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Bankruptcy Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

As Bankruptcy & Restructuring Attorney you will represent debtors-in-possession, administrative ... associates and mid-level attorneys with genuinely balanced experience. The firm is an active ...

Senior Associate, Restructuring

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Description Restructuring Senior Associate, Alvarez & Marsal Chicago Office About Alvarez & Marsal ... Developing pre-bankruptcy plans and assisting with bankruptcy case administration, which includes ...

Senior Associate, Restructuring

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Description Restructuring Senior Associate, Alvarez & Marsal Chicago Office About Alvarez & Marsal ... Developing pre-bankruptcy plans and assisting with bankruptcy case administration, which includes ...

Foreclosure Attorney - Chicago, IL Agility 360 is searching for a Associate Foreclosure Attorney ... The ideal candidate will have experience in the areas of Mortgage Foreclosure, Bankruptcy, Eviction ...

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Bankruptcy Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.4K

$111.4K

$177.7K

How much do bankruptcy associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for bankruptcy associate 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 does a bankruptcy associate do?

A Bankruptcy Associate is a legal professional who specializes in representing clients involved in bankruptcy proceedings. Their duties often include preparing and filing bankruptcy petitions, advising clients on their legal rights and obligations, negotiating with creditors, and representing clients in court. They may work on cases involving individuals or businesses, and often handle both Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 bankruptcies. Bankruptcy Associates must stay up to date with bankruptcy laws and ensure all procedures are followed correctly to protect their clients’ interests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bankruptcy associate?

To thrive as a Bankruptcy Associate, you need a strong background in commercial law, legal research, and case management, typically supported by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and bar admission. Familiarity with bankruptcy case management software, federal and state court filing systems, and legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis is important. Exceptional analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication help you excel in fast-paced legal environments and client interactions. These skills and qualities are crucial for managing complex cases, ensuring compliance, and delivering successful outcomes for clients facing financial distress.

What are some common challenges faced by bankruptcy associates during case preparation?

Bankruptcy Associates often encounter challenges in managing tight deadlines, handling complex documentation, and staying updated on frequently changing bankruptcy laws. Coordinating with clients, creditors, and court personnel can require strong organizational and communication skills, especially when multiple cases are progressing simultaneously. Additionally, Associates must be meticulous in reviewing financial records and drafting filings to ensure compliance and avoid costly errors. Over time, these challenges help build expertise and resilience, making the role both demanding and rewarding.

What is the difference between Bankruptcy Associate vs Bankruptcy Attorney?

AspectBankruptcy AssociateBankruptcy Attorney
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), passing the bar examJuris Doctor (JD), passing the bar exam
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, bankruptcy courtsLaw firms, courts, client consultations
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with case research, drafting documents, supporting attorneysRepresenting clients, providing legal advice, court appearances

While both roles require a JD and bar admission, Bankruptcy Associates primarily support attorneys with case preparation and research, whereas Bankruptcy Attorneys actively represent clients and handle court proceedings. The associate role is often a stepping stone to becoming a licensed attorney, focusing on supporting legal work, while attorneys take on client-facing responsibilities and legal advocacy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Bankruptcy Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,420 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Bankruptcy Associate (4-7 years) - Chicago

Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Chicago, IL • On-site

$305K - $360K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Why Seyfarth
At Seyfarth, we understand that great people are the key to our success, and we provide the opportunities to match. If you join us, you'll work with state-of-the-art technology in a friendly and professional environment, and we will continue to invest in your professional development. If you want the freedom to grow at a firm that is invested in your future, keep reading.
The Opportunity
Seyfarth Shaw LLP, an international law firm with approximately 1000 attorneys, has an exciting opportunity for a highly qualified and experienced Bankruptcy Associate with 4-7 years of bankruptcy experience to join our Chicago team.
You Have
  • 4-7 years of bankruptcy experience (this may include a bankruptcy judicial clerkship).
  • A combination of experience with bankruptcy motion practice, bankruptcy and commercial litigation, foreclosure litigation, creditor's rights and workout experience.
  • Experience presenting motions and participating in evidentiary hearings in state, federal, and bankruptcy courts.
  • Excellent academic credentials, analytical skills and verbal and written communication skills.
  • Candidates must be admitted to the Illinois Bar or meet the requirements to waive in.

What We Provide
We provide competitive salary and benefits at all levels. For Associates, we provide comprehensive training through our mentoring programs, CLE initiatives, Seyfarth University, industry credentialing, and hands-on learning by working side-by-side with our partners.
More About Seyfarth
With approximately 1000 lawyers across 17 offices, Seyfarth Shaw LLP provides advisory, litigation, and transactional legal services to clients worldwide. Learn more about The Seyfarth Experience at www.seyfarth.com/careers.
**NOTE TO AGENCIES:
Search firms with an active fee agreement may submit candidates for this position via our portal. Please email Dalene Bryl at dbryl@seyfarth.com for access to submit. If you do not have an active fee agreement with us, please send a blind profile to Dalene Bryl at dbryl@seyfarth.com.
The salary range for this role is $305,000 to $360,000. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's pay within the salary range will be based on numerous factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, and business or organizational needs. This job is also eligible for an annual merit increase and bonus pay.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-DNP
  • 4-7 years of bankruptcy experience (this may include a bankruptcy judicial clerkship).
  • A combination of experience with bankruptcy motion practice, bankruptcy and commercial litigation, foreclosure litigation, creditor's rights and workout experience.
  • Experience presenting motions and participating in evidentiary hearings in state, federal, and bankruptcy courts.
  • Excellent academic credentials, analytical skills and verbal and written communication skills.
  • Candidates must be admitted to the Illinois Bar or meet the requirements to waive in.

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