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Alternative Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Hartford

Staff Attorney

Aurora, IL · Remote

$118K - $178K/yr

... hearings and alternative dispute resolutions Provide opinions to Managing Attorney, Assistant Managing Attorney, staff, clients and claims customers QUALIFICATIONS: Juris Doctorate (JD) from ...

The Hartford

Staff Attorney

Chicago, IL · Remote

$118K - $178K/yr

... hearings and alternative dispute resolutions Provide opinions to Managing Attorney, Assistant Managing Attorney, staff, clients and claims customers QUALIFICATIONS: Juris Doctorate (JD) from ...

The Hartford

Staff Attorney

Naperville, IL · Remote

$118K - $178K/yr

... hearings and alternative dispute resolutions Provide opinions to Managing Attorney, Assistant Managing Attorney, staff, clients and claims customers QUALIFICATIONS: Juris Doctorate (JD) from ...

Kovoro

Bankruptcy & Restructuring Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$190 - $280/hr

You will also advise on out-of-court restructuring alternatives, distressed debt trading issues ... mid-level attorneys with genuinely balanced experience. The firm is an active recruiter of ...

Axiom Talent Platform

Litigation Attorney

Chicago, IL

$309K/yr

Join Our Team as a Lawyer at Axiom! We are currently seeking experienced Litigation Attorneys to ... For over 25 years, Axiom has pioneered the alternative legal services industry, now serving more ...

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All JobsAlternative Attorney JobsAlternative Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL

Alternative Attorney information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.4K

$111.4K

$177.7K

How much do alternative attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for alternative attorney in Chicago, IL is $111,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $133,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an alternative attorney?

An alternative attorney is a legal professional who offers non-traditional legal services or works outside standard law firm environments. This can include providing freelance legal work, serving as contract counsel, working in alternative legal service providers (ALSPs), or using innovative legal technologies. Alternative attorneys often focus on flexible arrangements, cost-effective solutions, or specialized legal tasks. Their roles have grown in popularity as clients seek more efficient and tailored legal services.

How does an alternative attorney typically collaborate with traditional legal teams or other professionals within a law firm?

Alternative Attorneys, often working in flexible, project-based, or remote roles, frequently collaborate with traditional legal teams by supporting overflow work, handling document review, or providing specialized expertise on specific matters. Communication is key in these arrangements, as Alternative Attorneys must integrate seamlessly with existing teams, often using digital platforms and adhering to firm protocols. This structure allows for exposure to diverse cases and team dynamics, helping Alternative Attorneys build a broad professional network and gain varied legal experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an alternative attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Alternative Attorney, you need a strong background in legal analysis, problem-solving, and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with bar admission. Familiarity with legal research databases, e-discovery platforms, and case management software is commonly required. Strong negotiation, adaptability, and interpersonal communication skills help distinguish professionals in alternative legal roles such as compliance, mediation, or consulting. These abilities ensure effective legal support and innovative solutions in non-traditional legal environments.

What is the difference between Alternative Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectAlternative AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsLaw degree, bar admissionAssociate degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, courts, corporate legal departmentsLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Employer & Industry UsageLegal professionals providing legal servicesSupporting legal professionals, legal research

Alternative Attorneys are licensed legal professionals authorized to provide legal advice and represent clients, whereas Paralegals assist attorneys with legal research, documentation, and case preparation without offering legal advice. Both roles are essential in the legal industry, but Alternative Attorneys have a broader scope of practice and legal authority.

What are popular job titles related to Alternative Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Alternative Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Alternative Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Alternative Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Alternative Attorney jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Alternative Attorney job openings:

Alternative Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Alternative Attorney job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 62% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,420 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Associate Attorney

Sterling Lawyers

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

LO

Job Title: Associate Attorney (Naperville)
"At Sterling Lawyers, it's not like anyone is a lone wolf. We really want all our team members to succeed." – Katie VanDeusen, Managing Partner
Sterling Lawyers, LLC (sterlinglawyers.com) is a rapidly growing law firm that exclusively practices family law with a fixed fee model. Leave behind the stress of tracking billable hours and toxic micromanagement to join a supportive, successful and very collaborative legal team.
At Sterling Lawyers we commit to making a positive impact at every touch point with clients, the community, and our team. We reduce stress and increase flexibility in your role by using modern, efficient technology and business practices.
Are you ready to join our top-performing team and make a difference in people's lives?
Your Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive compensation based on experience
  • Bonus based on transparent metrics and individual performance (not discretionary)
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance, which are effective on the first day of the month following your hire date
  • 401k Matching
  • Short and Long-Term Disability
The Culture:
  • Flexibility in work time and space
  • Learning alongside a collaborative, supportive team of professionals
  • Mentoring and coaching as you master your craft
  • Winning on a team that is transforming the practice of family law
  • Fun, vibrant, engaging relationships that help us all grow as people
  • World class practice support from staff
  • No ceiling on what you can earn and achieve – we are a meritocracy, not bound by traditional, old school constraints
Qualifications:
  • Juris Doctorate (JD)
  • Bar license in good standing
  • 2+ years of litigation experience, Family Law preferred but not required
Responsibilities:
  • Knowledgeable regarding family law practice and procedure within practicing counties such as Cook, DuPage, Lake, and McHenry
  • Advise clients regarding ongoing litigation and explain legal issues the client might be facing or have concerns about.
  • Research facts and evidence involved in each case, such as financial records, evaluations, reports of third-party experts and/or pleadings previously filed with the Court as well as applicable law.
  • Interpret case law and decisions handed down by relevant courts. This may involve analyzing effects of multiple factors that may have been presented in other cases.
  • Develop case strategies, including opportunities for quick and cost-effective resolution for our clients rather than time-consuming and expensive litigation.
  • Prepare pleadings and other documents such as exhibits, balance sheets, support calculations, and prenuptial agreements.
  • Appear in court before a judge to present testimony, evidence, and arguments asserting the client's rights and best interests.
  • Ability to delegate to the support team and mentor less experienced attorneys.
  • Ability to work well with others on a team as well as independently.
Job Type: Full-time
Location: This role will begin with a 90-day training period in our Arlington Heights office mainly and may include the Naperville office as well. After training, the position will be based long-term in our Naperville office.
Alternative Position Names: Lawyer, Attorney, Family Law Attorney

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