Staff Attorney

Wilson Elser - Attorneys; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive compensation

PTO and 401(k) match

Medical, dental, vision, life and long

Job summary

Wilson Elser is seeking a Staff Attorney to join its national law firm in a hybrid role. You will engage in sophisticated discovery work, collaborating with in-house and external counsel to tailor responses that align with case nuances and national strategies.

The ideal candidate has a JD, bar admission, and proven experience in litigation discovery or related roles, with strong analytical, writing, and communication skills for a fast-moving environment.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and bar admission in applicable jurisdictions.
• Proven experience in litigation discovery, investigations, or related legal roles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough investigations and spot discovery issues unique to each case.
• Collaborate with inside counsel and external firms to address distinct discovery challenges.
• Develop strategic discovery responses aligned with national litigation strategies.
• Operate in a fast-paced legal environment with adaptability and problem-solving.
• Monitor discovery processes for continuous improvement and risk mitigation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Strong writing

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

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 #36 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 ourStaff Attorney position, in any of our offices.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement.

The Position

This is not your average discovery role. We’re looking for a sharp, investigative lawyer who enjoys working as part of a team and thrives on digging deep, spotting critical issues, and navigating complex discovery landscapes with precision. If you enjoy engaging directly and collaborating with in-house and outside counsel and crafting tailored discovery responses that align with both individual case nuances and broader national strategies, this dynamic position is for you. This is not a document review position; this person will be part of a dynamic team that develops and executes national strategies for a large international firm client.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough investigations and proactively spot discovery issues unique to each case.
• Collaborate closely with inside counsel and external law firms to address distinct discovery challenges and provide clear, actionable guidance.
• Develop and craft strategic discovery responses tailored to individual cases while ensuring alignment with overarching national litigation strategies.
• Operate in a fast-paced, dynamic legal environment where adaptability and innovative problem-solving are essential.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate discovery processes to identify opportunities for improvement and risk mitigation.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law in relevant jurisdictions.
• Proven experience in litigation discovery, investigations, or related legal roles.
• Strong analytical and issue-spotting skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse legal teams.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.
• Experience with AI large language model is a plus.
• Personal injury litigation background preferred

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 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.