Associate Attorney

About the role

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Associate Attorney to join our general-practice law firm. The firm maintains a broad, client-focused practice serving individuals, businesses, local governments, and families throughout Southern Illinois and the Metro-East. We prioritize representing people, not just legal issues, and are dedicated to cultivating a healthy work-life balance culture. This full-time position offers potential for partnership-track opportunity for the right candidate.

The firm is particularly interested in an attorney who wants meaningful hands-on experience, direct mentorship, client contact, and the ability to develop a well-rounded legal practice. While current needs include litigation, estate planning, and probate, candidates interested in any area of law are encouraged to apply. The role provides an exciting opportunity to work across a diverse range of legal areas, including:

• General civil practice
• Civil litigation
• Criminal law
• Estate planning
• Probate and trust administration
• Real estate
• Municipal and local government law
• Corporate, M&A, and transactional matters

The position is primarily in-office at our Centralia, Illinois location, with plans for expansion. The firm supports reasonable flexibility for remote work when appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive legal research utilizing Westlaw and other legal research resources to support case strategies across multiple practice areas.
• Draft and review legal documents including pleadings, contracts, memoranda, and correspondence with precision and clarity.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery, correspondence, contracts, estate plan documents, probate filings, real estate documents, and other legal documents.
• Assist partners with litigation, estate planning, probate, real estate, municipal, and general civil matters.
• Support partners in negotiations with clients and opposing counsel to achieve favorable outcomes.
• Prepare for court appearances by organizing case files and summarizing key issues.
• Maintain meticulous records of case developments and administrative tasks within the law office management system.
• Manage assigned files and deadlines.
• Build practical experience in a small-firm environment with direct attorney mentorship.
• Engage in ongoing legal research to stay current on relevant laws and regulations affecting various practice areas.