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Associate Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Associate Attorney Updated: 8.3.2026 About Meltzer Hellrung We strive to be the new generation immigration solutions provider with an innovative spirit to disrupt and constantly improve the ...

Joshua, together with attorneys Emily Salas and other associates, the team offers personalized attention, thorough preparation, and strong courtroom advocacy. The practice emphasizes both legal ...

New

Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Associate Attorney Updated: 8.3.2026 About Meltzer Hellrung We strive to be the "new generation immigration solutions" provider with an innovative spirit to disrupt and constantly improve the ...

Part-Time Associate Attorney - Estate Planning & Business Law Marketti Law Firm, LLC | Frankfort, Illinois Marketti Law Firm is a rapidly growing boutique law firm in Frankfort, Illinois, focused on ...

New

Associate Attorney Updated: 8.3.2026 About Meltzer Hellrung We strive to be the "new generation immigration solutions" provider with an innovative spirit to disrupt and constantly improve the ...

Finance Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL ยท Hybrid

$390K - $435K/yr

Direct Counsel is seeking a Finance Associate Attorney to join a highly respected Am Law firm's Chicago office. Position Overview A leading national firm is seeking a mid-level Associate Attorney ...

Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$100K - $160K/yr

A small, boutique, Chicago - based law firm seeking an associate attorney with 3 + years' experience, preferably with personal injury defense and/or commercial litigation experience. Marketing and ...

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 ...

Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Associate attorney eligible total compensation ranges from $110,000 to $140,000 annually, commensurate with experience, with the potential for annual performance-based raises and discretionary ...

Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Associate attorney eligible total compensation ranges from $120,000 to $140,000 annually, commensurate with experience, with the potential for annual performance-based raises and discretionary ...

Mandarich Law Group is one of the country's leading creditor's right law firms with offices in CA, NV, IL, MI, OH, GA and FL, is seeking an Associate Attorney for our downtown Chicago office. What ...

Mandarich Law Group is one of the country's leading creditor's right law firms with offices in CA, NV, IL, MI, OH, GA and FL, is seeking an Associate Attorney for our downtown Chicago office. What ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Attorney information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.4K

$111.4K

$177.7K

How much do associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate 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 associate attorney?

An Associate Attorney is a licensed lawyer who works at a law firm and typically has less experience than partners or senior attorneys. Their responsibilities often include conducting legal research, drafting documents, meeting with clients, and assisting with case preparation. Associate Attorneys usually work under the supervision of more senior lawyers and are on a partnership track, meaning they may eventually be considered for partnership in the firm. Their role is crucial for supporting the firm's legal work and gaining experience in various areas of law.

What does an associate attorney do?

Associate attorneys are early career lawyers who work for law firms to gain experience and hone their skills after completing law school and passing the bar exam for their state. Under the guidance of an experienced attorney or a partner in the firm, associate attorneys assist with cases by conducting legal research and writing reports, legal briefs, and other documents. Associate attorneys also negotiate with colleagues from other law firms, participate in jury selection, and help argue cases in court.

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

To thrive as an Associate Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management systems, and e-discovery tools is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure effective case preparation, compliance with legal standards, and successful collaboration with clients and colleagues.

What are some common challenges faced by associate attorneys in their first few years, and how can they overcome them?

Associate attorneys often encounter challenges such as managing a heavy workload, adapting to the fast-paced environment of a law firm, and learning to balance billable hour requirements with professional development. Building strong organizational and time-management skills is crucial to handle multiple cases and deadlines effectively. Additionally, seeking mentorship, actively communicating with senior attorneys, and asking for feedback can help associates navigate complex matters and grow professionally within the firm.

What is the difference between Associate Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectAssociate AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), licensed to practice lawAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, client counseling, drafting legal documents, court appearancesLegal research, document preparation, case organization, client communication

Associate Attorneys are licensed legal professionals who handle complex legal tasks and represent clients in court, while Paralegals support attorneys with research and document preparation without practicing law. Both roles are essential in legal settings, but Associate Attorneys have more advanced responsibilities and licensing requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Associate Attorney job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,420 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Associate Attorney

Meltzer Hellrung LLC

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description


Associate Attorney

Updated: 8.3.2026

About Meltzer Hellrung

We strive to be the new generation immigration solutions provider with an innovative spirit to disrupt and constantly improve the immigration process for companies, employees and their families.  

