Due to firm growth and expanding client needs, Gould & Ratner LLP is seeking a highly experienced Partner to join its Business Reorganization and Creditors’ Rights Practice. The ideal candidate will have significant experience representing creditors, secured lenders and asset purchasers in workouts, restructurings and business reorganizations.

Job Requirements

• Experience representing lenders and creditors in bankruptcy cases, asset-based lending, foreclosures and debtor-in-possession financing transactions. 
• Experience with Illinois commercial mortgage foreclosure, forbearance and receivership law, personal property foreclosure, the Fraudulent Transfer Act and other remedies under Article 9 of the UCC.
• Additional experience with investor representation, financial sponsor transactions, exchange offers, debt for equity swaps, prepackaged and prearranged chapter 11 cases, loan restructuring (including conversion of debt to equity and participating loans) and bankruptcy litigation, is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. The ideal candidate will be an integral part of the team and will have the confidence and demeanor to interact and build relationships with the Firm’s clients. This attorney will serve as business advisor to clients, guiding them in a full range of legal matters throughout their life cycle.
• A degree or background in business or finance is a plus.
• A portable book of business is 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).

Candidates can look forward to a practice that will include handling all aspects of complex and sophisticated deals and transactions for clients of all sizes and across industries. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who is highly motivated and seeking a positive career trajectory. We are seeking an attorney who is interested in business development 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.

Additional Highlights 

• Opportunity to step into meaningful client relationships and be a key component of the Firm’s succession plan. 
• Emphasis on professional and business development.
• Low turnover, collegial and collaborative environment.
• Healthcare, life and disability insurance.
• Competitive compensation, benefits package and a generous 401k plan.
• Employee discounts and wellness programs.
• Hybrid in-office/remote role. 

About Gould & Ratner

Gould & Ratner is an 80-year old Chicago law firm with a team of over 50 attorneys, representing Fortune 500 corporations, closely held businesses, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and family businesses in diverse and complex matters throughout the world. Our team consists of a deep bench of sophisticated and experienced attorneys that provide exceptional legal services while affording our clients the benefits of working with an agile and entrepreneurial-minded team of result-oriented, well-rounded professionals.

In this ever-changing and complex world, Gould & Ratner remains one of the few truly mid-size law firms in Chicago. Thus, while our work is as sophisticated and complex as the mega firms, our focus on tailored service is something only a smaller firm like ours can deliver. This allows us the unique ability to employ our multi-faceted approach to legal service for clients of every size and in every industry. For example, our attorneys handled the $800 million redevelopment of Chicago’s Old Post Office and the $840 million purchase of the Sears (now Willis) Tower. We have handled more than $10 billion in corporate transactions in the past decade and argued cases before a number of appellate forums, including the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the Illinois Appellate and Supreme Courts.

To apply click here.

Gould & Ratner is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, creed, medical condition including pregnancy, disability, genetic information, gender identity and expression, marriage or parental status, sexual orientation, or Veteran’s status.

Job Description

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.

Job 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).

Additional Highlights

• 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, life and disability insurance.
• Competitive compensation, benefits package and a generous 401k plan.
• Employee discounts and wellness programs.
• Hybrid in-office/remote role.

About Gould & Ratner

Gould & Ratner is an 80-year old Chicago law firm with a team of over 50 attorneys, representing Fortune 500 corporations, closely held businesses, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and family businesses in diverse and complex matters throughout the world. Our team consists of a deep bench of sophisticated and experienced attorneys that provide exceptional legal services while affording our clients the benefits of working with an agile and entrepreneurial-minded team of result-oriented, well-rounded professionals.

In this ever-changing and complex world, Gould & Ratner remains one of the few truly mid-size law firms in Chicago. Thus, while our work is as sophisticated and complex as the mega firms, our focus on tailored service is something only a smaller firm like ours can deliver. This allows us the unique ability to employ our multi-faceted approach to legal service for clients of every size and in every industry. For example, our attorneys handled the $800 million redevelopment of Chicago’s Old Post Office and the $840 million purchase of the Sears (now Willis) Tower. We have handled more than $10 billion in corporate transactions in the past decade and argued cases before a number of appellate forums, including the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the Illinois Appellate and Supreme Courts.

To apply click here. 

Gould & Ratner is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, creed, medical condition including pregnancy, disability, genetic information, gender identity and expression, marriage or parental status, sexual orientation, or Veteran’s status.

Job Description 

Gould & Ratner LLP is seeking a Partner to join its Real Estate Practice. The ideal candidate will have significant experience representing property owners, developers, lenders, and investors in their acquisitions, dispositions, sales, financings, leasing, and development of commercial real estate.

