Associate Attorney - Construction Litigation

Position Overview

Take the next step in your construction litigation career with a firm that combines sophisticated legal work, strong attorney development, and a clear path to partnership. Join a growing Construction Litigation practice where you'll represent developers, owners, contractors, subcontractors, and commercial clients in complex disputes while developing your practice alongside experienced attorneys.

The firm offers a collaborative environment, meaningful client exposure, and a sustainable 1,800-hour billable expectation that supports long-term success. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney seeking a destination firm where they can build a career, develop client relationships, and advance from Associate to Director and ultimately Shareholder.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent clients in construction litigation matters involving contract disputes, delay claims, defect claims, mechanics liens, payment disputes, and other construction-related controversies.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests, and other litigation documents.
• Conduct legal research, take and defend depositions, manage discovery, and assist with case strategy.
• Participate in mediations, arbitrations, hearings, and trial preparation.
• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple practice areas to provide comprehensive legal solutions for construction industry clients.

Qualifications / Nice to Have

Must Have

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar admission.
• 3+ years of construction litigation experience.
• Experience handling commercial litigation or construction-related disputes.
• Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.

Nice to Have

• Experience representing owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, or design professionals.
• Experience with mechanics lien disputes, construction defect claims, or contract disputes.
• Experience independently managing litigation matters and client relationships.
• Interest in developing business and growing a long-term practice.

• Base salary of $175,000 to $225,000+, depending on experience.
• Annual hours bonus paid for all billable hours worked above the firm's 1,800-hour target.
• 15% origination bonus on collected revenue from self-generated business.
• Eligibility for profit-sharing contributions, historically ranging from $7,500 to $15,000 annually, based on associate productivity.
• Hybrid work environment with flexibility and a preference for candidates located in the Chicagoland area.
• Opportunity to work alongside approximately 75 attorneys across multiple practice areas.
• Mentorship from experienced attorneys with backgrounds at prominent law firms.
• Clear and transparent advancement path from Associate to Director to Shareholder.
• Sophisticated construction litigation matters, direct client exposure, and a culture that supports professional growth and work-life balance.