At Johnson & Bell we offer more than a job. We help you build a career in a vibrant and growing profession.
We are a litigation law firm that offers opportunities to new law school graduates, licensed attorneys with litigation experience, paralegals, and administrative professionals with skills ranging from accounting to operations. For more than 50 years Johnson & Bell has been known as a great place to learn the legal profession and build a career. We offer extensive in-house legal and business training opportunities provided by our most experienced litigators, as well as clients, judges, senior staff, and outside consultants.
In addition, each associate is assigned a mentor and given opportunities, early and often, to work directly with clients and participate meaningfully in motions, depositions, hearings, and trials. We also participate in many professional and industry groups that offer educational and training opportunities.
We opened our doors in 1975 and during the past 50 years we have grown to a firm of approximately 90 attorneys, backed by a similar sized staff in two offices. Our attorneys work in a variety of practice areas with a wide range of clients, concentrated mainly in Illinois and Indiana, but our litigation teams have handled matters in dozens of different states. If attorneys are the beating heart of Johnson & Bell, our clients are the life’s blood. We are privileged to represent hundreds of companies, organizations and governments including some of the largest retailers in the US, many of Chicagoland’s largest healthcare providers, national and international manufacturers, and dozens of top insurance companies and their insureds.
We value innovative thinking, problem solving and hard work. Our attorneys and staff take pride in what they do and always strive to exceed client expectations. We recognize that balance is important in life, and encourage our team members to pursue professional and personal interests outside the office, including involvement in the community. While we take our profession seriously, we like to have fun and host a wide range of firm social events throughout the year.
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If you want to be a litigator or are energized by trial work, Johnson & Bell is a great place to build your career. Our trial attorneys and support teams typically focus their practice in two or three industries or legal areas. As a top litigation firm, we are retained by clients to handle their most complex or demanding cases.
Our clients expect a high level of courtroom experience and legal skill, and that is what we deliver. To achieve this, we don't just throw you in the pool and expect you to swim -- instead, we place a very strong emphasis on training and mentorship from the first day. Nearly every Wednesday we have lunch together while hosting Continuing Legal Education (CLE) classes taught by our most experienced attorneys and staff, judges, and outside experts. All attorneys and paralegals are encouraged to attend. We also provide each associate with an assigned mentor, and participation in a formal training program led by one of our most experienced retired partners.
Johnson & Bell is known as a firm where kindness, compassion and collegiality count for as much as intelligence, legal skill, and experience. We believe in doing the work, doing it right, and celebrating each other's successes together. As a result, we hold large and small social events for our entire team throughout the year. We also sponsor and attend a number of client and industry-focused events where attorneys can build their knowledge and relationships.
If you are interested in working for a firm that values work/life balance, professional development, and a team-oriented mindset, where diverse talents and skills are appreciated, we would like to hear from you.
Johnson & Bell has openings for the following positions:
We are seeking full-time Associate Trial Lawyers with at least two years of litigation experience for medical malpractice, municipal liability, retail and transportation team openings in our Chicago and Northern Indiana offices.
As an Associate, you will be responsible for day-to-day tasks related to providing legal representation and counsel in litigation related to medical malpractice, premises liability, general negligence, personal injury, construction defects, transportation incidents, and other types of legal disputes. Your work will include conducting legal research, drafting legal documents such as motions and briefs, attending hearings, conducting depositions, representing clients in court, participating in client meetings, and collaborating with other legal professionals. These are an onsite positions that involve regular courtroom work. There is potential for regional travel during trials and related to client work. Only candidates who have already earned a J.D. from an accredited law school and have at least two years of litigation experience will be considered. Experience with insurance defense, premises liability, health care, or transportation litigation is a plus.
Qualifications
- Strong legal research and analytical skill
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently, but also contribute as part of a team
- Detailed and focused with strong organizational skills
- Thorough understanding of and commitment to ethical practice
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
- Admitted to the Illinois Bar or Indiana Bar, or a state with reciprocal admission
- 3+ years’ experience with civil litigation or trial practice
- Deposition experience is a plus
The base salary range for this position is between $110,000 - $150,000, depending on experience. We also offer generous quarterly and year-end bonuses. In addition, the firm offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical/HSA, dental, vision, life, disability, family care leave, and 401(k)/profit-sharing retirement package.
Interested candidates can send their resume to attyhiring@jbltd.com.
We also have an opening for a full-time Director of HR and Staff Operations to lead and evolve all human resources functions for our growing litigation firm. Based in Chicago, this role supports attorneys and professional staff across both our Chicago headquarters and Crown Point, Indiana office. This position reports to the COO and serves as a key partner to firm leadership, with responsibility for modernizing HR practices, enhancing employee experience, and ensuring operational excellence across all non-legal personnel functions. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in professional services environments and is equally comfortable setting strategy and executing day-to-day initiatives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
- 8+ years of progressive HR experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role
- Demonstrated expertise in benefits design, vendor management, and compliance
- Experience in a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred
- Working knowledge of HRIS and payroll systems
- Strong understanding of multi-state employment laws
- Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills
- HR certification (SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent) preferred
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: $140,000 – $175,000, based on experience
Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, retirement)
Paid time off and professional development support
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to info@jbltd.com
Johnson & Bell seeks a full-time Litigation Legal Assistant to join our Crown Point Office. This position supports attorneys in all phases of litigation and plays a critical role in managing case files, court filings, scheduling, and legal document preparation. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced litigation environment. Candidates with litigation support experience, a strong commitment to client service, and the ability to remain professional, adaptable, and composed while managing shifting priorities and diverse attorney work styles are encouraged to apply. This position has the following key responsibilities:
- Assist in the drafting of pleadings, motions, written discovery requests and responses, correspondence, subpoenas, trial documents, status reports, and summaries.
