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Entry Level Family Law Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL

K&L Gates

2027 Chicago IP 2L Summer Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$3.46K - $4.33K/wk

Our Summer Associate Program is designed to give law students a full picture of the firm. As a summer associate, you will work closely with experienced lawyers who will provide active mentoring while ...

Banner Witcoff

Summer Associate 2L (2027)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$4.13K/wk

Banner Witcoff is now accepting applicants for the 2027 summer program Banner Witcoff, a recognized leader in the practice of intellectual property law, is seeking second year law students to work in ...

Banner Witcoff

Summer Associate 2L (2027)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$4.13K/wk

Banner Witcoff is now accepting applicants for the 2027 summer program Banner Witcoff, a recognized leader in the practice of intellectual property law, is seeking second year law students to work in ...

Banner Witcoff

Summer Associate 2L (2027)

Chicago, IL

$4.13K/wk

Banner Witcoff is now accepting applicants for the 2027 summer program Banner Witcoff, a recognized leader in the practice of intellectual property law, is seeking second year law students to work in ...

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All JobsEntry Level Family Law Attorney JobsEntry Level Family Law Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Family Law Attorney information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41.2K

$107K

$170.6K

How much do entry level family law attorney jobs pay per year?

As of May 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level family law attorney in Chicago, IL is $106,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $126,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Family Law Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Family Law Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission in your practicing state, and a solid understanding of family law statutes and procedures. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management software, and document drafting tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, negotiation abilities, and clear written and verbal communication help attorneys effectively advocate for clients and manage sensitive situations. These skills ensure competent legal representation, client trust, and successful outcomes in emotionally charged family law cases.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level family law attorneys during their first year on the job?

Entry level family law attorneys often face challenges such as managing a heavy caseload, handling emotionally charged situations with clients, and learning to navigate court procedures efficiently. They may also need to quickly develop strong communication skills to work effectively with more experienced attorneys, paralegals, and clients. Additionally, balancing the administrative aspects of the role with direct client advocacy can be demanding, but these experiences provide valuable opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

What does an entry level family law attorney do?

An entry level family law attorney assists clients with legal matters related to family relationships, such as divorce, child custody, adoption, and support issues. They often conduct legal research, draft documents, file court paperwork, and represent clients during negotiations and court hearings under the supervision of more experienced attorneys. Entry level attorneys may also help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and provide advice to clients navigating complex family law processes. This role provides foundational experience in family law practice and client interaction.

What is the difference between Entry Level Family Law Attorney vs Family Law Paralegal?

AspectEntry Level Family Law AttorneyFamily Law Paralegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar AdmissionAssociate's degree or paralegal certification
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, courts, legal officesLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Employer & Industry UsageLegal practice, client representationSupporting attorneys, legal research
Common Search & ComparisonLegal responsibilities, client interactionAdministrative support, legal documentation

While both roles work within family law, an Entry Level Family Law Attorney is a licensed legal professional authorized to provide legal advice and represent clients, whereas a Family Law Paralegal supports attorneys with research, document preparation, and case management without providing legal counsel.

What are the most commonly searched types of Family Law Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Family Law Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Family Law Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Family Law Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Family Law Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Family Law Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Family Law Attorney jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Family Law Attorney job openings:
Entry Level Family Law Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Family Law Attorney job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,973 per year, or $51.4 per hour.
Staff Attorney - Medical-Legal Partnerships

Staff Attorney - Medical-Legal Partnerships

Legal Aid Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$70.82K - $77.87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

For over 50 years, Legal Aid Chicago has provided free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. Each year our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. Legal Aid Chicago was founded on the philosophy that all individuals are entitled to quality civil legal representation, regardless of their income. We work to ensure that poverty is not an impediment to justice.
Legal Aid Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. Our office, located in downtown Chicago at 200 N. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible and has convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. This position involves some on-site intake and client engagement at hospital or clinical settings, including the University of Chicago Medical Center, as well as travel to court and occasional outreach events.
Position: Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to join our Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLP) Group, which brings together legal, medical, and public health professionals to address the social determinants of health and interrupt cycles of inequity for vulnerable populations.
Legal Aid Chicago's Medical-Legal Partnerships work directly with hospitals and health care providers to address social determinants having the greatest negative consequences for client-patients' health and well-being. We have two active partnerships:
  • Health Forward/Salud Adelante with the Cook County Health and Hospitals System to integrate legal, medical, and public health services in Chicago's most health-challenged neighborhoods
  • Recovery Legal Care with the University of Chicago Hospital to serve victims of violent crime

