Description
Position Overview
A busy solo family law practice is seeking a motivated Associate Attorney to assist with a high-volume caseload focused on contested and uncontested divorce, parentage, and post-decree matters. This role is ideal for an attorney who is comfortable working independently, managing cases from start to finish, and engaging directly with clients in emotionally sensitive situations. Our clients need an attorney who combines courtroom confidence with genuine compassion and authenticity. The candidate must be an Illinois-licensed attorney. Our office serves DuPage, Cook, and Will counties.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload involving:
- Divorce (contested, uncontested and collaborative)
- Parentage (paternity) actions
- Post-decree matters (modifications, enforcement, contempt)
- Child support establishment and modification
- Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and correspondence
- Appear in court for hearings, status calls, and trials
- Conduct legal research and case strategy development
- Managing discovery and preparing subpoenas
- Communicate directly with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel
- Negotiate settlements and prepare settlement agreements
- Conduct depositions and prepare for trial if an agreement is unable to be reached
- Maintain accurate and organized case files
- Collaborate with and delegate appropriate tasks to paralegal staff
- Meet billable hour expectations
Requirements
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
- Active Illinois Bar license and good standing
1–5 years of family law experience preferred (newly licensed attorneys, an attorney looking to change their practice area or returning to the workforce with a strong interest in family law may be considered) - Courtroom experience or strong willingness to appear regularly in court
- Excellent writing, communication, analytical, and organizational skills
- Proficiency in legal research (Westlaw)
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence when working with clients
- Excellent attention to detail, organization, and follow through
- Ability to navigate unpredictable schedules and time-sensitive demands
- Manage family law cases from inception to resolution (settlement or trial)
- Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, reliability and strong work ethic
- Candidates must be able to commute to Oakbrook Terrace, IL, and to the courthouses in Cook, DuPage, and Will counties when required
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams) and Adobe Acrobat
- Experience with Clio is a plus
Work Environment & Expectations
- Fast-paced, high-responsibility role in a solo practice setting
- Direct mentorship from the principal attorney, with increasing autonomy over time
- Paralegal support is available to assist with case management, drafting, and administrative tasks
- Candidate must be comfortable handling significant responsibility early on
- Hybrid capability
Compensation
- Salary compensation commensurate with experience
- Bonus opportunities may be available based on performance or collections
How to Apply
Please submit a resume, writing sample, and brief cover letter describing your interest in family law, your work ethic, your career goals, and your ability to work in a solo practice environment with support staff.
This position is best suited for a driven, practical, and compassionate attorney looking to gain hands-on experience and quickly develop courtroom and case management skills in family law.
