For a list of open administrative staff positions, click here. 

We work hard to promote diversity and inclusion at Schiff Hardin, in the legal profession, and in our communities. Several national and local organizations have recently – and repeatedly – recognized our efforts:

• The Human Rights Campaign awarded Schiff Hardin a 100% score for the sixth straight year on its 2016 Corporate Equality Index, based on our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender workplace policies and benefits.
• Working Mother Magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers has named us one of the 50 Best Law Firms for Women nationwide each year since 2012.
• Equality Illinois has ranked us a leading law firm for LGBT workplace inclusion and equality every year since 2011.
• Minority Corporate Counsel Association awarded us its prestigious Thomas L. Sager award for the Midwest Region in 2012, in honor of our diversity achievements.  We were a finalist for the award from 2013-2015.

Read more about the firm's diversity initiatives.

A.C.T. can mean several things. To “act” is to make something happen. And to us, the acronym A.C.T. stands for “all come together.” Our ACT initiative does both things. When we all come together, we achieve bigger things than any of us ever could alone. That’s why A.C.T. provides opportunities for meaningful volunteerism throughout the year.

Each year the firm – lawyers and staff – chooses organizations to support. In 2016 we focused on justice and the rights of all beings, including animals. We volunteered with Aspiration of Life to send care packages to military men and women who are stationed abroad; adopted animals and donated shelter supplies to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; provided guidance on immigration paperwork at the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center; and completed renovations and provided financial support to a domestic crisis shelter (A Safe Place) and an advocacy center (Family Violence Appellate Project).

In 2017 our work has continued with renovations at A Safe Place, serving the homeless at Breakthrough, and supporting local schools in Washington, DC and San Francisco.

We know that our work is demanding, but we also want it to be a means for our staff to attain their personal and professional goals. We put that objective into practice with benefits and policies including the following:

How do I apply for a staff position?

We post positions that are available to external candidates here. Applicants must submit resumes on-line. Once we receive the application, the candidate will receive an email detailing next steps.

When and how will I hear if I am being considered for the position?

We will notify you either by e-mail or a phone call within five business days after your initial submission if we are considering you for the position. 

Do you offer job shadowing or short-term work experience?

We do not currently offer these opportunities.

Does Schiff Hardin conduct background checks?

Yes, we perform background checks on all new hires before their start date. A typical background check will verify employment and education and include a criminal record check. We may also perform a credit check for certain positions.

Does Schiff Hardin offer health care coverage?

Yes. Please see our Generous Benefits Program section.

Where can I learn about the job requirements for a position?

To understand specific skills you need for a particular position, we recommend that you search for the position(s) that interest you and review the job posting.

Does Schiff Hardin pay competitive salaries?

Yes. We consult various law firm-specific salary surveys to determine current market data. If you are interested in learning more about salary levels generally, you may want to check the following sources:

• Payscale.com
• Monster.com Salary Wizard
• glassdoor.com
• Vault survey data

What is the rehire process for former Schiff Hardin employees?

We follow the same application process for a former employee that we follow for other candidates. Visit our search tool to find open positions that match your experience.

Additionally, if you still have friends working here, you might want to contact them and ask them to submit your name through our Employee Referral program.

Will I have opportunities for training and development after I am hired?

Yes. Training and development are key firm values. Employees are encouraged to seek internal and external opportunities for professional development and to discuss them with their manager.

Tell me about the Schiff Hardin interview process?

The interview process typically begins with a phone interview with a recruiter. That is sometimes followed by a conversation with a member of the team that has the open position.

The interview with your recruiter tends to focus on your experience and interests, while the interview with a team member is often more technical, or skills-based.

After these interviews, you may be invited for a callback interview, either on-site at a Schiff Hardin location or at a location near you via video conference. During these interviews, you will meet one-on-one with several employees in the hiring group. Each interview lasts approximately 45 minutes. An interviewer may be a peer or a manager.

Ideally, we reach a hiring decision within five business days after the final interview has taken place, but please ask your recruiter for a better understanding of our timeframe.

I have an upcoming interview. What should I wear?

Please ask your recruiter for advice. Interview dress depends on the type of job and group with which you are interviewing. Typically, we recommend you wear “business casual” dress — clothes that are appropriate for the workplace but also comfortable.

Where can I ask additional questions?

If our website doesn’t answer all of your questions, please email us at hrandbenefits@schiffhardin.com. You can also check out our LinkedIn page for more information.