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Legal Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Legal Recruiting Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$130 - $150/hr

We are seeking a strategic, highly organized Legal Recruiting Manager to help drive the firm ... Create a standout Summer Associate Program by designing and managing training sessions, program ...

Associates degree in paralegal studies, a paralegal certificate, or a bachelor's degree is ... legal secretary, or paralegal * Experience in Personal Injury, WC, Premises, or other injury ...

Legal Secretary

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Associate Degree or Bachelor's degree Ability to effectively draft complex legal documents, correspondence, and pleadings Strong Microsoft Office skills Familiarity with litigation management ...

Legal Secretary

Chicago, IL ยท Hybrid

$35K - $65K/yr

Associates degree with course work or applicable certifications preferred or equivalent experience. * Typically a minimum four years of experience in a related legal administrative environment.

Associates degree in paralegal studies, a paralegal certificate, or a bachelor's degree is ... legal secretary, or paralegal * Experience in Personal Injury, WC, Premises, or other injury ...

Legal Recruiting Manager Buckingham Search is representing a Chicago-based law firm seeking a Legal ... Your responsibilities will span lateral attorney recruiting, summer associate hiring, and ...

Legal Recruiting Manager Buckingham Search is representing a Chicago-based law firm seeking a Legal ... Your responsibilities will span lateral attorney recruiting, summer associate hiring, and ...

Legal Secretary

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Associate Degree or Bachelor's degree * Ability to effectively draft complex legal documents, correspondence, and pleadings * Strong Microsoft Office skills * Familiarity with litigation management ...

The Legal Recruiting Associate Coordinator serves as a key point of contact for attorneys and law students. This role involves coordinating various aspects of the recruiting process and Summer ...

Legal Secretary

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$27.13 - $37.28/hr

Associate Degree or Bachelor's degree * Ability to effectively draft complex legal documents, correspondence, and pleadings * Strong Microsoft Office skills * Familiarity with litigation management ...

Showing results 21-40

Legal Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$8

$29

$61

How much do legal associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for legal associate in Chicago, IL is $29.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $34.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a legal associate?

Legal Associates are early-career lawyers who support more senior attorneys in a law firm or legal department. They conduct legal research, draft documents, assist with case preparation, and may represent clients under supervision. Legal Associates are typically recent law school graduates who have passed the bar exam, and their role is designed to provide hands-on experience while allowing them to develop their legal skills. Over time, Legal Associates may work toward becoming partners or taking on more senior legal positions within their organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a legal associate?

To thrive as a Legal Associate, you need a law degree (JD or equivalent), strong research and analytical skills, and attention to detail. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management systems, and proficiency in drafting legal documents are essential. Excellent written and verbal communication, time management, and the ability to work collaboratively set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure effective legal analysis, high-quality client service, and successful case outcomes in a demanding legal environment.

What are some typical challenges legal associates face during their first year at a law firm?

Legal Associates often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of work under tight deadlines, adapting to the expectations of different partners, and learning to balance administrative tasks with substantive legal research and drafting. Navigating firm culture and building relationships with senior attorneys and clients can also be demanding. However, these challenges provide valuable learning opportunities and help associates develop strong time management, communication, and legal analysis skills crucial for career growth.

What is the difference between Legal Associate vs Paralegal?

AspectLegal AssociateParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission often preferredAssociate's degree or paralegal certification
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts, corporate offices
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, drafting documents, client interaction, assisting attorneysLegal research, document preparation, case organization, support tasks

Legal Associates typically hold a JD and are licensed to practice law, performing more advanced legal tasks. Paralegals assist attorneys with research and administrative duties but do not require a law degree or license. Both roles work in similar environments, but Legal Associates have a broader scope of responsibilities and legal authority.

Are legal associates in demand?

Legal associates are in demand due to ongoing legal needs across various industries, especially in corporate, healthcare, and technology sectors. The role often requires strong research, writing, and analytical skills, and employment prospects are expected to grow as legal services remain essential for businesses and individuals.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Legal Associate jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Legal Associate jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Legal Associate jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Legal Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Legal Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Legal Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Legal Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,146 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Legal Assistant/Legal Secretary

Lichtman Eisen Partners, Ltd.

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Lichtman Eisen Partners is seeking a candidate who is a self starter, possesses a high level of motivation with an understanding of client service and development while self-sufficient with computer skills and be willing to assume a high level of responsibility and interact professionally and effectively with clients, attorneys and staff. The legal assistant will work in a fast paced environment with the attorneys and law clerks to effectively manage cases while providing superior service to the client at all times. Specifically, at this time, the legal assistant will be working between the attorneys and law clerks in managing our commercial collection law practice, preparing for real estate closings, preparing correspondence regarding settlement of matters and managing our social media accounts.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Daily case management
Order, review and summarize documents for commercial collection matters and real estate transactions
E-filing
Communicating with clients regarding the disbursements of settlements
Assisting the attorneys on our social media marketing
Other duties as assigned
Skills and Qualifications:
Legal Assistant with experience preferred
Must possess strong writing and communication skills with attention to detail
Must have the ability work in a fast-paced environment
Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
Must be proficient in local and federal case filings (ECF/Pacer)
Education:
Associates Degree
Bachelor's Degree Preferred
Benefits:
Medical insurance
Sick & vacation days
401(k) plan
About Lichtman Eisen Partners:
We are a nationally recognized law firm concentrating our practice in business to business commercial collections. Our clients include, but are not limited to, banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, commercial landlords, manufacturers, distributors, and professional service providers. We are an entrepreneurial firm that works collaboratively among the lawyers and staff to optimize our client's objectives and goals.