Of Counsel - General Liability - Insurance Defense

Chartwell Law; Peoria (IL); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Chartwell Law in Peoria, IL seeks an Of Counsel attorney to handle general liability and insurance defense matters from pleadings through trial preparation. The role requires deep litigation experience, strong communication, and autonomous work alongside partners and clients.

You will independently manage cases, develop defense strategies, perform extensive research, supervise staff, and participate in negotiations and mediations. A high annual billable target of 1950 hours is expected.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in general liability/insurance defense
• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admitted in [State] (other states a plus)
• Experience participating in negotiations and mediations
• Superior analytical, research, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in general liability and insurance defense cases, including premises liability and construction accidents, in court, at arbitrations and in depositions
• Independently manage cases from start to finish: pleadings, discovery, depositions, motions, mediation, and trial prep including supervision of associates and staff members
• Develop defense strategies with partners, clients, and experts
• Conduct extensive legal research and drafting of substantial briefs, memos, pleadings, and appellate briefs
• Expert witness retention and collaboration
• Trial preparation and attendance
• Manage deadlines and assignments with a high level of ownership and independence
• Annual billable amount of 1950 hours required

Job description

Job Type

Full-time

Description

The Of Counsel attorney will handle general liability and insurance defense cases from initial pleadings through trial preparation, including discovery, depositions, motions, and mediations. Working closely with partners and clients, the attorney will craft effective defense strategies and deliver high level legal insight and research. This senior role requires deep litigation experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work autonomously while contributing to team strategy.

Primary Job Duties

• Represent clients in general liability and insurance defense cases, including premises liability and construction accidents, in court, at arbitrations and in depositions
• Independently manage cases from start to finish: pleadings, discovery, depositions, motions, mediation, and trial prep including supervision of associates and staff members
• Develop defense strategies with partners, clients, and experts
• Conduct extensive legal research and drafting of substantial briefs, memos, pleadings, and appellate briefs
• Expert witness retention and collaboration
• Trial preparation and attendance
• Manage deadlines and assignments with a high level of ownership and independence
• Annual billable amount of 1950 hours required

Key Competencies

• Communicating - Legal Professionals provide the information required by others in a concise, direct, and unambiguous way. They perceive how the message affects the receiver and strive to ensure that the receiver clearly understands the specifics and function of the message.
• Conflict Management - Legal Professionals address problems openly and objectively and bring substantial conflicts and disagreements into the open with the intention of resolving issues in an unemotional and constructive manner.
• Professionalism - Legal Professionals set high standards and serve as role models for work performance, ethical conduct, and respect for others. They consistently conduct themselves in a manner consistent with generally accepted moral principles and values and within the guidelines and best practices of their profession.
• Planning & Priority Setting - Legal Professionals identify priorities and develop detailed action plans that include objectives, accountabilities, time frames, standards, review stages, and contingencies.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This position may be designated as remote, hybrid, or fully in-office, depending on the needs of the role, office location, and Firm requirements.

Requirements

• 10+ years’ experience in general liability/insurance defense
• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admitted in [State] (other states a plus)
• Experience participating in negotiations and mediations
• Superior analytical, research, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Salary Description

115,000-200,000