Attorney

Mid-Level Associate Attorney – Litigation | Chicago

The Cook Group | Chicago, Illinois | Full-Time

Take the next step in your litigation career with a national defense firm where mid-level associates are trusted with meaningful responsibility, direct client interaction, and substantive case ownership.

The Cook Group is seeking a Mid-Level Associate Attorney with approximately 3–6 years of civil litigation experience to join our growing Chicago office .

This opportunity is designed for an attorney who has developed a solid litigation foundation and is ready for greater responsibility. You'll work alongside experienced attorneys while taking an active role in case strategy, depositions, motion practice, client communication, and the day-to-day management of complex defense matters.

At The Cook Group, we believe attorneys grow by doing meaningful work. Our mid-level associates are encouraged to take ownership of their matters, develop strong client relationships, sharpen their advocacy skills, and continue building toward the next stage of their careers.

What You'll Do

As a Mid-Level Associate, you'll have an active role in managing and defending complex civil litigation matters. Responsibilities may include:

• Managing litigation matters from inception through resolution
• Developing case strategy in collaboration with partners and clients
• Drafting and arguing substantive motions, pleadings, briefs, and legal memoranda
• Taking and defending fact, expert, and other key depositions
• Managing written discovery and discovery strategy
• Appearing at hearings, conferences, mediations, and other court proceedings
• Evaluating liability, damages, exposure, and potential resolution strategies
• Communicating directly with clients, insurance carriers, experts, and opposing counsel
• Preparing detailed case evaluations, status reports, and litigation recommendations
• Taking an active role in trial preparation and litigation strategy
• Collaborating with attorneys across our national platform on complex and multi-jurisdictional matters
• Providing guidance and support to junior attorneys as appropriate

Our Practice

Our Chicago attorneys handle a diverse range of sophisticated defense litigation, including:

• Asbestos Litigation
• Toxic Tort Litigation
• Mass Tort Defense
• Product Liability
• Insurance Defense
• Commercial Litigation
• General Liability and Civil Litigation

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate has 3–6 years of civil litigation experience and is ready to move beyond supporting cases to taking meaningful ownership of them.

We're looking for an attorney who combines strong legal skills with sound judgment, initiative, responsiveness, and the confidence to communicate directly with clients and other stakeholders.

Qualifications include:

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active admission to the Illinois Bar
• Approximately 3–6 years of civil litigation experience
• Defense litigation experience strongly preferred
• Experience in asbestos, toxic tort, mass tort, product liability, insurance defense, or other complex civil litigation is highly valued
• Demonstrated deposition and motion practice experience
• Experience independently managing cases or significant components of litigation
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to effectively manage multiple matters, deadlines, and competing priorities
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Sound professional judgment and commitment to exceptional client service
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment

Why The Cook Group?

At this stage in your career, professional growth requires more than simply accumulating years of experience. You need the opportunity to take ownership, exercise judgment, advocate for clients, and continue developing as a litigator.

At The Cook Group, mid-level associates work directly with experienced litigators and firm leadership while taking substantive roles in the matters they handle.

We offer:

• Sophisticated defense work across a national litigation platform
• Meaningful case ownership and hands-on litigation responsibility
• Direct interaction with clients and insurance carriers
• Regular deposition, motion practice, and courtroom opportunities
• Access to experienced trial attorneys and firm leadership
• Mentorship and continued professional development
• Opportunities to work across offices and jurisdictions
• A collaborative, team-oriented environment
• A modern and inclusive firm culture
• Opportunities for long-term professional growth and advancement

Compensation & Benefits

Salary starting at $100,000+ annually, commensurate with experience.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

About The Cook Group

The Cook Group is a national litigation firm representing clients in complex matters across multiple jurisdictions and practice areas.

Distinguished by our commitment to client service and supported by experienced legal talent across our national platform, we are proud to offer attorneys an environment that combines sophisticated litigation work with collaboration, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth.

If you're an Illinois-licensed attorney with 3–6 years of litigation experience who is ready for greater case ownership, increased client responsibility, and the opportunity to continue developing as a sophisticated defense litigator, we'd like to hear from you.

Build the next stage of your litigation career with The Cook Group.