Commercial Litigation Partner / Senior Associate

Gould & Ratner LLP is seeking an experienced attorney to join its Litigation Practice. This attorney will have significant experience handling all aspects of complex and sophisticated litigation, including developing litigation strategy, drafting pleadings, substantive motions and written discovery, taking depositions, preparing for trial, working directly with clients and first or second-chairing trials in state and federal court. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who is highly motivated and seeking a positive career trajectory. We are looking for an attorney who is interested in developing their business, stepping into key client relationships and being part of the Firm’s overall succession plan. Please note that this role allows a flexible work schedule with a hybrid remote/in-office presence.

Requirements

• 8 - 12 years of litigation experience, including researching and writing legal memoranda, developing litigation strategy, drafting pleadings, substantive motions and written discovery, managing large-scale document reviews and productions, taking/defending depositions, interviewing witnesses, preparing for trial or arbitration, working directly with clients, communicating with opposing counsel, negotiating settlements and first or second-chairing trials and evidentiary hearings.
• Significant experience handling commercial litigation (breach of contract, shareholder/LLC disputes, unfair competition, restrictive covenants, breach of fiduciary duty, fraudulent conveyance, asset purchase liability, professional negligence, breach of warranty etc), real estate litigation, UCC disputes, construction litigation, product liability, trusts and estates disputes and/or appellate litigation.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills. Ability to draft persuasive, clear and effective pleadings, discovery, motions, briefs, memoranda, mediation statements, orders and settlement agreements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. The ideal candidate will have the confidence and demeanor to build relationships with the Firm’s current clients, as well as the drive and ability to develop additional client relationships and business.
• Strong organizational and time management skills. The ideal candidate will be able to efficiently manage multiple matters at a time and produce exceptional work product under tight deadlines.
• The ideal candidate will have the ability to work as part of a team, but will also possess the experience and skills necessary to lead a case from inception to completion.
• A drive for excellence and a willingness to take the initiative to solve problems. The ideal candidate will be an ambitious and highly motivated attorney who always strives to achieve the best possible result for the client.
• Detail-oriented and thorough. This attorney must demonstrate meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of their practice.
• Sharp oral advocacy skills with deposition and/or courtroom experience (oral argument, witness examination, opening/closing statement etc).
• Federal or state clerkship is a plus.
• Portable book of business is preferred, but not required.
• Candidates must be currently licensed in Illinois or licensed in another state with a UBE score that qualifies in Illinois for comity, be eligible to waive in, or be willing to sit for an upcoming IL bar exam (open to relocation candidates that meet these requirements).

Benefits

• Opportunity to step into meaningful client relationships and be a key component of the Firm’s succession plan. This attorney will gain direct client interaction and significant responsibility on complex and sophisticated legal matters.
• Emphasis on professional and business development.
• Low turnover, collegial and collaborative environment.
• Healthcare (medical, vision, dental), life and long-term disability insurance.
• Competitive compensation, benefits package including 401k and profit sharing.
• Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits and wellness programs (e.g., in-office gym and massages; 24/7 tele-medicine).
• Hybrid in-office/remote role.