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Non Practicing Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Latham & Watkins LLP

Innovation Attorney

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

... non-legal, to ensure a state-of-the-art technology platform is available to and fully exploited by ... Assisting with communications between practicing lawyers, local technology teams, and the global ...

Esswd

Legal Solutions Architect

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$183K - $211K/yr

Are you a practicing attorney or former practicing attorney looking to apply your legal expertise in a high-impact, non-attorney role where legal expertise meets emerging technology? Faegre Drinker ...

Esswd

Manager of Legal Solutions

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Are you a practicing attorney or former practicing attorney looking to apply your legal expertise in a high-impact, non-attorney role where legal expertise meets emerging technology? Faegre Drinker ...

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All JobsNon Practicing Attorney JobsNon Practicing Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL

Non Practicing Attorney information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.4K

$111.4K

$177.7K

How much do non practicing attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for non practicing attorney in Chicago, IL is $111,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $133,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a non-practicing attorney?

A non-practicing attorney is someone who has earned a law degree and may have passed the bar exam, but is not currently licensed to practice law or is not actively practicing as a lawyer. This could be due to a voluntary decision to pursue other careers, temporary leave, or a formal change in their professional status with the state bar. Non-practicing attorneys often use their legal training in alternative fields such as compliance, consulting, writing, or business. Their skills and legal knowledge can be valuable in many industries outside of traditional legal practice.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a non practicing attorney, and why are they important?

A Non Practicing Attorney should possess a law degree, strong legal research skills, and a thorough understanding of legal principles, even if not actively licensed to practice. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and experience with document management systems, are often expected. Excellent analytical thinking, written communication, and adaptability are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities enable Non Practicing Attorneys to provide valuable legal support, policy analysis, or compliance work in non-litigation settings.

What types of career paths are available to non practicing attorneys within organizations?

Non-practicing attorneys often find rewarding roles in fields such as compliance, contract management, legal consulting, risk assessment, and corporate governance. Many organizations value the analytical, research, and negotiation skills that attorneys bring, even if they are not actively practicing law. These professionals may work closely with legal departments, business units, or executive teams to ensure the organization operates within regulatory frameworks and mitigates potential risks. Career growth can include advancement to leadership roles in compliance, corporate strategy, or operational management.

What is the difference between Non Practicing Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectNon Practicing AttorneyParalegal
CredentialsLaw degree, passed the bar exam, but not practicingAssociate's or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or related field
Work EnvironmentLegal offices, courts, or corporate legal departments, but not practicing lawSupport legal teams by preparing documents, research, and administrative tasks
Usage in IndustryLegal professionals who are temporarily not practicing or seeking non-legal rolesLegal support staff assisting attorneys with case preparation

Non Practicing Attorneys have completed law school and passed the bar but are not actively practicing law, often working in support roles or transitioning careers. Paralegals assist attorneys with legal tasks but do not hold law degrees or bar admission. While both work in legal environments, their credentials and roles differ significantly.

What can I do with a non practicing attorney besides practice law?

A non-practicing attorney can pursue careers in legal consulting, compliance, legal writing, or policy analysis, leveraging their knowledge of law and critical thinking skills. They may also work in areas such as education, corporate governance, or risk management, often requiring strong research and communication abilities.

What other jobs can non practicing attorneys do?

Non-practicing attorneys can pursue roles such as legal consultants, compliance officers, legal analysts, contract managers, or paralegals, leveraging their legal knowledge and research skills. They often work in corporate settings, government agencies, or consulting firms, sometimes requiring certifications or specialized training. These positions typically involve legal research, policy review, or advising without representing clients in court.

What are the most commonly searched types of Non Practicing Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Non Practicing Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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

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

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

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

Non Practicing Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Non Practicing Attorney job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,420 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Patent Litigation Associate Attorney

Aligned Talent Acquisition

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$235K - $410K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Dallas | Hybrid

Patent Litigation Associate AttorneyAmLaw 100 OpportunityCompensation

$235,000 – $410,000

A premier national law firm is seeking a Patent Litigation Associate Attorney to join its Dallas office.

This opportunity is ideal for an attorney interested in representing innovative companies in sophisticated patent disputes involving cutting-edge technologies across a broad range of industries.

Ideal Background

• 2–6 years of patent litigation or intellectual property litigation experience gained at a sophisticated law firm

• Experience handling patent infringement litigation in federal courts and before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is preferred

• Experience managing all phases of litigation, including pleadings, fact and expert discovery, depositions, claim construction, motion practice, and trial preparation

• Experience working with technical experts, inventors, and in-house counsel on complex technology matters

• Technical background in engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or another scientific discipline is preferred

• Experience representing clients in the technology, telecommunications, software, hardware, manufacturing, life sciences, or financial services industries is a plus

• Experience defending and prosecuting matters involving competitor disputes and non-practicing entity (NPE) litigation is desirable

• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills

• Ability to manage sophisticated litigation matters while working directly with clients and trial teams

• Excellent academic credentials

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school required

• Texas bar admission required or ability to become admitted

Why This Opportunity

Nationally recognized intellectual property litigation platform

Exposure to complex patent litigation involving cutting-edge technologies

Representation of leading technology companies, manufacturers, and financial institutions

Significant client interaction and responsibility

Strong mentorship and professional development

Collaborative AmLaw 100 environment

Interested?

Aligned Talent Acquisition is currently working with firms seeking talented attorneys with this type of background.

Even if you're not actively looking or aren't sure this opportunity is the right fit, let's connect for a confidential conversation. Many attorneys find it helpful to understand what opportunities are available and how the current market compares before they begin considering a move.

I'm happy to provide additional information regarding compensation, billable expectations, partnership track, and how this opportunity compares to others currently on the market.

Confidential inquiries are always welcome.

Devney Ayers
Director of Legal Recruiting
Aligned Talent Acquisition

devney@alignedtalentacquisition.com
(216) 710-5174