Professionals

Where the practice of law and the business of law both thrive.

Our professionals are essential to Gould & Ratner’s success. This isn’t a firm where the business side is an afterthought or where the people in these roles are treated as interchangeable support. They shape the firm’s operations, its client service, and its culture, and they’re recognized as professionals in their own right.

We invest in that expertise. Professional development here means supporting ongoing learning, growth, and leadership in the field. We’re a firm that is genuinely open to new ideas, tools, and better ways of working. When someone sees a smarter approach, we want to hear it, not explain why we’ve always done it another way.

This investment shows. Many of our professionals are active leaders in organizations like the Association of Legal Administrators, and several are well-known voices in their fields. Our culture gives them real room to lead.

Employee Spotlight. People you count on.

An unexpected career change gave me the opportunity to be intentional about what I wanted in my next professional home. I knew finding the right culture mattered just as much as finding the right role. From my first conversations and office visit, I felt genuinely welcomed and immediately at ease at Gould & Ratner. Since joining the firm, that feeling has only grown. I’m supported, respected, and trusted to bring my skills and ideas to the table in meaningful ways.
Nic Willhite
Legal Support Specialist
When I started at Gould & Ratner, I was new to working in Chicago, but the firm made me feel comfortable and welcome from day one. Unlike other law firms, everyone across the organization really does knows one another. The culture here is collaborative and built on mutual respect. More than 28 years later, I’m still here.
Jodi Lagen
Practice Assistant
There’s much to admire about the firm, not least of which is its reputation of excellence, its impressive roster of clients, and its longevity. It goes without saying that none of these achievements would be possible without Gould & Ratner’s dedicated employees, many of whom have been with the firm for decades. This commitment to vision and cause speaks well of the firm, and clients realize the benefits of a strong, dedicated and consistent workforce.
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Deborah O'Donnell, Chief Administrative Officer
Deborah O’Donnell, MBA, CLM
Chief Administrative Officer

Careers

Gould & Ratner pairs the operations and stability of a larger firm with the collegiality and care of a midsize one. Explore what a career here looks like — the culture, the benefits, and the different paths our attorneys and professionals build over time.

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Partners

Lateral partners are supported by a deeply experienced management team and dedicated operational, financial, marketing, and business development professionals. We handle the details so your transition is smooth and your focus stays where it belongs: on your clients, your practice, and your career.

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Associates

Build a strong foundation without being boxed in. Associates gain hands-on experience with complex matters, working directly with partners who take mentorship seriously. You’ll have real responsibility early on, direct interaction with clients, and the support to grow at a pace that’s challenging, but sustainable.

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Meet the Professionals

The best sense of what it’s like to work here comes from the people who already do. Get to know the professionals behind Gould & Ratner and the work they lead every day.

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