1

Collection Attorney Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

Associate Attorney Chicago, IL * Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried * Reports To: Executive ... Ensure contracts protect lien rights, collection leverage, and payment enforceability * Develop and ...

Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $116K/yr

Acts in compliance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and other applicable consumer ... attorney's licensing state * Must be able to pass a detailed background check and drug screen ...

Handle up to 100 inbound calls while contacting consumers and attorney offices to negotiate ... Effectively manage an open queue of accounts to consistently hit your monthly collection goal.

Handle up to 100 inbound calls while contacting consumers and attorney offices to negotiate ... Effectively manage an open queue of accounts to consistently hit your monthly collection goal.

Handle up to 100 inbound calls while contacting consumers and attorney offices to negotiate ... Effectively manage an open queue of accounts to consistently hit your monthly collection goal.

Foreclosure Attorney

Chicago, IL ยท Hybrid

$87K - $130K/yr

Acts in compliance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and other applicable consumer ... attorney's licensing states * Must be able to pass a detailed background check and drug screen ...

Showing results 41-60

Collection Attorney information

See Illinois salary details

$57.2K

$100.1K

$113.9K

How much do collection attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for collection attorney in Illinois is $100,051.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,900.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Collection Attorney vs Debt Collector?

AspectCollection Attorney

A Collection Attorney is a licensed legal professional who specializes in debt collection, legal proceedings, and negotiations. They often work for law firms or creditors to recover unpaid debts through legal channels. A Debt Collector, on the other hand, is typically a non-legal professional or agency that contacts debtors to recover overdue payments, often following regulations but without legal authority to file lawsuits. Both roles focus on debt recovery but differ in credentials, legal authority, and work scope.

What is a collection attorney?

Collection attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in representing clients seeking to recover unpaid debts. They assist creditors, such as businesses or individuals, by initiating legal actions, negotiating settlements, and using various legal tools to collect outstanding amounts from debtors. Their work can involve contacting debtors, filing lawsuits, obtaining court judgments, and enforcing those judgments through wage garnishments or asset seizures. Collection attorneys must follow federal and state laws, such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, to ensure ethical and legal debt recovery.

What are the typical challenges a collection attorney faces when negotiating with debtors or their legal representatives?

Collection Attorneys often encounter challenges such as navigating complex debtor defenses, maintaining compliance with federal and state debt collection regulations, and balancing assertive recovery efforts with professionalism. Negotiations may require creative settlement structuring, clear documentation, and effective communication to reach agreements that satisfy both client objectives and legal requirements. Additionally, Collection Attorneys must be prepared to handle high caseloads and deadlines while collaborating with clients, paralegals, and sometimes opposing counsel to resolve disputes efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Collection Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and knowledge of debt collection laws and litigation procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and electronic filing systems is commonly required. Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you excel in resolving disputes and representing clients. These abilities are crucial for ensuring compliance, maximizing recoveries, and maintaining professional client relationships in a challenging legal environment.
What job categories do people searching Collection Attorney jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Collection Attorney jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Collection Attorney jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Collection Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Collection Attorney job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,051 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Associate Attorney

Pop-Up Talent

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Associate Attorney 
Chicago, IL

  • Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried
  • Reports To: Executive Leadership Team


POSITION OVERVIEW:

  • We are seeking a highly skilled In-House Counsel with a strong background in construction law, liens, and collections to support a multi-entity restoration and construction operation. This role will serve as the primary legal authority for contract enforcement, receivables recovery, and payment dispute resolution while also advising leadership on regulatory and operational risk
  • The ideal candidate is hands-on, decisive, and comfortable driving outcomes—someone who understands how construction projects, insurance payments, and cash flow intersect. This position offers meaningful influence within the organization 

 
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Construction Contracts & Risk Management

  • Draft, review, negotiate, and enforce construction and restoration contracts, including: Customer and insurance-related agreements | Subcontractor and vendor contracts | Master service agreements, work authorizations, and change orders
  • Ensure contracts protect lien rights, collection leverage, and payment enforceability
  • Develop and maintain standardized construction contract templates aligned with state-specific requirements
  • Advise operations and leadership on contractual risk, scope disputes, and project documentation

Liens, Collections & Receivables Enforcement

  • Lead all lien-related matters, including: Notice requirements | Filing, enforcement, and foreclosure coordination | Compliance across multiple jurisdictions
  • Oversee and execute collection strategies from pre-lien through litigation
  • Draft and manage demand letters, settlement agreements, and payment plans
  • Handle collection litigation directly or manage outside counsel where appropriate
  • Partner closely with accounting and operations to improve recovery timelines and reduce aged receivables

Payment Disputes & Negotiation

  • Act as lead negotiator on payment disputes involving: Property owners | Commercial clients | Insurance carriers and third-party administrators
  • Resolve scope, pricing, and coverage-related disputes with a focus on maximizing recovery
  • Advise leadership on dispute prevention strategies and best practices

Regulatory & Business Advisory

  • Provide legal guidance on construction and restoration regulatory requirements
  • Advise on general business and HR matters, including: Employment law compliance | Policy development and risk mitigation
  • Support corporate governance, affiliated entities, and expansion into new markets

Executive & Strategic Support

  • Serve as a strategic legal advisor to executive leadership
  • Support growth initiatives, acquisitions, and new business structures
  • Manage outside counsel relationships to control costs and outcomes

 
QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
  • Active license to practice law in Illinois
  • At least 5+ years of experience in construction law, collections, or commercial litigation
  • Demonstrated experience with: Construction contracts | Mechanic's liens and lien foreclosure | Collections and payment enforcement
  • Strong negotiation skills and comfort managing contentious disputes
  • Practical, business-oriented mindset with the ability to move matters forward

Preferred Experience:

  • Construction, restoration, or contractor-side representation
  • Insurance claim or property loss experience
  • In-house counsel or firm experience supporting construction companies
  • Multi-state lien and regulatory experience

 
WHY CHOOSE US:

  • High-impact role with direct influence on cash flow and risk management
  • Close collaboration with ownership and executive leadership
  • Fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
  • Defined opportunity for partnership based on performance and leadership
  • contribution

 
We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are an organization that values diversity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including minorities and persons with disabilities.
 
req26-00181