Job Description
NEW IN |Associate Attorney – Real Estate & Title Insurance Litigation | No hard Min Billables | Grow your own book | Be a part of a growing Chicago office | Up to $180k + Bonus
A Mid-West Law Firm growing their office in Chicago are hiring a mid- to senior-level Associate to join our Real Estate Litigation & Title team.
Highlights:
- Real platform, real runway (Chicago + Midwest): Regional firm with multi-jurisdiction work— great for building a book beyond a single venue. Chicago is growing, with solid internal support/tech and room to carve out your niche.
- Growth runway in Chicago: Robust internal support, technology, and autonomy to grow your book and practice.
- High-impact matters, low politics: Focused real estate/title disputes (not general liability) where strong writing and strategy move the needle—most hearings are motion-driven and many court calls are via Zoom.
- Balanced expectations: No hard minimum billables
- Mentorship with a clear BD path: The Partner will train and integrate you into her practice and set a baseline for business development, so you’re not guessing how to grow.
- Supportive, collaborative style: Looking for someone independent yet coachable—argue motions, manage files, and own outcomes with thoughtful guidance (not micromanagement).
Your Role:
- Lead and support title insurance litigation/defense matters including title curative issues, defective title, and contested real estate disputes (easements, boundary/encroachment, lien claims, interests in real property).
- Handle motion-heavy practice (summary judgment and other dispositive motions are common); most court appearances are via Zoom unless contested.
- Develop case strategy, manage files, draft/argue motions, conduct discovery, prepare witnesses, and communicate with clients and title insurers.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary: Up to $180,000 + Bonus (depending on experience)
- Benefits: Comprehensive health with high-deductible plan + firm HSA contributions (including family coverage), dental/vision, 401(k), firm-hosted events and strong cross-office culture.
- PTO: No designated cap; responsible time off.
- Location: Chicago (4 days in office; some flexibility)
What we’re looking for:
- 5–10 years of real estate litigation experience with working knowledge of real property law and title issues; some client contacts you can cultivate.
- Ability to read deeds, surveys, PIN records, and loan documents; strong analytical/problem-solving instincts.
- Courtroom experience and file management skills; comfort in a motion-driven practice (trials are rare).
- Overlap with commercial leasing/transactions, lenders’ rights, or land use.
- Optional/adjacent exposure: construction litigation/lenders’ rights or zoning/land use (helpful but not required).
Ready to build a market-leading title practice?
Email your resume and a short note about your relevant title/real property experience and representative motions to [email protected] with subject line: Associate — Real Estate & Title (Chicago).