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Corporate Associate Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL

Direct Counsel

Corporate Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$365K - $435K/yr

Direct Counsel is seeking a Corporate Associate Attorney to join a highly respected Am Law firm's Chicago office. Position Overview A leading national firm is seeking mid- to senior-level Corporate ...

Direct Counsel

Mergers & Acquisitions Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$180K - $315K/yr

Corporate Associate Attorney - Mergers & Acquisitions Direct Counsel is seeking a Corporate Associate Attorney to join a premier law firm's Corporate Practice Group. This role can be based in any of ...

Robert Half

Corporate Attorney

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Overview A well-established, sophisticated law firm in the Chicago suburbs is seeking a Corporate Associate Attorney to join its collaborative transactional practice. This role is ideal for an ...

Direct Counsel

Finance Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$390K - $435K/yr

Coordinate with corporate, restructuring, and regulatory teams as needed * Manage workstreams ... this Chicago-based Associate Attorney position is $390,000-$435,000 annually , depending on ...

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Corporate Associate Attorney information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$58.2K

$158.2K

$324.4K

How much do corporate associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for corporate associate attorney in Chicago, IL is $158,210.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,300.00 and $193,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Corporate Associate Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Corporate Associate Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and strong expertise in corporate law, contracts, and legal research. Familiarity with document management systems, legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and drafting software is important. Excellent negotiation, analytical thinking, and communication skills set outstanding attorneys apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively advising clients, managing complex transactions, and ensuring compliance with corporate regulations.

What types of projects and transactions does a Corporate Associate Attorney typically work on, and how does this impact their day-to-day responsibilities?

Corporate Associate Attorneys are frequently involved in a wide range of transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance matters, contract drafting, and regulatory compliance. On a daily basis, this means balancing tasks such as conducting due diligence, preparing documents, negotiating deal terms, and coordinating with clients and other legal teams. The role is highly collaborative, often requiring close work with partners, paralegals, and other departments such as finance and tax. The variety and pace can be challenging, but it also offers significant learning opportunities and exposure to diverse industries.

What are Corporate Associate Attorneys?

Corporate Associate Attorneys are legal professionals who work in law firms or corporate legal departments, specializing in corporate law matters. They assist senior attorneys and partners with tasks such as drafting contracts, conducting due diligence, managing mergers and acquisitions, and ensuring compliance with corporate regulations. These associates typically support business transactions, advise clients on legal rights and obligations, and help resolve corporate disputes. Their work is crucial for maintaining legal and regulatory integrity in business operations.
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Corporate Associate Attorney jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Corporate Associate Attorney job openings:
Corporate Associate Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Corporate Associate Attorney job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,210 per year, or $76.1 per hour.

Corporate Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$365K - $435K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Corporate Associate Attorney to join a highly respected Am Law firm’s Chicago office.

Position Overview
A leading national firm is seeking mid- to senior-level Corporate Associate Attorneys with approximately 4–8 years of experience to join its Corporate Group in Chicago. The role focuses on mergers & acquisitions and a broad range of general corporate transactional matters within a sophisticated, high-volume practice.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience working on complex corporate transactions, with the ability to support or manage significant portions of deal execution. Experience overseeing the full lifecycle of a transaction is a plus, along with strong drafting, analytical, and client service skills.

Key Responsibilities

  • Represent clients in mergers & acquisitions and other corporate transactions
  • Assist with or lead execution of deal workstreams across the full transaction lifecycle
  • Draft and negotiate definitive agreements and ancillary transaction documents
  • Advise on corporate governance, recapitalizations, private equity investments, and joint ventures
  • Support clients on general corporate advisory matters, including takeover preparedness and governance issues
  • Collaborate closely with cross-practice teams on complex transactions

Qualifications

  • Approximately 4–8 years of experience in corporate transactional law, including M&A
  • Prior law firm experience required
  • Experience managing or significantly contributing to deal execution preferred
  • Strong drafting, negotiation, and project management skills
  • Excellent academic credentials and strong professional references preferred
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Compensation
The anticipated base salary for this Chicago-based Associate Attorney position is $365,000–$435,000 annually, depending on experience and other job-related factors consistent with applicable law. The role may also be eligible for a discretionary year-end bonus.

Additional Information
The firm offers a robust lateral integration and mentorship program designed to support experienced attorneys during career transitions. Attorneys benefit from extensive professional development resources, a hybrid work model, and a well-established pro bono program that allows meaningful engagement in community service initiatives.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable employment laws. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application process upon request.