Lateral Partner

Job Title: Lateral Partner

Job Overview:
A prominent law firm located in Chicago, IL, is seeking a highly skilled attorney to lead its Dispute Resolution Department. This leadership opportunity is ideal for a litigator who thrives in high-stakes legal environments and possesses deep knowledge of design and construction law, litigation strategy, and departmental management. The ideal candidate will be a tenured legal professional with a portable book of business, ready to spearhead litigation initiatives and mentor a growing team.

Duties:

• Lead and oversee the Dispute Resolution Department and all litigation attorneys

• Handle complex litigation matters from initiation through trial independently

• Conduct first-chair mediations, arbitrations, and court proceedings

• Navigate proceedings in the Law and Chancery Divisions of the Cook County Circuit Court

• Represent clients in arbitration and mediation through platforms like AAA and JAMS

• Manage client relationships autonomously and effectively

• Oversee and enforce litigation hold procedures and electronic discovery protocols

• Supervise temporary firm-wide operations and staff when needed

• Draft complaints, legal briefs, and trial materials with minimal to no oversight

• Document and standardize internal legal processes and protocols

• Actively contribute to firm growth through mentorship and management of junior attorneys

• Drive business development efforts and maintain a book of repeatable client business

• Ensure billing practices minimize write-offs and maximize compensation

Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years of active legal practice

• Admitted to the Illinois Bar and in good standing

• Proven history of mentoring and leading litigation teams

• Strong aptitude for litigation, including depositions, brief writing, and trial advocacy

• Ability to manage high-value, high-risk legal matters without supervision

• Portable business of $100,000+ in repeatable annual revenue

• Demonstrated experience in the areas of construction and design law

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Certifications:

• Active license to practice law in Illinois

Skills:

• Expertise in Illinois mechanics lien law and professional ethics rules

• High proficiency with electronic discovery tools and legal technologies

• Skilled in developing winning case strategies and legal tactics

• Strong business acumen and client service orientation

• Enthusiastic about continuous improvement and legal process optimization

• Tech-savvy and adaptable to emerging legal technologies

• Effective communicator with leadership presence

Job Location:

• Chicago, IL