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Associate Counsel Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Calamos Investments

VP Associate Counsel

Naperville, IL · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Summary of the Role The VP Associate Counsel is responsible for all aspects of our registered fund business. Operating in a fast-paced, innovative and commercially minded Legal Department, this ...

Kindora

Associate General Counsel

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

It is led by the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, to whom Associate General Counsels report, and works closely providing input and consulting on numerous issues. Working with the ...

DePaul University

Associate General Counsel

Chicago, IL

$119K - $180K/yr

The Associate General Counsel provides advanced legal counsel and strategic guidance to senior University leadership on a broad range of complex matters, including real estate, facilities operations ...

DePaul University

Associate General Counsel

Chicago, IL · On-site

$119K - $180K/yr

The Associate General Counsel provides advanced legal counsel and strategic guidance to senior University leadership on a broad range of complex matters, including real estate, facilities operations ...

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All JobsAssociate Counsel JobsAssociate Counsel Jobs in Chicago, IL

Associate Counsel information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$44.3K

$150.8K

$217.5K

How much do associate counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate counsel in Chicago, IL is $150,804.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,800.00 and $195,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate counsel do?

An Associate Counsel is a legal professional who supports an organization's legal department by providing advice on contracts, compliance, risk management, and regulatory matters. They often draft and review legal documents, conduct legal research, and assist senior counsel or general counsel with litigation and internal investigations. Associate Counsel typically work closely with various departments to ensure the organization operates within the law and helps protect the company from legal risks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate counsel?

To thrive as an Associate Counsel, you need a strong legal education (JD or equivalent), bar admission, and expertise in legal research, analysis, and drafting. Familiarity with case management software, legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and document management systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills set outstanding candidates apart. These skills ensure effective legal advice, risk mitigation, and valuable support to clients or the organization.

What types of legal matters does an associate counsel typically handle on a day-to-day basis?

As an Associate Counsel, you can expect to work on a broad range of legal tasks such as drafting and reviewing contracts, conducting legal research, assisting in compliance reviews, and supporting senior attorneys with litigation or regulatory matters. You may also interact with various departments like HR, finance, and operations to provide legal guidance and ensure organizational compliance. The role often requires juggling multiple projects simultaneously, making time management and communication skills essential.

What is the difference between Associate Counsel vs Corporate Counsel?

AspectAssociate CounselCorporate Counsel
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionJuris Doctor (JD), Bar Admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, legal departments, consultingIn-house legal teams, corporate offices
Employer & Industry UsageLaw firms, corporations, governmentCorporations, large businesses
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Associate Counsel typically works in law firms or legal departments providing legal advice on various issues, while Corporate Counsel is an in-house lawyer focusing on corporate legal matters within a company. Both roles require a JD and bar admission, but their work environments and employer types differ. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path in the legal industry.

Is associate counsel a good job?

Associate counsel is a legal position that involves providing legal advice, drafting documents, and supporting senior attorneys. It typically requires a law degree and bar admission, with work often performed in law firms or corporate legal departments. The role offers opportunities for career advancement and specialization but can involve long hours and high-pressure situations.

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

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

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

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

Associate Counsel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Counsel job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,808 per year, or $72.5 per hour.

VP Associate Counsel

Calamos Investments LLC

Naperville, IL

$180K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Summary of the RoleThe VP Associate Counsel is responsible for all aspects of our registered fund business.  Operating in a fast-paced, innovative and commercially minded Legal Department, this position provides legal support on a wide range of registered fund matters, including drafting, filing and maintaining fund registration statements, coordinating and preparing fund board meeting materials and reports, and drafting and negotiating fund service provider agreements.  The Associate Counsel also assists the department with various projects as needed (e.g., corporate, investment adviser, private fund, global fund, real estate, etc.).  The successful candidate will be a self-starter who can prioritize and work on multiple projects concurrently.Primary Responsibilities
  • Provides timely and high-quality legal services and advice to senior management on a variety of investment related legal issues.
  • Partners with business leaders and external constituents to facilitate new investment management product development and addresses legal and regulatory issues.
  • Assists with the launch of new investment companies or similar securities by providing legal advice and guidance.
  • Drafts and files SEC regulatory filings, including registration statements on Forms N-1A and N-2, and provides legal input on Form N-CSR, Form N-PORT, etc.
  • Monitors and ensures legal and regulatory compliance in connection with all investment company, investment adviser and broker-dealer related activity.
  • Assists in the review of ISDA agreements and other derivatives-related agreements.
  • Drafts, negotiates and reviews various agreements related to the firm’s Investment Company Act-registered pooled investment vehicles, including distribution-related agreements and fund service provider agreements.
  • Facilitates excellent communication and cooperation with fund Trustees and their counsel.
  • Maintains a proactive approach in helping to identify and minimize risks to the organization.
  • Supervises assigned staff (hire, assign, train, counsel, evaluate, motivate and develop assigned staff).
  • Stays current on legal rules and legislation, specifically the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and other investment company and broker-dealer regulations.
  • Coordinate with the Compliance Department to provide legal analysis and advice in connection with the ongoing development of procedures, the resolution of potential compliance issues and the conduct of regulatory examinations.
  • Serve as a member of key organizational and operational committees as required.
  • Conducts legal research on a variety of topics.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
  • D. from an ABA accredited law school and admitted to practice law in at least one state with top academic credentials required.
  • 10+ years of legal experience practicing law, with significant emphasis on registered investment companies, asset management, and 1940 Act expertise.
  • Experience with listed and unlisted closed end funds, interval and tender offer funds, and exchange traded funds.
  • Experience structuring products in alternative asset classes is preferred.
  • Ability to interact independently with all levels of management.
  • Must be well organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Must have excellent research and drafting skills.
  • Must have exceptional attention to detail and tremendous organizational skills.
  • Must have superb oral and written communication skills.
  • Computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook are table stakes for this role.
  • Demonstrated use of AI in day-to-day legal work.
  • Familiarity with Diligent board book software is a plus.

Compensation Disclosure

The compensation for this role takes into account various factors, including work location, individual skill set, relevant experience, and other business needs. The estimated base salary range for this position is $180,000 - $220,000. Additionally, this position may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Please note that this is the current estimate of the base salary range intended for this role at the time of posting. The base salary range may be adjusted in the future.

Benefits

Calamos offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, and employer-paid short and long-term disability), as well as retirement benefits (401(k) and profit sharing), paid time off, paid parental leave, and other wellness benefits.

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