Associate Attorney - Labor & Employment

Position OverviewTake the next step in your employment law career with a firm that combines sophisticated legal work, strong attorney development, and a clear path to partnership. Join a growing Employment Law practice where you'll work directly with employers on complex workplace matters, gain meaningful responsibility, and develop your practice alongside experienced attorneys. The firm offers a collaborative environment, high-quality work, and a sustainable 1,800-hour billable expectation that supports long-term success. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney seeking a destination firm where they can build a career, develop client relationships, and advance from Associate to Director and ultimately Shareholder.Key ResponsibilitiesAdvise employers on a broad range of employment law matters, including workplace compliance, employee relations, risk management, and policy development.Represent management-side employers in employment litigation, administrative proceedings, investigations, and dispute resolution matters.Draft, review, and negotiate employment agreements, separation agreements, handbooks, policies, and related employment documents.Partner directly with business owners, executives, and management teams to provide practical legal guidance and strategic counsel.Collaborate with attorneys across multiple practice areas to deliver comprehensive solutions for employers.Qualifications / Nice to HaveMust HaveJ.D. from an accredited law school and active bar admission.3+ years of employment law experience.Experience advising employers on employment-related issues.Experience handling employment litigation, agency claims, workplace investigations, or employment disputes.Nice to HaveExperience representing middle-market or privately held businesses.Wage and hour, restrictive covenant, or executive employment experience.Experience independently managing matters and client relationships.Interest in developing business and growing a long-term practice.BenefitsBase salary of $175,000 to $225,000+, depending on experience.Annual hours bonus paid for all billable hours worked above the firm's 1,800-hour target.15% origination bonus on collected revenue from self-generated business.Eligibility for profit-sharing contributions, historically ranging from $7,500 to $15,000 annually, based on associate productivity.Hybrid work environment with flexibility and a preference for candidates located in the Chicagoland area.Opportunity to work alongside approximately 75 attorneys across multiple practice areas.Mentorship from experienced attorneys with backgrounds at prominent law firms.Clear and transparent advancement path from Associate to Director (Non-Equity Partner) to Shareholder (Equity Partner).High-quality work, sophisticated employer-side matters, and a culture that supports professional growth and work-life balance.