Wilson Elser welcomes submissions of candidates for our open positions exclusively from recruitment agencies with an active, signed fee agreement who have been granted access to a position through our dedicated Recruitment Agency Portal. We are unable to consider submissions from recruitment agencies without a current (dated as of 7/1/2024) agreement in place. We appreciate your understanding. For collaboration inquiries or to establish an agreement, please contact us at [e-mail]. Wilson Elser is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. It is the Firm's policy that employment will be based on merit, qualifications, and competence. Further, employment decisions will be made without regard to an applicants race, color, age, sex, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, physical or mental disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking, past or present service in the uniformed services or application or obligation to serve in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected by law. Wilson Elser endeavors to make the Wilson Elser website accessible to any and all users. You may review our Accessibility Policy here. California Residents may review our CCAA notice for applicants and employees here.