Candidates can look forward to a practice that will include handling all aspects of complex and sophisticated transactions for clients of all sizes and across industries. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who is highly motivated and seeking a positive career trajectory. We are seeking an attorney who is interested in business development and being part of the Firm’s overall succession plan.

This role allows a flexible work schedule with a hybrid remote/in-office presence.

Additional Requirements 

• Strong real estate experience in a variety of transactional matters, including commercial office and retail leasing, development, lending and financing. Candidates should also have experience handling title, survey, entity, and other real estate diligence matters.  
• Additional experience in commercial lending and banking transactions, including commercial real estate loans, asset-based loans, or other secured credit facilities of varying types is a plus.
• Experience in affordable housing, low income housing tax credits, or historic tax credits is also preferred but not required.
• Experience with entitlement, zoning, and tax issues as they relate to real estate and construction transactions is also preferred.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills. Attention to detail, self-directed, and an ability to work efficiently on a several different matters at a time.
• Ability to lead, negotiate, manage and close complex transactions, as well as draft material agreements and documents.
• A drive for excellence and a willingness to take the initiative to solve problems.  
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. The ideal candidate will be an integral part of the team, and will have the confidence and demeanor to interact and build relationships with the Firm’s clients.
• This attorney will serve as business advisor to clients, guiding them in a full range of legal matters throughout their life cycle.
• Portable book of business 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).

About Our Real Estate Practice 

A marquee service of Gould & Ratner, our Real Estate Practice supports clients with interests in some of the most desirable, iconic and innovative properties in Chicago and the United States. Gould & Ratner works with clients based in the nation’s largest real estate markets and beyond, guiding projects and deals involving commercial, office, industrial, retail, shopping center, multifamily, hospitality, and hotel properties.

The sophistication and business practicality of our full-service counsel matches the complexity of our clients’ projects and transactions. We represent property owners, developers, lenders and investors in their acquisitions, dispositions, sales, financings, leasing and development. Over the past several years, the value of our clients’ matters has ranged from $1-2 million for fast food restaurant investments, to $800 million for the redevelopment of Chicago’s Old Post Office, to $840 million for the purchase of Sears (now Willis) Tower in 2004.

In addition to representing lenders, borrowers, developers, owners, and equity investors, our full-service Real Estate Practice also counsels on entitlement, zoning, and tax issues as they relate to real estate and construction transactions. Our team includes lawyers who advise and counsel clients through every phase of complex construction matters, using a unique blend of negotiating and drafting acumen, technical expertise, construction industry experience, and courtroom-honed trial and arbitration skills.

On a day-to-day basis, our lawyers handle virtually all types of real estate transactions, including:

• Development
• Commercial leasing
• Retail acquisitions and leasing projects
• Multiparcel assemblage
• Tax-deferred exchange transactions
• Mixed-use transactions
• Common-interest communities
• Management agreements
• Construction and mortgage financing
• Environmental and contamination issues
• Real estate workouts
• Distressed assets

About Gould & Ratner 

Gould & Ratner is an 80-year old Chicago law firm with a team of over 50 attorneys, representing Fortune 500 corporations, closely held businesses, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and family businesses in diverse and complex matters throughout the world. Our team consists of a deep bench of sophisticated and experienced attorneys that provide exceptional legal services while affording our clients the benefits of working with an agile and entrepreneurial-minded team of result-oriented, well-rounded professionals.

In this ever-changing and complex world, Gould & Ratner remains one of the few truly mid-size law firms in Chicago. Thus, while our work is as sophisticated and complex as the mega firms, our focus on tailored service is something only a smaller firm like ours can deliver. This allows us the unique ability to employ our multi-faceted approach to legal service for clients of every size and in every industry. For example, our attorneys handled the $800 million redevelopment of Chicago’s Old Post Office and the $840 million purchase of the Sears (now Willis) Tower. We have handled more than $10 billion in corporate transactions in the past decade and argued cases before a number of appellate forums, including the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the Illinois Appellate and Supreme Courts.

Additional Highlights 

• Opportunity to step into meaningful client relationships and be a key component of the Firm’s succession plan.  
• Strong emphasis on business and professional development.
• Low turnover, collegial and collaborative environment.
• Health care, life and disability insurance.
• Competitive compensation, benefits package, and a generous 401k plan.
• Employee discounts and wellness programs.
• Hybrid in-office/remote role based in our Chicago office.

Applicants should submit their resume to Arielle Pankowski (Director of Attorney Recruitment) at APankowski@gouldratner.com. Please feel free to contact Arielle with any questions at (312) 899-1631.  