Founded in 2014, Meltzer Hellrung leverages technology, a service-oriented mindset, and a compassionate approach to assist high-growth corporations in scaling their immigration programs, increasing their access to talent, and expanding operations into new markets.

Our values describe the essence of our firm:

  • We Are Authentic: We express our ideas, concerns, and are accepted for who we are. We share our quirks, strengths, vulnerabilities, and our interests. We value honesty and openness to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and accepted.
  • We Take Ownership: We embrace our roles, responsibilities, and work with a sense of accountability and integrity. We take full responsibility for actions and outcomes. Owning our work honors our colleagues and those we seek to help.
  • We Are Resilient: We bear the weight of our clients' expectations as their advocates and persevere through setbacks. We pursue all options to help achieve the best outcomes for our clients.
  • We Are Growth-Minded: We approach our service, our organization, and our careers with an innovative spirit. We look for ways to improve and progress as individuals and as a team. We continually look to evolve and add value.

About Voyager

We launched our proprietary immigration platform in 2022 to ensure that we deliver on our promise of service that is transparent, fast, and secure. Voyager appropriately reduces information silos to ensure important case and immigration status details are available to all stakeholders, reducing communication burdens and overall confusion. 

About the Role

The Associate Attorney works directly under a senior attorney or team lead throughout an initial training period, building the case judgment and process fluency needed to progress toward independent case management. Meltzer Hellrung's clients span from individual entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies and venture-backed unicorns.

The Associate Attorney is fundamentally responsible for supporting senior attorneys and account paralegals in reviewing case documentation, forms, and client communications, while developing the substantive immigration knowledge needed to eventually handle matters with greater independence.

The practice is fast-moving and deadline-driven, requiring strong organization and attention to detail across multiple active matters. A significant part of the job is monitoring case systems and communications and escalating issues to senior attorneys promptly.

Location: Offered in Chicago, hybrid in-office schedule

Availability: Immediate Contract, Full-Time

Responsibilities:

  • Support senior attorneys and paralegal account managers in visa application preparation, as assigned by senior staff/team leads
  • Review case files, profiles, and documentation in Voyager for accuracy and completeness
  • Review documents collected from clients/foreign nationals for sufficiency, escalating gaps to a senior attorney
  • Review H-1B and LCA forms prepared by paralegals and provide initial-level feedback prior to senior attorney sign-off
  • Assist with support letter (LOS) drafting and review, using firm templates and client-provided details
  • Assist with final application review prior to filing, confirming forms and supporting documents are complete and consistent
  • Monitor emails, responding to internal requests from account managers and paralegals, and to external client inquiries as appropriate
  • Assist in the PERM-based green card process as assigned, including review of recruitment documentation, PWR review, and initial review of 9089 drafts
  • Assist in dependent visa application review as assigned
  • Begin developing familiarity with RFE response drafting under direct attorney supervision

Experience Required:

  • J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
  • Active bar license, or bar exam results pending with license expected within 9 months of start date
  • Presence in Chicago
  • 1-3 years prior corporate immigration experience as an attorney, law clerk, legal extern, or immigration paralegal is required

Benefits: 

  • Healthcare: 100% coverage of PPO health insurance, dental, and vision covered by the firm.
  • Higher-level PPO plan is available at additional cost.
  • Health through Blue Cross Blue Shield, vision and dental through Guardian.
  • The firm covers 75% of dependent coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Short-term disability, Long-term disability coverage and life insurance policy, 100% covered.
  • Retirement: 401(k) with 100% match on the first 3%, and 50% match on the next 2%. Low rates on Vanguard funds via Vestwell.
  • Flex Spending Account: up to $3,400 annually available pre-tax in 2026.
  • Transit: Employees can set aside up to $340 a month available pre-tax in 2026.
  • 12 weeks/60 days paid parental leave for birth/adoption of a new child.
  • $2,000 referral bonus for new hires.
  • PTO Days by Year of Service
  • Sick Days Each Calendar Year
  • Attorneys have bar license, CLE costs, cell phone and service covered.
  • Laptop provided.

Salary Range: 80k-110k is commensurate with experience and background. This position also has the opportunity to receive origination commissions and an annual bonus. 

Immigration Sponsorship: Immigration sponsorship is available for this position.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.