About the Position
Sophisticated litigation, meaningful hands-on experience, and a 1,700-hour billable requirement. Not a combination you see every day.
Our client, a highly regarded Chicago boutique focused on trusts, estates, and related tax matters, is seeking a litigation associate to join its growing practice. The firm represents individuals, fiduciaries, charities, and closely held business owners in complex trust and estate contests, fiduciary disputes, and family business litigation.
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercial litigator interested in expanding into a specialized practice. You don’t need prior trusts and estates experience. What matters most is a strong litigation foundation, excellent writing skills, and the confidence to take ownership of assignments and move matters forward.
You’ll work closely with experienced litigators, including former BigLaw partners, who are committed to giving associates meaningful responsibility and opportunities to develop their skills.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
• Sophisticated, interesting litigation: Handle complex trust and estate disputes, fiduciary litigation, and closely held business matters involving significant financial and family interests.
• Real hands-on experience: Opportunities to take and defend depositions, participate on trial teams, and gain courtroom experience as cases allow.
• Direct partner access: Work closely with accomplished litigators who previously practiced at major law firms and value giving associates meaningful responsibility.
• Partnership track: Join a firm with a two-tier partnership structure and genuine opportunities for long-term professional growth.
• Better work-life balance: A 1,700-hour annual billable requirement and a culture where evening and weekend work is generally limited, recognizing that trials and major deadlines occasionally require additional time.
• Strong benefits and flexibility: Competitive benefits, including healthcare and a 401(k) match, along with a hybrid schedule of three days in the office.
What You’ll Do
• Handle sophisticated litigation involving trusts, estates, fiduciary duties, and closely held businesses.
• Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and other litigation documents.
• Manage discovery, conduct legal research, and develop litigation strategies alongside experienced partners.
• Take increasing responsibility for depositions, hearings, and trial preparation as your experience develops.
• Work directly with partners and colleagues to move cases forward efficiently and effectively.
Who We’re Looking For
• 2–5 years of strong litigation experience, ideally in commercial litigation or trusts and estates litigation at a large firm, midsize firm, or well-regarded litigation boutique.
• Excellent legal writing skills, including experience drafting sophisticated motions and briefs.
• Strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to take ownership of assignments.
• Experience with shareholder disputes, breach of fiduciary duty claims, depositions, or trials is a plus, but not required.
• An interest in developing a practice focused on trusts, estates, and family business disputes. Prior trusts and estates experience is not required.
Location
Chicago, IL (Hybrid, three days per week in the office)
Compensation
Anticipated base salary: $200,000–$235,000, plus competitive benefits and bonus.