Gould & Ratner is an equal opportunity employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, creed, medical condition including pregnancy, disability, genetic information, gender identity and expression, marriage or parental status, sexual orientation, or Veteran’s status.

Job Description

Gould & Ratner LLP is seeking Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Partner to join its Corporate Practice. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who is interested in expanding their business, stepping into meaningful client relationships, taking on a leadership role and being part of the Firm’s overall succession plan.

This role allows a flexible work schedule with a hybrid remote/in-office presence.

Job Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. The ideal candidate will have the confidence and demeanor to interact and build relationships with the Firm’s current clients, as well as the drive and ability to develop additional client relationships and business.
• Exceptional leadership skills - this attorney must have the ability and desire to step into a managerial position and lead an intellectual property practice with minimal oversight.
• 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.
• 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).
• Portable book of business required.

Additional Highlights

• Opportunity to step into meaningful client relationships and be a key component of the Firm’s succession plan.
• Opportunity to develop and lead your own intellectual property practice.
• Emphasis on professional and business development.
• Low turnover, collegial and collaborative environment.
• Healthcare, life and disability insurance.
• Competitive compensation, benefits package and a generous 401k plan.
• Employee discounts and wellness programs.
• Hybrid in-office/remote role.

About Gould & Ratner

Gould & Ratner is an 80-year old Chicago law firm with a team of over 50 attorneys, representing Fortune 500 corporations, closely held businesses, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and family businesses in diverse and complex matters throughout the world. Our team consists of a deep bench of sophisticated and experienced attorneys that provide exceptional legal services while affording our clients the benefits of working with an agile and entrepreneurial-minded team of result-oriented, well-rounded professionals.

In this ever-changing and complex world, Gould & Ratner remains one of the few truly mid-size law firms in Chicago. Thus, while our work is as sophisticated and complex as the mega firms, our focus on tailored service is something only a smaller firm like ours can deliver. This allows us the unique ability to employ our multi-faceted approach to legal service for clients of every size and in every industry. For example, our attorneys handled the $800 million redevelopment of Chicago’s Old Post Office and the $840 million purchase of the Sears (now Willis) Tower. We have handled more than $10 billion in corporate transactions in the past decade and argued cases before a number of appellate forums, including the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the Illinois Appellate and Supreme Courts.

Gould & Ratner is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, creed, medical condition including pregnancy, disability, genetic information, gender identity and expression, marriage or parental status, sexual orientation, or Veteran’s status.

To apply click here.

Gould & Ratner is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, creed, medical condition including pregnancy, disability, genetic information, gender identity and expression, marriage or parental status, sexual orientation, or Veteran’s status.

Job Description

Gould & Ratner LLP is seeking a highly experienced Employee Benefits (ERISA) & Executive Compensation Partner to join its Tax Practice. This attorney will have significant experience counseling clients on all aspects of employee benefits and executive compensation matters, including qualified retirement plans, ERISA requirements, healthcare and welfare plans, non-qualified deferred compensation plans and stock option agreements. 

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who is interested in expanding their business, stepping into meaningful client relationships, taking on a leadership role 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.

Job Requirements

• Significant experience counseling clients on the design and implementation of all types of qualified retirement plans including, 401(k) plans, pension plans, profit-sharing plans, ESOPs and other defined benefit plans. 
• Experience advising clients on ERISA requirements and reviewing employee retirement plans to ensure legal compliance. 
• Substantial understanding of the “controlled group rules” and the “controlled group analysis” for employee benefits plans. 
• Significant experience structuring and administering healthcare plans (medical and dental insurance), welfare plans (life and disability insurance) and cafeteria plans in compliance with the requirements of ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
• Significant experience counseling clients on the design and implementation of all types of executive compensation plans and agreements, including non-qualified deferred compensation plans, bonus and other incentive compensation plans, stock option agreements, phantom stock plans, restricted stock awards and other supplemental retirement arrangements.
• Experience counseling clients on all employee benefits and executive compensation issues that may arise during corporate mergers and acquisitions, including advising buyers and sellers on due diligence issues, determining benefit plan liability exposure, merging target company benefit plans into acquiring company benefit plans, establishing new tax-qualified retirement plans, designing new equity-based executive compensation arrangements and/or taking steps to terminate or spin off overlapping, conflicting or costly benefit programs.
• Ability to handle all administrative and operational issues associated with implementing employee retirement plans, healthcare and welfare plans and executive compensation plans.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. This attorney will serve as a business advisor to clients, guiding them through a full range of financial, business and tax-related matters throughout their life cycle. The ideal candidate will have the confidence and demeanor to interact and build relationships with the Firm’s current clients, as well as the drive and ability to develop additional client relationships and business.
• Exceptional leadership skills. This attorney must have the ability and desire to step into a leadership role and develop an Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation group within the Firm.
• A degree or background in tax, finance or business is a preferred, but not required. 
• A significant portable book of business is 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).