The MLP group handles a broad range of legal issues, with a primary emphasis on public benefits and related stability concerns, including:
  • Public benefits advocacy involving SNAP, TANF, AABD Cash, Medicaid, and other Illinois Department of Human Services programs
  • SSI and disability benefits advocacy with the Social Security Administration, including appeals
  • Crime Victims Compensation matters
  • Collaboration with other Legal Aid Chicago practice groups to address related housing, employment, personal safety, immigration, criminal records, consumer/financial, and other legal issues as appropriate

Responsibilities:
  • Maintain a caseload of individual client matters, with an emphasis on public benefits and related administrative advocacy
  • Interview and counsel clients on a wide range of legal issues and provide advice and brief services where appropriate, including some services provided on-site at hospitals or health clinics
  • Represent clients before administrative agencies, including the Social Security Administration, Illinois Department of Human Services, and other relevant agencies; court-based litigation for administrative review, petitions for certiorari, and other legal matters when they arise
  • Develop and maintain expertise in health-harming legal needs affecting MLP client populations
  • Work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago colleagues across practice groups to provide holistic legal services
  • Engage in more complex litigation or advocacy efforts designed to address systemic issues with supervision and co-counseling support
  • Partner and collaborate with medical, care coordination, and behavioral health teams to support the Medical-Legal Partnership service model
  • Participate in outreach, legal trainings, and education for health care partners
  • Assist with data collection, reporting, and quality improvement activities related to partner and funder requirements
  • Maintain accurate case records and timekeeping in Legal Aid Chicago's electronic case management system
  • Participate in additional activities related to legal aid practice, including permissible legislative or administrative advocacy, speaking engagements, and other duties as assigned

Salary and Benefits:
This position is part of the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. The Collective Bargaining Agreement sets employment terms and compensation is determined by the CBA salary scale, based on paid experience.
The budgeted salary range for this position is $70,822-$77,872, which reflects 0-10 years of paid, credited experience.
Legal Aid Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Bilingual Staff Attorneys are eligible for an additional stipend
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment
  • Time Off: 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment
  • 19 paid holidays, including four (4) floating holidays
  • Twelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the salary after six months of employment
  • 403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution after one year of employment
  • $50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no cost
  • Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost
  • Monthly internet reimbursement
  • Legal Aid Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program

Requirements
Legal Aid Chicago encourages applications from individuals with relevant experience, particularly those who have direct experience with communities we serve or perspectives that help us understand and serve our clients better.
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
  • Licensed to practice law in Illinois (preferred)
  • Licensed to practice law in another state and eligible to waive into the Illinois bar
  • A law school graduate who will take the July 2026 Illinois bar exam and is eligible for a 711 license while awaiting exam results

Additional qualifications include:
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Highly developed organizational and case management skills
  • Trauma-informed client counseling skills and the ability to manage vicarious trauma
  • Demonstrated commitment to and experience with communities impacted by poverty and systemic inequity
  • Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary and team-based settings
  • Ability to effectively communicate legal concepts to non-legal audiences, including regular presentations to medical partners
  • Spanish language proficiency is a plus and may qualify for additional compensation

To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and the contact information of two primary professional references and one alternative professional reference. For applicants with previous work experience, at least one reference must be a former supervisor. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.
Legal Aid Chicago is firmly committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of creed, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital or parental status, alienage, disability, political affiliation or belief, military or military discharge status, ex-offender status, family responsibilities, reproductive health decisions or any other protected status.
If an accommodation is needed to complete this application, contact Human Resources at humanresources@legalaidchicago.org.
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding an application status. We will contact candidates who are selected for the next stage of the hiring process.

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