At Wilson Elser, we are redefining what it means to work at a national law firm. With more than 1,400 attorneys across 46 offices nationwide, we are recognized among the top 100 law firms by The American Lawyer and ranked #36 in the National Law Journal’s survey of the nation’s largest law firms.
Our continued success is built on a culture of collaboration, innovation, client service, and mutual respect. We are committed to fostering an environment where attorneys are empowered to grow their careers, contribute meaningfully, and thrive professionally.
Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation. If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Commercial Litigation Associate Attorney. While the position is based in our Chicago office, we welcome applicants from across the United States and are open to hires reporting to other regional offices if located elsewhere.
This position offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement.
The Position
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced litigation attorney who is eager for career advancement and to take on significant, substantive responsibilities in defending complex class actions, including cyber and privacy cases. While experience with cyber class actions is preferred, it is not required; strong class action litigation experience is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage all phases of complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts.
- Draft pleadings, dispositive motions, briefs, and other substantive legal filings.
- Conduct legal research and develop litigation strategies.
- Prepare and respond to written discovery, oversee e-discovery, and take and defend depositions.
- Represent clients in court appearances, hearings, mediations, and other litigation proceedings.
- Collaborate with clients, experts, and internal teams to develop case strategy and achieve successful outcomes.
- Effectively manage multiple matters while meeting deadlines and maintaining exceptional client service.
Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the applicable state bar.
- 5–15+ years of commercial litigation experience handling matters in state and federal courts.
- Experience managing all phases of litigation, including written discovery, depositions, and e-discovery.
- Strong motion practice experience, including drafting motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment.
- Proficiency conducting legal research using LexisNexis and Westlaw.
- Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
- Ability to manage multiple matters independently while working collaboratively in a team environment.
- Class action litigation experience is a plus.
- Cyber, privacy, or technology litigation experience is a plus, but not required.
Wilson Elser offers a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our attorneys both professionally and personally.
A variety of factors are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, education, licensure and/or certifications, geographic location, market demands, other business and organizational needs, and other factors permitted by law. This position is also eligible for discretionary bonuses. Final salary wages offered may be outside of this range based on other reasons and individual circumstances. This position is considered full-time and therefore qualifies for benefits including 401(k) retirement savings plan, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.
Why Join Wilson Elser?
- Meaningful Work: Handle sophisticated matters alongside experienced attorneys and partners
- Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive team environment that values mentorship and professional development
- Advancement: Gain opportunities for long-term growth within a nationally recognized firm
- Hybrid Flexibility: Enjoy a flexible hybrid work arrangement that supports work-life balance
- Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive compensation, generous PTO, 401(k) match, and robust medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
- Additional Perks: Access to corporate discount programs and employee benefits
Skills Required
- J.D. from an accredited law school
- Admission to the applicable state bar
- 5-15+ years of commercial litigation experience handling matters in state and federal courts
- Experience managing all phases of litigation, including written discovery, depositions, and e-discovery
- Strong motion practice experience, including drafting motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment
- Proficiency conducting legal research using LexisNexis and Westlaw
- Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills
- Ability to manage multiple matters independently while working collaboratively in a team environment
- Class action litigation experience
- Cyber, privacy, or technology litigation experience
What We Do
Wilson Elser is a preeminent defense litigation firm in the United States. The firm's attorneys handle a diverse array of defense and coverage matters, ranging from premises liability and bad faith coverage claims to large-scale program management. Known for taking on challenging and technical cases, Wilson Elser is recognized among the nation's most influential law firms in the Am Law 200 and NLJ 500.
