Associate Attorney

Job Description

Associate Attorney – Litigation | Chicago

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The Cook Group is seeking an Associate Attorney with 1–3 years of litigation experience to join our growing Chicago office . This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career attorney looking to strengthen their litigation skills, gain meaningful case responsibility, and build a long-term career alongside experienced defense and trial attorneys.

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At The Cook Group, associates aren't expected to simply observe from the sidelines. You'll gain hands-on litigation experience, work directly with partners and clients, and receive ongoing mentorship from attorneys invested in your professional development.

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We are looking for someone who is curious, motivated, collaborative, and ready to take the next step in their litigation career.

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What You'll Do

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As an Associate Attorney, you'll work closely with partners and other members of our litigation teams while taking on increasing responsibility for your matters. Responsibilities may include:

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• Managing defense litigation matters from inception through resolution
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• Investigating claims and developing effective case strategies
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• Drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, and written discovery
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• Conducting and defending depositions
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• Preparing for and attending hearings, mediations, and court proceedings
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• Communicating directly with clients, insurance carriers, opposing counsel, and experts
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• Conducting legal research and preparing case analyses and reports
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• Assisting with trial preparation and participating in courtroom proceedings
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• Managing deadlines and maintaining organized, responsive case files
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Our attorneys handle a diverse range of litigation matters, including:

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• Product Liability
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• Toxic Tort
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• Commercial Litigation
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• Property & Casualty
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• General Liability
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What We're Looking For

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The ideal candidate has 1–3 years of litigation experience and is ready to continue developing as a defense attorney in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

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We're particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate sound judgment, initiative, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in becoming skilled litigators.

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Qualifications include:

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• J.D. from an accredited law school
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• Active admission to the Illinois Bar
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• 1–3 years of litigation experience
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• Defense litigation experience preferred, but not required
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• Experience with legal research, written discovery, pleadings, and motion practice
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• Deposition experience is a plus
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• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
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• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
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• Strong organizational and time-management abilities
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• Ability to manage multiple matters and competing deadlines
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• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment
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• Commitment to providing responsive, high-quality client service
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Why The Cook Group?

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We believe strong attorneys are developed through a combination of meaningful experience, mentorship, feedback, and opportunity .

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Our associates work directly with experienced litigators and firm leadership, receive substantive responsibility early in their careers, and have opportunities to develop their skills in depositions, motion practice, client counseling, case strategy, and trial preparation.

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At The Cook Group, you'll find a team that expects high-quality work while also investing in your growth.

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We offer:

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• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
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• Comprehensive benefits package
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• Health, dental, and vision insurance
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• Paid time off
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• Retirement plan
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• Mentorship and professional development opportunities
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• Meaningful hands-on litigation experience
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• A collaborative, team-oriented culture
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• Opportunities for long-term professional growth and advancement
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If you're an Illinois-licensed attorney with 1–3 years of litigation experience looking for greater responsibility, strong mentorship, and the opportunity to continue developing as a litigator, we'd like to hear from you.

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Join The Cook Group and grow your practice with a team committed to excellent advocacy, exceptional client service, and the development of the next generation of litigators.

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Salary starting at $85,000 and based on experience.