(Senior) Trial Attorney, Workers’ Compensation

Oliver James Associates Ltd.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Oliver James Associates Ltd. in Chicago seeks a Senior Trial Attorney to lead workers' compensation defense within an in-house litigation team. The role focuses on managing a high-exposure docket, handling pleadings, depositions and trials, and advising on strategy.

This hybrid position offers 2 days in the office and 3 days remote, a base salary of $130,000–$210,000 plus target bonus, and broad career progression in a tech-forward P&C carrier committed to diversity and collaboration.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Knowledge of state civil procedure and local court rules.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a full docket of workers' compensation insurance defense matters from case strategy through resolution or trial.
• Handle pleadings, discovery, depositions, motions, hearings, mediations, and trial preparation.
• Evaluate liability and damages exposure and advise claims partners on litigation strategy and resolution.
• Collaborate with expert witnesses on complex and multi-party matters.
• Negotiate settlements and mediations and maintain case documentation in litigation management systems.

Skills

Trial experience

Litigation management

Negotiation

Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Senior Trial Attorney, Workers' Compensation

Our client, a well-established and high-tech P&C insurance carrier is seeking an experienced Senior Trial Attorney to join its in-house litigation team supporting insured clients in workers' compensation defense matters. This role is ideal for a seasoned insurance defense litigator with significant courtroom experience handling high-exposure casualty claims, seeking their first in-house move with a relief from billable hours, more work/life balance, and career progression opportunities.

Role & Responsibilities

• Independently manage a full docket of workers' compensation insurance defense matters from case strategy through resolution or trial.
• Handle pleadings, discovery, depositions, motions, hearings, mediations, and trial preparation.
• Evaluate liability and damages exposure and advise claims partners on litigation strategy and resolution.
• Collaborate with expert witnesses on complex and multi-party matters.
• Negotiate settlements and mediations and maintain case documentation in litigation management systems.

Practice Areas

• Workers' Compensation Defense

Required Experience

• 5-15+ years of workers' compensation insurance defense.
• Significant trial experience before judges or juries.
• Experience partnering with insurance claims teams and managing a high-volume litigation caseload.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Knowledge of state civil procedure and local court rules.

Details

• Salary: $130,000-$210,000 base + target bonus + wider benefits
• Work Mode: Hybrid (2 days in / 3 days remote)
• Location: Chicago, IL
• Travel: Required throughout Chicago Area and occasionally to wider Illinois.

Our client is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.