Civil Defense/Aviation Attorney

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, a leading national firm, seeks mid-level to senior-level attorneys to join its Aviation and Aerospace practice Location: Chicago, IL Hybrid | Remote Join Hinshaw & Culbertson’s nationally recognized Aviation & Aerospace powerhouse—ranked among the nation’s leading aviation practices and backed by highly regarded aviation litigators—handling sophisticated, high-stakes matters for airlines, manufacturers, airports, lessors, and insurers throughout California and across the country.Why Hinshaw & CulbertsonExcellence, Recognized. 13 national rankings and 56 metro rankings in the 2026 Best Law Firms directory. 80 lawyers named to Best Lawyers in America, with 22 rising stars on the Ones to Watch list. National Chambers USA honors in Aviation, Financial Services, and Insurance. This isn't legacy prestige — it's excellence earned every year, by people at every stage of their career.Scale That Backs You Up. 90+ years in practice. 450+ attorneys in 25 offices nationwide. One firm, coast to coast — giving you the resources of a national platform with the relationships of a firm that still knows your name.Equality Isn't a Talking Point Here. 14 years running at 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index. Mansfield Rule Certified Plus. A firm-wide commitment to pro bono work that runs through nearly every practice group. At Hinshaw, inclusion isn't a program — it's how we've operated for over a decade, consistently.Bottom line: Ranked nationally. Built for the long run. Committed to getting it right — for our people, our clients, and our communities.Position Requirements:Must be admitted to the Illinois bar in good standingIdeal candidates will have experience in civil defense litigation in state and federal courts and can hit the ground running by preparing cases for trial.Preferred candidates will have experience in aviation law, product liability, and/or premises liability is preferred but not required.Candidates should possess excellent research, writing, pre-trial discovery, and deposition skills, as well as the ability to work independently and within a team setting.Trial skills and experience would be an added benefit but not necessary.Applicants must be organized, self-motivated, and able to handle files with minimal supervision.Some travel may be required.This is an excellent opportunity to join a tight-knit group offering a high level of responsibility in an exciting and growing practice areaWhat We Offer Salary Range:Estimated $140,000 to $200,000. The estimated salary range displayed is specifically for those applicants who will perform work in Chicago if selected for the role and is not applicable to other locations.Competitive Compensation & Multiple Paths to Earn MoreHinshaw’s compensation structure is designed to reward performance and provide multiple opportunities to increase your total compensation. In addition to competitive base salaries, attorneys can benefit from:Semi-annual hours-based bonuses rewarding strong billable performanceAnnual billed-and-collected bonuses providing an additional opportunity to directly benefit from your business and billing resultsDiscretionary annual bonuses recognizing overall contributions and performanceWith multiple bonus opportunities throughout the year, Hinshaw provides several avenues to achieve—and potentially exceed your compensation goals.Exceptional Benefits, Growth & Career SupportHinshaw offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, career growth, and life beyond the workplace. Employees enjoy top-tier healthcare with multiple medical plan options to fit individual and family needs, along with dental and vision coverage.Additional benefits include generous PTO and holidays, retirement savings and wealth management resources, a student loan repayment program, backup care, parental and personal leave with reintegration support, wellness and mental health resources, EAP, commuter benefits, and flexible spending and health savings accounts. Hinshaw also recognizes and rewards long-term commitment through its employee anniversary program.Your growth matters at Hinshaw. Through a dedicated Mentor Program, Hinshaw University skills development, Trial Workshops, and free monthly CLE programs, attorneys have meaningful opportunities to sharpen their skills and advance their careers. Our Peer Recognition Program allows you to be recognized and recognize fellow peers for outstanding work. Flexible career tracks allow you to shape your professional path, while coast-to-coast pro bono opportunities provide the chance to make an impact in communities across the country.At Hinshaw, you’re not just joining a firm; you’re joining a firm invested in your success, your career, and your life.How to ApplyTo apply, please submit your resume, unofficial law school transcript, and writing sample.As an EOE/AA employer, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.NOTICE TO SEARCH FIRMS: Search firms that wish to present candidates to Hinshaw must submit all candidates exclusively through Hinshaw’s Recruitment Team. All resumes and candidate information must be directed to the Recruitment Team to be considered for current or future opportunities. Submissions made outside of this process will not be reviewed, will not establish candidate ownership, and will not create an obligation for Hinshaw to pay a placement fee.