Additional Highlights 

• Opportunity to step into meaningful client relationships and be a key component of the Firm’s succession plan.
• Opportunity to develop and lead your own employee benefits and executive compensation practice. 
• Emphasis on professional and business development. 
• Low turnover, collegial and collaborative environment.
• Healthcare, life and disability insurance.
• Competitive compensation, benefits package and a generous 401k plan.
• Employee discounts and wellness programs.
• Hybrid in-office/remote role.

To apply click here.

Gould & Ratner is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, creed, medical condition including pregnancy, disability, genetic information, gender identity and expression, marriage or parental status, sexual orientation, or Veteran’s status.

Job Description

Gould & Ratner LLP is seeking a highly experienced Estate Planning & Wealth Transfer Partner to join its Tax and Wealth Transfer Practice Group. This attorney will have significant experience advising closely held businesses and high-net worth individuals and families in complex and sophisticated estate planning, wealth transfer, business succession planning, philanthropy and all related income tax matters.

Please note that this role allows a flexible work schedule with a hybrid remote/in-office presence.

Job Requirements 

• Significant portable book of business required.
• Significant experience advising high net-worth individuals, families and entrepreneurial businesses on tax efficient ownership structures.
• Experience planning for succession of management of family-owned businesses and familiarity with multi-generational wealth transfer techniques.
• Experience forming family entities to help with the management and control of family investments.
• Experience assisting an executor through the administration of an estate, including preparation of estate tax returns, post-mortem planning for the surviving family members, probate administration, and conducting family meetings regarding the estate administration process.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. This attorney will serve as a business advisor to clients, guiding them through a full range of financial, business and tax-related matters throughout their life cycle. The ideal candidate will have the confidence and demeanor to interact and build relationships with the Firm’s current clients, as well as the drive and ability to develop additional client relationships and business.
• Exceptional leadership skills. This attorney must have the ability and desire to step into a leadership role and have the potential to develop into a key member of the Wealth Transfer Group and the Firm.
• A degree or background in accounting, business or finance is a plus. CPA, CFP and/or a LL.M. in taxation is strongly preferred.
• 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).

Additional Highlights 

• Opportunity to step into meaningful client relationships and be a key component of the Firm’s succession plan.
• This is a leadership role. We are looking for an attorney who has the ability and desire to step into a leadership position within the Wealth Transfer Practice Group.
• Emphasis on professional and business development.
• Low turnover, collegial and collaborative environment.
• Healthcare, life and disability insurance.
• Competitive compensation, benefits package and a generous 401k plan.
• Employee discounts and wellness programs.
• Hybrid in-office/remote role.

About Our Estate Planning & Wealth Transfer Practice

Gould & Ratner provides sophisticated estate planning and wealth transfer services for wealthy individuals and their families. Using a multifaceted approach to tax planning, family business succession and intergenerational wealth, we provide counsel on:

• Family trusts
• Gifts of business interests
• Generation-skipping trusts
• Family business succession planning
• Philanthropic planning
• Tax review, compliance and controversy
• Client information management

We have represented Chicago’s Crown family and other preeminent families and multigenerational businesses for more than 80 years. Today, we guide nearly 1,000 families, many with estates comprised largely of privately held businesses and illiquid assets. We help clients address their tax, wealth and succession planning wishes to sustain their current lifestyles and future generations.

A strong understanding of complex tax structures is critical to preserving a legacy for future generations. Gould & Ratner’s estate planning attorneys leverage the resources of colleagues in our tax, corporate, real estate and related services to craft estate plans and business arrangements. The resulting trust and estate plans meet our clients’ present and ongoing personal and business needs, while minimizing the tax liabilities and risks inherent in the transfer of wealth.

Intergenerational wealth management is a focus, as we consider all the nuances of complex gift, estate and income tax challenges. Attorneys in our tax planning and compliance group turn to our tax controversy group to minimize the risk of litigation and handle disputes when they arise.

Applicants should submit their resume to Arielle Pankowski (Attorney Recruiter) at APankowski@gouldratner.com. Please feel free to contact Arielle with any questions at (312) 899-1631. 

Gould & Ratner is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, creed, medical condition including pregnancy, disability, genetic information, gender identity and expression, marriage or parental status, sexual orientation, or Veteran’s status.