Associate AttorneyUpdated: 8.3.2026
About the RoleThe Associate Attorney works directly under a senior attorney or team lead throughout an initial training period, building the case judgment and process fluency needed to progress toward independent case management. Meltzer Hellrung's clients span from individual entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies and venture-backed unicorns.
The Associate Attorney is fundamentally responsible for supporting senior attorneys and account paralegals in reviewing case documentation, forms, and client communications, while developing the substantive immigration knowledge needed to eventually handle matters with greater independence.
The practice is fast-moving and deadline-driven, requiring strong organization and attention to detail across multiple active matters. A significant part of the job is monitoring case systems and communications and escalating issues to senior attorneys promptly.
Location: Offered in Chicago, hybrid in-office schedule
Availability: Immediate Contract, Full-Time
Responsibilities:- Support senior attorneys and paralegal account managers in visa application preparation, as assigned by senior staff/team leads
- Review case files, profiles, and documentation in Voyager for accuracy and completeness
- Review documents collected from clients/foreign nationals for sufficiency, escalating gaps to a senior attorney
- Review H-1B and LCA forms prepared by paralegals and provide initial-level feedback prior to senior attorney sign-off
- Assist with support letter (LOS) drafting and review, using firm templates and client-provided details
- Assist with final application review prior to filing, confirming forms and supporting documents are complete and consistent
- Monitor emails, responding to internal requests from account managers and paralegals, and to external client inquiries as appropriate
- Assist in the PERM-based green card process as assigned, including review of recruitment documentation, PWR review, and initial review of 9089 drafts
- Assist in dependent visa application review as assigned
- Begin developing familiarity with RFE response drafting under direct attorney supervision
Experience Required:- J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active bar license, or bar exam results pending with license expected within 9 months of start date
- Presence in Chicago
- 1-3 years prior corporate immigration experience as an attorney, law clerk, legal extern, or immigration paralegal is required
Benefits: - Healthcare: 100% coverage of PPO health insurance, dental, and vision covered by the firm.
- Higher-level PPO plan is available at additional cost.
- Health through Blue Cross Blue Shield, vision and dental through Guardian.
- The firm covers 75% of dependent coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Short-term disability, Long-term disability coverage and life insurance policy, 100% covered.
- Retirement: 401(k) with 100% match on the first 3%, and 50% match on the next 2%. Low rates on Vanguard funds via Vestwell.
- Flex Spending Account: up to $3,400 annually available pre-tax in 2026.
- Transit: Employees can set aside up to $340 a month available pre-tax in 2026.
- 12 weeks/60 days paid parental leave for birth/adoption of a new child.
- $2,000 referral bonus for new hires.
- PTO Days by Year of Service
- Sick Days Each Calendar Year
- Attorneys have bar license, CLE costs, cell phone and service covered.
- Laptop provided.
Salary Range: 80k-110k is commensurate with experience and background. This position also has the opportunity to receive origination commissions and an annual bonus.
Immigration Sponsorship: Immigration sponsorship is available for this position.
