Associate Attorney Construction, Surety & Bankruptcy

A law firm seeks an Associate Attorney to join its Chicago, IL, office. The successful candidate will handle matters spanning construction law and litigation, surety law, and bankruptcy practice. The role offers a supportive environment with benefits that include medical insurance contribution and participation in a 401(k) plan.

Duties

• Manage construction-related matters: review and draft construction contracts, advise on performance and payment bond issues, and handle associated disputes

• Represent clients in construction litigation: prepare pleadings, conduct discovery, attend hearings, and work toward resolution in state and federal forums

• Advise on surety issues: analyze bond obligations, negotiate indemnity agreements, and guide clients through bond calls and claims

• Support bankruptcy practice: assist with creditors’ rights work—draft motions for relief from stay, analyze debtor schedules, participate in creditors’ committee discussions, and assist with asset recovery strategies

• Draft and negotiate transactional documents: review financing agreements, secure lien waivers, and collaborate with lenders on loan collateral issues

• Conduct legal research on construction statutes, surety regulations, and bankruptcy code provisions to inform case strategy

• Develop and maintain client relationships by identifying new business opportunities and assisting with pitches or presentations

• Collaborate with senior attorneys on case assessments, strategy memos, and risk analyses for new and ongoing matters

• Prepare internal case budgets, track billable hours, and contribute to firm profitability through efficient case management

Requirements

• Minimum of two years of legal experience in one or more of the following: construction law (transactional or litigation), surety law, or bankruptcy/creditors’ rights

• Active Illinois Bar admission in good standing (admission to relevant federal bankruptcy court preferred)

• Demonstrated knowledge of construction industry practices, surety bond mechanisms, and basic bankruptcy procedures

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to clients and colleagues

• Proven organizational abilities: capable of managing multiple files, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Self-motivated work ethic, with the capacity to work independently and also collaborate seamlessly within a small team

• Business-development mindset: willingness to build a book of business and participate in client pitches

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school

Certifications

• Active license to practice law in Illinois

• Admission to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois (preferred)

• Any additional construction-industry or surety-related certifications (e.g., Certified Construction Counsel) are encouraged but not required

Skills

• Legal research: proficiency with Westlaw, LexisNexis, or comparable databases to analyze statutes, regulations, and case law

• Drafting proficiency: ability to prepare clear, concise pleadings, motions, contracts, and transactional documents

• Litigation aptitude: comfort in courtroom and arbitration settings, with skills in deposition preparation and trial presentation

• Transactional expertise: understanding of contract negotiation, risk allocation, and financing structures in the construction context

• Analytical thinking: the capacity to evaluate complex fact patterns and recommend practical solutions in construction, surety, and bankruptcy matters

• Client-service orientation: strong interpersonal skills to build trust, manage expectations, and maintain positive interactions with diverse stakeholders

• Time management: adept at juggling simultaneous assignments, tracking deadlines, and reporting timely progress

• Collaboration: ability to work effectively with senior attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to achieve favorable outcomes for clients

Benefits

• Contribution toward medical insurance premiums

• Participation in a 401(k) retirement plan