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Associate Counsel Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Associate General Counsel

Northbrook, IL ยท On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

... Associate General Counsel/General Counsel with deep healthcare industry experience to serve as a strategic legal partner to executive leadership. This role will provide legal guidance across clinical ...

Associate General Counsel

Northbrook, IL ยท On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

Join a fast-growing, mission-driven company Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Associate General Counsel/General Counsel with deep healthcare industry experience to serve as a strategic ...

Associate General Counsel

Northbrook, IL ยท On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

... Associate General Counsel/General Counsel with deep healthcare industry experience to serve as a strategic legal partner to executive leadership. This role will provide legal guidance across clinical ...

Associate General Counsel

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Overview We are looking for an Associate General Counsel to support legal work across grantmaking, investments, contracts, corporate governance, and operations at the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur ...

Showing results 21-40

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 8, 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:

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.

New Business Intake & Conflicts Clearance Associate Attorney (General Counsels Office)

Direct Counsel

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site, Remote

$170K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

General Counsel’s Office — New Business Intake & Conflicts Clearance Associate Attorney

Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; Palo Alto, California; Washington, D.C.; Wilmington, Delaware (Hybrid or Remote – West Coast Hours)

About the Role

The General Counsel’s Office is responsible for ensuring firmwide compliance with ethical obligations and conflicts of interest rules. The New Business Intake & Conflicts Clearance team plays a critical role in reviewing, analyzing, and clearing potential conflicts to support the firm’s ability to efficiently and ethically take on new matters and clients.

Attorneys in this role work closely with firm lawyers and administrative departments to support the intake process, manage risk, and maintain compliance with applicable professional responsibility standards.

Key Responsibilities
  • Manage and support the firm’s new business intake process for prospective clients and matters
  • Conduct conflicts of interest analyses using internal and external databases
  • Draft, review, and implement conflict waivers and ethical walls where necessary
  • Advise attorneys and staff on professional responsibility obligations and conflicts rules
  • Provide guidance and training on conflicts and intake policies and procedures
  • Participate in an after-hours, weekend, and holiday on-call rotation for urgent conflicts issues
  • Collaborate across departments to ensure consistent and compliant intake practices
  • Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment
Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking an associate attorney with approximately 3+ years of experience in conflicts management, legal ethics, professional responsibility, or a related compliance function within a large law firm environment.

The ideal candidate will have:

  • Strong knowledge of professional responsibility and conflicts rules
  • Excellent analytical and research skills
  • Strong attention to detail and sound judgment in complex ethical issues
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills for advising attorneys and staff
  • Comfort working independently and collaboratively across teams
Compensation

The expected base salary range for this position is $170,000 to $225,000 annually, with final compensation determined based on experience and other job-related factors in accordance with applicable law. This position may be eligible for a discretionary year-end bonus.

Professional Development & Benefits

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package for attorneys in the General Counsel’s Office, including medical, dental, disability, and life insurance, retirement benefits, bar registration support, continuing legal education resources, paid vacation, and parental leave. Attorneys also benefit from structured training and ongoing exposure to complex ethics and compliance issues within a large law firm environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.