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Entry Level Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Malman Law

Probate Team Assistant/Clerk

Chicago, IL · On-site

$38K - $40K/yr

This entry-level administrative position reports to the Probate Attorneys and Head Probate Paralegal and plays a critical role in managing clerical processes and supporting the legal team. Why Join ...

Dlapiper

eFiling Clerk

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$30.99 - $48.35/hr

Coordinate with attorneys and paralegals to gather necessary documents for filings. * Ensure all ... Train and supervise entry-level filing clerks. Desired Skills In-depth knowledge of court filing ...

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All JobsAttorney JobsEntry Level Attorney JobsEntry Level Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Attorney information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.4K

$111.4K

$177.7K

How much do entry level attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level attorney 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 is an entry level attorney?

Entry level attorneys are recent law school graduates or individuals who have recently passed the bar exam and are beginning their legal careers. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced attorneys and assist with research, drafting legal documents, and helping prepare cases. Entry level attorneys can work in various settings, including law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments. Their responsibilities often focus on learning practical legal skills and gaining experience in their chosen field of law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission in your practicing state, and a solid grasp of legal research, writing, and analysis. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in document management systems are typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and time management skills help you build client relationships and manage caseloads effectively. These competencies are crucial for providing sound legal advice, meeting deadlines, and establishing a successful legal career.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level attorneys in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level attorneys often encounter challenges such as managing heavy workloads, adapting to the fast-paced environment of law firms, and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical legal skills. Navigating client expectations, learning firm protocols, and handling multiple assignments simultaneously can feel overwhelming at first. To overcome these challenges, new attorneys should proactively seek feedback, build strong relationships with mentors and colleagues, and prioritize effective time management. Open communication and a willingness to continuously learn are key to successful integration and professional growth in the early stages of a legal career.

What is the difference between Entry Level Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectEntry Level AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, drafting legal documents, client consultationsLegal research, document preparation, case organization

Entry Level Attorneys and Paralegals often work in similar environments and share some responsibilities, but attorneys require a JD and bar admission to practice law, while paralegals support attorneys without needing a law license. The roles differ mainly in legal authority and scope of work.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

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

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

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Attorney jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Attorney job openings:

Entry Level Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Attorney job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,420 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Legal Assistant - Patent Services Group

Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$48K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description


Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, an Intellectual Property Law firm located in downtown Chicago, is seeking a full-time legal assistant to join its Patent Services Group administrative support staff.
Duties Include:
  • preparing documents to be filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office
  • communicating with paralegals and administrators
  • maintaining physical and digital files
  • light Reception duties (only as needed)

The assistant will typically work with paralegals and administrators in support of our USPTO filings and project assistance. Very little overtime is required.
This is an entry-level in-office position and we provide extensive on-the-job training.
Compensation:
  • The salary range for this position is $48,000-$50,000. Actual salary will vary and may be above or below this range based on experience.
  • Year-end discretionary bonus potential.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Program includes Health, Life and Disability Insurance and available Dental and Vision insurance.
  • 401K plan.
  • This is an in-office, Chicago-based role.

HFZ is a two-decade old patent firm that specializes in delivering top quality patent prosecution and counseling services to numerous Fortune 500 companies and global technology leaders. With our team of excellent patent attorneys and dedicated professional staff, we deliver exceptional patent prosecution and portfolio management services to our diverse clientele. We thrive in an inclusive environment that provides ongoing mentorship for the career development of our team members. We offer a dynamic team focused work environment, excellent work/life balance, an Open Door Policy allowing easy access to Senior Attorneys and Managing Partners and a competitive benefits package.
Please apply by submitting your resume and academic transcripts along with a
cover letter.
ATTN: Bill O'Connor, Recruitment Manager
Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, LLC is committed to diversity as a core value of the firm. We continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. A diverse and inclusive workforce enriches our work experience and enhances the value of our legal services. HFZ is an Equal Opportunity/ M/F/Vet/Disabled Employer.
Requirements
  • A 4-year bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (preferred)
  • 1+ years of work experience in a law office environment, it does not have to be in Intellectual Property (preferred)
  • Paralegal certification preferred, but not required
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with team members
  • The ability to be well organized, timely and manage multiple tasks
  • The ability to meet strict guidelines
  • Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Outlook and Adobe Acrobat/PDF Exchange required.

Benefits
  • Comprehensive Benefits Program includes Health, Life and Disability Insurance and available Dental and Vision insurance.
  • 401K plan.

Apply