Associate Attorney - Labor & Employment

About the Company

We're partnering with a strong Labor & Employment practice in Chicago to identify their next Associate Attorney. This firm represents employers across a broad range of workplace matters from single-plaintiff litigation to traditional labor and union issues and is looking for someone who can step in and carry real casework from day one.

About the Role

The team advises and represents employers on the full spectrum of labor and employment issues: litigation defense, wage and hour compliance, traditional labor and union matters, non-compete and trade secret disputes, and day-to-day workplace counseling. Attorneys here get substantial direct client contact early and are given real ownership over matters rather than staying buried in a support role.

Responsibilities

• Handle all phases of employment litigation — depositions, written discovery, motion practice, dispositive motions, and trial preparation
• Represent employers in temporary restraining order and injunction proceedings, including trade secret and non-compete disputes
• Advise clients on wage and hour compliance, employment agreements, and workplace policy under FLSA and state law
• Represent clients before the EEOC, IDHR, DOL, and NLRB
• Draft pleadings, briefs, and client-facing advisory memos
• Conduct internal workplace investigations
• Handle traditional labor matters, including collective bargaining and unfair labor practice charges, where relevant
• Build direct client relationships and take part in business development as your practice grows

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school;
  active Illinois bar license (or eligible to waive in)
• 2+ years of labor & employment litigation experience, ideally representing employers
• Working knowledge of FLSA, Title VII, FMLA, ADA, and Illinois-specific employment statutes
• Traditional labor/union-side experience a plus, not required
• Strong academic credentials and excellent legal writing
• Ability to manage a caseload independently while working collaboratively with senior attorneys and clients

Required Skills

• Labor & employment litigation
• Knowledge of FLSA, Title VII, FMLA, ADA, and Illinois-specific employment statutes
• Legal research and writing
• Client counseling and communication
• Case and workload management

Preferred Skills

• Traditional labor/union-side experience
• Experience with collective bargaining and unfair labor practice charges
• Business development and client relationship building

Pay range and compensation package

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage from day one
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Generous PTO
• Discretionary annual bonus

Equal Opportunity Statement

This isn't a firm looking to backfill a seat, they're actively growing this practice group and want someone who'll take on real responsibility fast, with a clear path toward direct client ownership and eventual business development. The firm is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and to creating an inclusive environment where diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences are valued.