1

Collection Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge Management Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

The KM Attorney will specifically focus efforts on the Litigation and Labor & Employment Practice ... Excellent organizational and project management skills including data collection and system ...

The KM Attorney will specifically focus efforts on the Litigation and Labor & Employment Practice ... Excellent organizational and project management skills including data collection and system ...

Tax Controversy Attorney

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$150 - $185/hr

Tax Controversy Attorney $150000 - $185000 per year | Wheaton, IL | On-site | Permanent A bit about ... collection due process (CDP), and state and local tax (SALT) disputes. * Represent clients before ...

Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$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 ...

Collections, including contacting clients directly for payment of outstanding bills and keeping responsible attorney abreast of potential collection problems * Research client payment histories and ...

Collections, including contacting clients directly for payment of outstanding bills and keeping responsible attorney abreast of potential collection problems * Research client payment histories and ...

Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · 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 · 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 ...

Foreclosure Attorney

Chicago, IL · 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 ...

Coordinate asset collection and distribution * Handle deadlines and ensure compliance with Illinois probate procedures Qualifications: * Licensed attorney in Illinois * Prior experience in estate ...

Showing results 21-40

Collection Attorney information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$60.8K

$106.4K

$121K

How much do collection attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for collection attorney in Chicago, IL is $106,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $116,900.00 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 are popular job titles related to Collection Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Collection Attorney job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,362 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Knowledge Management Attorney

Vedder Price

Chicago, IL • On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Vedder's Chicago office is looking for a Knowledge Management Attorney. The Knowledge Management Attorney ("KM Attorney") will work with Firm leadership, attorneys, and other Firm personnel to identify, create, and introduce innovative, data-driven knowledge management solutions. The KM Attorney will specifically focus efforts on the Litigation and Labor & Employment Practice Areas to implement and maintain knowledge management resources to increase efficiencies and optimize legal services for clients. The ideal candidate will have meaningful experience practicing Litigation and Labor law with the ability to understand and address the Firm's practice and business needs.
As the Knowledge and Management Attorney your job duties will include but are not limited to:
  • Create and maintain content for Firm and client use, including checklists, model documents, forms, drafting guidance, practice area resource material, templates, precedent, etc.
  • Optimize document management system organization and encourage use with standardized naming conventions, using metadata fields, defining best practices, and enhancing precedent collections to improve attorney access to high-value work product.
  • Partner with IT, Business Intelligence, Information Governance, and Training to promote the use of knowledge management resources and legal AI tools. Draw feedback from attorneys and use it to improve adoption.
  • Evaluate whether particular technologies will improve the Firm and Practice Area's efficiency and effectiveness of legal services. Support validation of legal tech solutions for quality assurance purposes.
  • Keep abreast of emerging technologies including AI developments, potential benefits and restrictions, and adoption trends in both legal and non-legal industries.
  • Facilitate knowledge-sharing initiatives and solutions within the Litigation and Labor & Employment Practice Areas.
  • Develop workflows leveraging Practice Area resources and technologies to promote efficiency in common matter types.
  • Provide guidance to building ongoing training on knowledge management tools, resources, and best practices.
  • Evaluate new and innovative knowledge management and research tools and resources based on Practice Area needs; participate in technology pilots and assessments.
  • Curate knowledge management reports to facilitate insights and inquiries into Practice Area and deal metrics.

Skills & Competencies:
  • Expertise in legal drafting, writing and analysis
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Proven commitment to knowledge-sharing, efficiency and excellence in legal work
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills including data collection and system information; ability to compile and analyze data
  • Strong ability to understand and stay current on legal market trends, news and innovations
  • Highly motivated and strategic business partner with the ability to understand and support Firm goals, initiatives, services, culture and strategy
  • Dependable team player who can work collaboratively with others in a team-oriented environment, with the ability to work independently and display strong initiative
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications & Required Experience:
  • Juris Doctor required
  • Minimum of five years' experience practicing law in the Litigation Practice Area, preferably in a law firm setting
  • Excellent organizational, planning, project management, and technical skills
  • Position also requires the ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient in the following software:
  • Microsoft Office Suite, including Copilot
  • iManage
  • Working knowledge of legal AI tools

Compensation Range: $150,000/yr. to $225,000/yr
At Vedder, we believe in recognizing and rewarding our employees' contributions. Our comprehensive Total Rewards Package includes:
  • Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive base salary commensurate with skills and experience.
  • Bonus Program: Discretionary annual bonus program.
  • Retirement Planning: Discretionary profit sharing and 401(k) matching to help you plan for your future.
  • Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, along with optional health savings and flexible spending accounts, firm-paid Life and Disability benefits, and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
  • Paid Time Off: Competitive time off package including vacation days, paid holidays, sick time and personal days.
  • Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth through firm provided training programs.
  • Employee Recognition: Anniversary and Vedder Praise Programs to celebrate your achievements and milestones.
  • Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work model and family-friendly policies.
  • Additional Perks: Employee discount program, pre-tax commuter benefits, back up child & elder care, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center discounts and more.

Join Vedder and be part of a team that values hard work and dedication!
Equal Employment Opportunity
Vedder Price P.C. is an equal opportunity employer. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We participate in E-verify.
Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require special assistance or an accommodation during the process due to a disability should contact the Vedder Recruiting Team at recruiting@vedder.com
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.