Associate Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Professional Malpractice Associate Attorney
Location: Chicago, IL  Hybrid | Remote

Join Hinshaw & Culbertson's nationally recognized Lawyers for the Profession team, where you'll work alongside leading legal-malpractice and professional-responsibility lawyers at a firm ranked Tier 1 in Chicago for Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants, with a nationally respected practice defending attorneys and law firms in high-stakes malpractice, ethics, and professional-responsibility matters.

Why Hinshaw & Culbertson

Excellence, Recognized.
13 national rankings and 56 metro rankings in the 2026 Best Law Firms directory. 80 lawyers named to Best Lawyers in America, with 22 rising stars on the Ones to Watch list. National Chambers USA honors in Aviation, Financial Services, and Insurance. This isn't legacy prestige - it's excellence earned every year, by people at every stage of their career.

Scale That Backs You Up.
90+ years in practice. 450+ attorneys in 25 offices nationwide. One firm, coast to coast - giving you the resources of a national platform with the relationships of a firm that still knows your name.

Equality Isn't a Talking Point Here.
14 years running at 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index. Mansfield Rule Certified Plus. A firm-wide commitment to pro bono work that runs through nearly every practice group. At Hinshaw, inclusion isn't a program - it's how we've operated for over a decade, consistently.

Bottom line: Ranked nationally. Built for the long run. Committed to getting it right - for our people, our clients, and our communities
What You'll Do 

• Represent clients in professional malpractice litigation, including handling claims against attorneys and law firms as well as defending malpractice suits.
• Conduct thorough investigations and case evaluations, including reviewing legal documents, case files, and related evidence.
• Draft and respond to pleadings, motions, discovery requests, and other legal documents.
• Negotiate settlements and alternative dispute resolutions with opposing counsel.
• Manage all phases of litigation, including depositions, hearings, trials, and appeals.
• Provide legal advice and counsel to clients regarding potential malpractice claims and risk management strategies.
• Collaborate with experts and consultants to analyze claims and build case strategies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legal malpractice law, court rules, and procedural requirements.
• Supervise and mentor junior attorneys and legal staff.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships and communicate case developments effectively.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Illinois State Bar and in good standing.
• 3+ years of experience specifically in professional malpractice litigation or related areas such as professional liability or legal ethics.
• Proven track record handling professional malpractice cases, including trial experience.
• Strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines effectively.
• High level of professionalism, ethics, and client service orientation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team.

What We Offer

Salary Range: Estimated $138,000 to $165,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications

Competitive Compensation & Multiple Paths to Earn More

Hinshaw's compensation structure is designed to reward performance and provide multiple opportunities to increase your total compensation. In addition to competitive base salaries, attorneys can benefit from:

• Semi-annual hours-based bonuses rewarding strong billable performance
• Annual billed-and-collected bonuses providing an additional opportunity to directly benefit from your business and billing results
• Discretionary annual bonuses recognizing overall contributions and performance

With multiple bonus opportunities throughout the year, Hinshaw provides several avenues to achieve-and potentially exceed your compensation goals.

Exceptional Benefits, Growth & Career Support

Hinshaw offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, career growth, and life beyond the workplace. Employees enjoy top-tier healthcare with multiple medical plan options to fit individual and family needs, along with dental and vision coverage.

Additional benefits include generous PTO and holidays, retirement savings and wealth management resources, a student loan repayment program, backup care, parental and personal leave with reintegration support, wellness and mental health resources, EAP, commuter benefits, and flexible spending and health savings accounts. Hinshaw also recognizes and rewards long-term commitment through its employee anniversary program.

Your growth matters at Hinshaw. Through a dedicated Mentor Program, Hinshaw University skills development, Trial Workshops, and free monthly CLE programs, attorneys have meaningful opportunities to sharpen their skills and advance their careers. Our Peer Recognition Program allows you to be recognized and recognize fellow peers for outstanding work. Flexible career tracks allow you to shape your professional path, while coast-to-coast pro bono opportunities provide the chance to make an impact in communities across the country.

At Hinshaw, you're not just joining a firm; you're joining a firm invested in your success, your career, and your life.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume, unofficial law school transcript, and writing sample.

As an EOE/AA employer, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.

NOTICE TO SEARCH FIRMS: Search firms that wish to present candidates to Hinshaw must submit all candidates exclusively through Hinshaw's Recruitment Team. All resumes and candidate information must be directed to the Recruitment Team to be considered for current or future opportunities. Submissions made outside of this process will not be reviewed, will not establish candidate ownership, and will not create an obligation for Hinshaw to pay a placement fee.