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Litigation Associate (1–3 Years' Experience)

Location:Westmont, Chicago, or Orland Park, Illinois (In-Person with Opportunity for Hybrid Schedule)

Join a Firm Where You'll Gain Real Courtroom Experience.

Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins, Ltd. is seeking a Litigation Associate with one to three years of experience to join our municipal litigation practice. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for an attorney looking to build a sophisticated civil litigation practice while representing municipalities, school districts, libraries, park districts, fire protection districts, and other local governmental entities throughout Illinois.

Our associates are entrusted with meaningful responsibility early in their careers, including drafting dispositive motions and briefs, conducting discovery, appearing in court, taking and defending depositions, preparing cases for trial, and advising public officials on complex legal issues. Working alongside experienced municipal litigators, the successful candidate will receive mentorship while developing the skills necessary to manage cases independently.

Responsibilities

• Handle all phases of civil litigation in Illinois state and federal courts under the guidance of senior attorneys.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and other litigation documents.
• Conduct legal research and prepare written legal analyses.
• Attend court appearances, hearings, depositions, arbitrations, mediations, and trials.
• Assist with litigation strategy and case management from inception through appeal, when applicable.
• Collaborate with attorneys across the firm's municipal practice areas to provide comprehensive legal representation.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships through practical, responsive legal counsel.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Illinois and in good standing.
• One to three years of civil litigation experience, or a judicial clerkship with substantial litigation exposure.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines.
• Reliable transportation for travel to courts, client meetings, and the firm's offices.
• A collaborative work ethic and commitment to exceptional client service.

The ideal candidate will have experience with one or more of the following litigation skills:

• Drafting and arguing motions, including dispositive motions and motions in limine.
• Conducting and responding to written discovery, including document requests, interrogatories, and requests for admission.
• Taking and defending depositions.
• Preparing witnesses for depositions, hearings, and trial.
• Participating in hearings, oral arguments, mediations, arbitrations, and trial preparation.
• Managing litigation matters from initial pleadings through resolution.
• Preparing persuasive legal briefs, memoranda, and written advocacy materials.
• Experience with electronic discovery and litigation case management.
• Strong legal research and analytical skills with the ability to identify practical solutions to complex legal issues.
  

Experience representing governmental entities or public bodies is helpful but not required. Experience in other civil litigation settings, including private practice, government practice, or judicial clerkship experience involving substantial litigation exposure, will be considered.

Admission to one or more federal district courts is welcomed but not required. Applicants should indicate any federal court admissions in their application materials.

Work Environment

This position is based in one of the firm's Westmont, Chicago, or Orland Park offices. The role is primarily in person to promote collaboration, mentorship, and client service. Following an initial onboarding period, attorneys may have the opportunity to transition to a hybrid work schedule based on performance and practice needs.

Why Join Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins?

For more than 90 years, Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins has represented local governments throughout Illinois. Our attorneys work on significant matters affecting public entities and have the opportunity to appear regularly in court, work directly with clients, and develop litigation skills through hands-on experience and mentorship.

We are committed to investing in our attorneys' professional growth. Associates receive meaningful responsibility from the outset, regular mentoring from experienced litigators, and opportunities to build lasting client relationships. This position is intended for an attorney seeking to develop a long-term career with the firm and offers a clear path for professional growth and partnership consideration based on performance, client service, and commitment to the firm's values.

No existing book of business is required. We are looking for a talented litigator who is eager to learn, grow, and build a successful long-term career with our firm. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative environment where attorneys are encouraged to build successful, rewarding careers. Salary ranges are based on commensurate experience but is generally in the range of $105,000 to $120,000.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, transcript and any information regarding state and federal court admissions to: careers@ktjlaw.com.