Entry Level Labor Relations Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Position: Labor & Employment Attorney

Sign-on bonus: $20,000

Compensation range: $180,000-$300,000

Rapidly growing management-side labor and employment law firm seeks a highly motivated Labor & Employment Attorney to support and expand its nationwide private-sector practice. This opportunity is ideal for entrepreneurial attorneys who want substantial responsibility, direct client exposure, meaningful courtroom experience, and the ability to independently manage sophisticated matters rather than operate within a heavily layered institutional environment.

The firm represents employers across a broad range of industries in complex labor relations, employment litigation, workplace investigations, compliance counseling, and strategic business advisory matters. Attorneys will work directly with leadership and clients on high-impact legal issues involving federal, state, and administrative employment laws.

This position offers a unique opportunity for both experienced labor and employment attorneys seeking elevated responsibility and long-term growth, as well as exceptional early-career attorneys with strong litigation aptitude, academic credentials, and a demonstrated interest in management-side employment law.

Responsibilities Include:

• Defending employers in federal and state employment litigation matters involving claims arising under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, FMLA, and related state and local employment statutes.

• Handling traditional labor law matters, including collective bargaining negotiations, grievance arbitrations, union avoidance strategies, unfair labor practice proceedings, and NLRB matters.

• Conducting and defending depositions, managing written discovery, drafting dispositive motions, and preparing cases for arbitration, mediation, and trial.

• Drafting EEOC and administrative agency position statements, arbitration briefs, employment agreements, workplace policies, and compliance-related documentation.

• Advising employers on employee relations matters, workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, reductions in force, wage and hour compliance, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Managing client relationships and serving as a strategic advisor to business owners, executives, and HR leadership teams.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.

• Active license and good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.

• 2–12+ years of labor and employment law experience, preferably on the management side, though exceptional entry-level attorneys with strong academic credentials, law review, clerkship, litigation, or employment law internship experience are encouraged to apply.

• Demonstrated legal writing, analytical, advocacy, and oral communication skills.

• Experience or familiarity with employment litigation, labor relations, administrative proceedings, or workplace counseling matters preferred.

• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial legal environment.

• Deposition, hearing, arbitration, mediation, and federal court experience is highly valued for more senior candidates.

• Industry experience involving healthcare, hospitality, transportation, aviation, manufacturing, construction, or multi-state employers is a plus.

• Willingness to travel periodically for hearings, arbitrations, litigation, and client matters.

Compensation & Opportunity:

• Compensation structure designed to be highly competitive with major metropolitan labor and employment markets, with total compensation potential ranging from approximately $180,000–$280,000+ depending on experience, business development capabilities, litigation background, and overall qualifications.

• Opportunity for substantial hands-on litigation experience, direct mentorship, accelerated career growth, and long-term leadership potential within a growing practice.

• Ideal environment for attorneys seeking greater autonomy, meaningful client interaction, and sophisticated legal work without the bureaucracy of a large institutional firm.