Commercial Litigation Associate Attorney – Chicago

Direct Counsel is seeking a Litigation Associate Attorney to join a leading AmLaw 100 law firm’s highly regarded Litigation practice in Chicago. This opportunity is ideal for a mid-to-senior-level litigator with significant experience handling complex commercial litigation and white collar matters.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience with discovery, brief writing, and pre-trial preparation, along with excellent academic credentials and experience practicing litigation at a peer firm. Exposure to cybersecurity and data privacy matters is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Handle sophisticated and complex litigation matters from inception through resolution.

• Conduct discovery, including developing case strategy and managing discovery-related matters.

• Draft briefs, motions, pleadings, memoranda, and other high-quality litigation work product.

• Assist with pre-trial preparation, hearings, depositions, and other litigation proceedings.

• Represent clients in complex commercial and white collar matters.

• Conduct legal research and develop case strategy across a variety of disputes and regulatory matters.

• Work collaboratively with attorneys and clients to develop effective litigation strategies.

• Manage multiple matters and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships while providing responsive, high-quality legal service.

Areas of Experience

Experience handling one or more of the following types of matters is highly desirable:

• Securities litigation

• Class actions and multidistrict litigation (MDLs)

• Cybersecurity and data privacy litigation

• Commercial and contractual disputes

• Fraud claims

• Breach of fiduciary duty claims

• Tortious interference claims

• Merger-related litigation and corporate control disputes

• Bankruptcy and restructuring-related litigation

• Regulatory investigations

• White collar matters

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.

• Admission to the Illinois Bar required.

• Approximately 4–6 years of litigation experience.

• Significant experience handling complex litigation matters.

• Strong experience with discovery, legal research, brief writing, and pre-trial preparation.

• Experience practicing in the Litigation group of a peer law firm strongly preferred.

• Strong academic credentials.

• Excellent analytical, writing, advocacy, and communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a sophisticated litigation team.

Compensation

The anticipated starting base salary for this position is $310,000–$390,000 annually, depending on skills, experience, and other job-related factors. The position may also be eligible for a discretionary year-end bonus.

Work Arrangement & Benefits

The firm offers a hybrid work model, currently consisting of working in the office Monday through Thursday, with opportunities to work remotely for specified periods throughout the year.

Lateral associates participate in an enhanced mentorship program designed specifically to support attorneys transitioning into the firm. The firm also offers extensive professional development opportunities and a robust pro bono program that allows attorneys to pursue causes aligned with their interests while receiving credit for their pro bono work.