Executive Assistant (Mike Layden)

Executive Assistant (Mike Layden)

We are seeking an Executive Assistant to support the Litigation Practice Group Chair and other litigation partners. The role will provide high-level administrative and organizational support, including calendar management, document preparation, travel coordination, expense reporting, and assistance with professional and personal tasks. The ideal candidate is polished, proactive, detail-oriented, and able to manage competing priorities with discretion and sound judgment. This is an on-site position in the Chicago loop (5 days per week).

Responsibilities

• Manage complex and often changing calendars for the Litigation Practice Group Chair and other litigation partners. This includes scheduling meetings and appointments, spotting and resolving conflicts before they arise, and confirming logistics with internal and external contacts.
• Prepare, format, proofread, and revise correspondence, presentations, reports, and other documents to a high standard. Use the document management system when appropriate and as instructed.
• Coordinate domestic and international travel, including itineraries, transportation, accommodations, and reservations. Adjust arrangements promptly when plans change.
• Prepare and submit accurate, timely expense reports. Track receipts and reconcile charges in line with firm policies.
• Provide high-level organizational support to attorneys. This includes preparing meeting materials, tracking deadlines and follow-up items, managing internal communications, and coordinating across departments and practice groups.
• Help with administrative requests related to litigation matters, such as organizing materials and coordinating schedules with attorneys, paralegals, and staff.
• Coordinate client entertainment and practice group meetings and events.
• Serve as a polished, professional point of contact for clients, visitors, vendors, and firm personnel. Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Assist with personal matters as requested, including personal scheduling, travel, errands, and projects.
• Manage competing priorities proactively, anticipate the partners' needs, and use sound judgment to handle time-sensitive issues with little direction.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Bachelor's degree or the equivalent relevant work experience.
• At least 5 years of experience as an executive assistant at a law firm or other professional services firm.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn firm systems and technology.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Proactive, resourceful, and able to work independently.
• Approaches responsibilities with enthusiasm and a commitment to getting things done.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Access to and willingness to use reliable transportation.

Benefits

Croke Fairchild contributes to voluntary medical, dental, and vision plans. Offers FSA, HSA, and commuter benefits. Firm-paid STD & LTD. Retirement savings plan. Unlimited paid time off days.

Croke Fairchild is WBE Certified and a member of the National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF).

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of CFDB not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws. This applies to all employment decisions.

Point of Difference Strategies (PoDS) is the largest wholly Latina-owned lobbying firm in Illinois, with offices in Chicago and Springfield. We specialize in strategic advice, advocacy, and relationship management, providing top-tier government affairs and lobbying services at the federal, state, and local levels. Our team excels in bill tracking, drafting, and analysis, and is known for building strong, lasting relationships with elected officials and industry stakeholders. Our clients span diverse sectors, including municipalities, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and economic development, allowing us to tailor our expertise to the unique needs of each client.

Our attorneys and lobbyists work closely with our law firm, Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres (CFDB). It is a growing law firm headquartered in Chicago, with a team of over 150 attorneys, lobbyists, and staff. Formed by partners who worked at preeminent international law firms, with a deep bench of sophisticated and experienced corporate lawyers, litigators, and government affairs professionals, our team provides exceptional legal and advocacy service while affording our clients the benefits of working with an agile and entrepreneurial-minded team of results-oriented, well-rounded professionals. We are driven by our core values: humility, respect, collaboration, partnership, and innovation.

Both firms represent a diverse group of interesting clients, which include elected officials and government representatives, private equity firms, founders, startups, venture capital investors, family offices and public companies (among others), in sophisticated and complex legal matters, transactions, and Illinois state and federal government affairs and lobbying efforts.

Compensation

Base salary of $80,000-$110,000, depending on experience and hours commitment, with competitive bonuses paid annually.

Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres