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Lateral Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Venable LLP

Conflicts Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K - $180K/yr

Conducting conflicts analyses for lateral attorney candidates, recommending and implementing resolutions with Division Managers and the Ethics Committee, communicating with stakeholders to clear ...

Venable LLP

Conflicts Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K - $180K/yr

Conducting conflicts analyses for lateral attorney candidates, recommending and implementing resolutions with Division Managers and the Ethics Committee, communicating with stakeholders to clear ...

BRENNAN BURTKER LLC

Litigation Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $175K/yr

We will also consider a lateral junior partner to service our top client accounts. We are looking for enthusiastic and proactive attorneys who want to be trial attorneys and who will grow ...

Buckingham Search

Legal Recruiting Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Your responsibilities will span lateral attorney recruiting, summer associate hiring, and onboarding. This person will independently manage the full recruiting lifecycle while creating a thoughtful ...

BRENNAN BURTKER LLC

Litigation Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $175K/yr

We will also consider a lateral junior partner to service our top client accounts. We are looking for enthusiastic and proactive attorneys who want to be trial attorneys and who will grow ...

BRENNAN BURTKER LLC

Litigation Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $175K/yr

We will also consider a lateral junior partner to service our top client accounts. We are looking for enthusiastic and proactive attorneys who want to be trial attorneys and who will grow ...

Buckingham Search

Legal Recruiting Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Your responsibilities will span lateral attorney recruiting, summer associate hiring, and onboarding. This person will independently manage the full recruiting lifecycle while creating a thoughtful ...

BRENNAN BURTKER LLC

Litigation Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $175K/yr

We will also consider a lateral junior partner to service our top client accounts. We are looking for enthusiastic and proactive attorneys who want to be trial attorneys and who will grow ...

BakerHostetler

Conflicts Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

Coordinate the onboarding of lateral attorneys, including engagement letters, matter openings, client transitions, training, and other onboarding activities, while working with Recruiting, Human ...

Polsinelli

Legal Recruiting Admin Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Support lateral attorney and law student recruiting by entering candidate information, maintaining candidate records and status updates in the applicant tracking system (ViRecruit), and applicable ...

Polsinelli

Legal Recruiting Admin Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $95/hr

Support lateral attorney and law student recruiting by entering candidate information, maintaining candidate records and status updates in the applicant tracking system (ViRecruit), and applicable ...

Dentons

Lateral Conflicts Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$120K - $150K/yr

Dentons US LLP is recruiting for a Lateral Conflicts Attorney. This position will provide support to all levels of personnel throughout the Firm and US Region and will be responsible for review and ...

Katten

Senior Partner Recruiting Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

Experience supporting lateral attorney or partner recruiting initiatives is preferred. * Demonstrated proficiency with applicant tracking systems, candidate relationship management tools, and ...

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All JobsLateral Attorney JobsLateral Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL

Lateral Attorney information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$35K

$152.4K

$289.5K

How much do lateral attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for lateral attorney in Chicago, IL is $152,388.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,900.00 and $211,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lateral attorney?

Lateral attorneys are lawyers who move from one law firm, organization, or legal department to another, typically at the same level or with similar responsibilities as their previous position. This move is often made to seek better career opportunities, higher compensation, a different practice area, or a more desirable location. Lateral moves are common in the legal profession and can involve both associates and partners. Law firms often seek lateral hires to bring in new expertise, clients, or to fill gaps in their practice groups.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a lateral attorney?

To thrive as a Lateral Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor degree, bar admission in the relevant jurisdiction, and proven expertise in your legal practice area. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and relevant certifications (such as board certification in a specialty) are often required. Strong client relationship management, adaptability, and superior communication skills set top candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for quickly integrating into a new firm, delivering high-quality legal services, and building lasting client trust.

What are common challenges lateral attorneys face when transitioning to a new law firm?

Lateral attorneys often encounter challenges such as adapting to a new firm's culture, understanding different workflows, and establishing relationships with new colleagues and clients. Building trust and demonstrating value quickly are key, especially when integrating into established practice groups or client teams. Additionally, they may need to familiarize themselves with the firm's technology platforms, billing practices, and performance expectations, all while maintaining high-quality service for existing and new clients.

What is the difference between Lateral Attorney vs Associate Attorney?

AspectLateral AttorneyAssociate Attorney
CredentialsJD degree, bar admission, relevant experienceJD degree, bar admission, typically less experience
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, often with client interactionLaw firms, legal departments, primarily research and drafting
Employer & Industry UsageMajor law firms, corporate legal teamsLaw firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding career moves, experience levels, or job rolesEntry-level to mid-level legal roles, career progression

In summary, a Lateral Attorney is an experienced lawyer transitioning into a new firm or role, often with specialized skills, while an Associate Attorney is typically an early-career lawyer working on foundational legal tasks. Both roles require a JD and bar admission but differ mainly in experience and career stage.

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

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

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

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

Lateral Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lateral Attorney job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,388 per year, or $73.3 per hour.

Lateral Attorney Recruiting Specialist

McGuireWoods LLP

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

McGuireWoods rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 35 rated law firms

Job description

The Lateral Attorney Recruiting Specialist leads the day-to-day execution of lateral non-partner attorney searches, partnering with recruiting managers, attorneys, search firms, and candidates to deliver an efficient and exceptional recruiting experience. This role leads direct sourcing, manages candidate pipelines, coordinates search activities, and supports recruiting strategy for assigned departments.

McGuireWoods, one of the world’s leading law firms, has provided legal solutions to corporate, individual and nonprofit clients since 1834. Along with excellent benefits, McGuireWoods offers most employees a hybrid remote option allowing flexibility and work-life balance. Our Applicant Disclosures describe your rights. Our Privacy Statement describes how we will process and safeguard your personal data.


Search Operations & Talent Sourcing

  • Lead non-partner lateral attorney recruiting searches from position approval through onboarding.
  • Develop and execute direct sourcing strategies using Firm Prospects, LinkedIn Recruiter, legal directories, referrals, networking, and other sourcing tools.

Candidate Screening & Search Management

  • Review candidate materials and conduct initial recruiter conversations to assess qualifications, career interests, geographic preferences, compensation expectations, and overall alignment.
  • Manage candidate pipelines and coordinate interviews, evaluations, hiring materials, offers, and onboarding activities.

Search Firm & Candidate Relationship Management

  • Serve as the primary operational contact for search firms throughout the recruiting process.
  • Build strong relationships that support efficient search execution and a positive candidate experience. 

Collaboration & Department Support

  • Provide guidance and support to the Lateral Attorney Recruiting Assistant on search priorities, scheduling, and administrative requirements.
  • Stay informed of legal recruiting trends, sourcing techniques, and technology.

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred, with three or more years of attorney recruiting, legal recruiting, talent acquisition, or related experience, preferably within an Am Law 100 firm or comparable professional services organization.
  • Demonstrated experience with Firm Prospects, LinkedIn Recruiter, and other sourcing tools to identify, engage, and develop passive candidate pipelines.
  • Experience coordinating complex recruiting searches, managing candidate pipelines, and balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency with applicant tracking systems, Microsoft Office, and recruiting technologies, with a willingness to embrace innovative technology platforms.
  • Strong organizational, project management, communication, analytical, and relationship-building skills.
  • Sound judgment and discretion with the ability to maintain confidentiality and deliver exceptional customer service.
  • Interest in using innovative AI technology, including Harvey and Copilot, to support efficient high-impact work.

Have more questions?  Connect with a recruiter directly.

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