- Serve and electronically file documents in Indiana and Illinois state courts, federal courts, and appellate courts as required.
- Maintain attorney calendars; schedule and coordinate depositions, hearings, mediations, meetings, and court appearances.
- Open, maintain, organize, and close physical and electronic case files, including saving medical records and maintaining HIPAA requirements.
- Communicate professionally with clients, witnesses, experts, court personnel, vendors, opposing counsel, and other third parties.
- Coordinate service of pleadings, motions, subpoenas, and discovery documents.
- Assist attorneys with case investigation, trial preparation, and trial support activities.
- Process invoices and maintain related documentation.
- Utilize document management systems, naming conventions, and case management systems to maintain accurate records.
- Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, law clerks, IT professionals, and administrative staff to support efficient case management.
- Assist attorneys in all phases of litigation from case inception through trial.
Qualifications
- Experience as a legal assistant, preferably in a litigation-focused law firm environment.
- Working knowledge of Indiana state court and federal court rules and procedures.
- Experience preparing, proofreading, and filing litigation documents.
- Experience with electronic court filing systems.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Outlook.
- Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing competing
priorities. High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Typing speed of at least 65 words per minute
Preferred Experience
- Three (3) or more years of litigation legal assistant experience.
- Experience with NetDocuments or similar document management system.
- Familiarity with litigation docketing and calendar procedures.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $45,000 - $65,000 annually. Compensation is based on qualifications, experience, skills, and demonstrated litigation support. Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401k, profit sharing, PTO and Holidays, etc.)
Work Location
This position is based in our Crown Point office. Hybrid work arrangements may be available following training and evaluation after six (6) months.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to info@jbltd.com
Johnson & Bell seeks a full-time Litigation Paralegal to join our Chicago Office. This position provides litigation support to attorneys in a fast-paced defense litigation practice. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to effectively manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional client service. Responsibilities include:
- Summarize and organize medical records
- Prepare medical chronologies and timelines
- Prepare Excel spreadsheet with medical specials
- Prepare subpoenas and coordinate records collection
- Assist attorney throughout all phases of litigation, including trial preparation
- Draft legal correspondence and other litigation-related documents
- Maintain and organize electronic case files
- Perform additional paralegal duties as assigned to support the litigation team
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or Paralegal Certificate required - both preferred
- Minimum of five (5) years of law firm experience
- Experience summarizing medical records
- Experience preparing subpoenas
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, and Excel
- Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and communication skills
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Preferred Experience
- Civil defense litigation experience
- Experience supporting medical malpractice, product liability, or general liability practices
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000 annually. Compensation is based on qualifications, experience, skills, and demonstrated litigation support. Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401k, profit sharing, PTO and Holidays, etc.)
Work Location
This position is based in our Chicago office. Hybrid work arrangements may be available following training and evaluation after six (6) months.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to info@jbltd.com
Johnson & Bell seeks a full-time Staff Accountant to join our Chicago Office. This position supports the firm’s daily accounting operations and assists with monthly financial reporting and close activities. Reporting directly to the Controller, the position requires a detail-oriented professional with strong organizational skills, sound accounting knowledge, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a professional service environment. Responsibilities include:
- Prepare journal entries and supporting schedules.
- Assist with month-end and year-end close activities.
- Support financial reporting and account analysis.
- Perform bank, general ledger, and trust account reconciliations.
- Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis projects.
- Assist with payroll administration, including data review and reconciliation.
- Assist with accounts payable, including employee reimbursements, invoice review, coding, and payment preparation.
- Support client billing and revenue-related accounting functions.
- Assist with cash receipts and maintain accurate accounting records.
- Assist with client intake processes and documentation.
- Respond to accounting-related inquiries from attorneys, staff, vendors, and clients.
- Assist with audits, special projects, and process improvement initiatives.
- Perform additional accounting and administrative duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Five or more years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
- Working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
- Experience with account reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledger support.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Preferred Experience
- Experience in a law firm or other professional services environment.
- Familiarity with legal billing and trust accounting.
- Experience with accounting and financial management systems.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000 annually. Compensation is based on qualifications, experience, skills, and demonstrated litigation support. Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401k, profit sharing, PTO and Holidays, etc.)
Work Location
This position is based in our Chicago office. Hybrid work arrangements may be available following training and evaluation after six (6) months.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to info@jbltd.com
Equal Opportunity Employer
Johnson & Bell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and making employment decisions based on business needs, qualifications, merit, and job-related factors.
