Sr. Workers' Compensation Defense Attorney

Zurich NA; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K match

Hybrid work model

Great benefits

Job summary

Zurich North America seeks a Senior Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney to join our Staff Legal team on a hybrid schedule from our Philadelphia office, handling high-exposure New Jersey cases.

The attorney will represent the company in all phases of NJ workers’ compensation litigation, with duties including pleadings, discovery, hearings, and post-trial activities, aligned with ethical standards. This role requires NJ Bar admission, JD, 7+ years, and Lexis/Westlaw experience.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor with 7+ years of Workers’ Compensation litigation experience.
• Active member in good standing with the New Jersey Bar Association.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe; Lexis or Westlaw experience.
• Knowledge of the insurance industry and claims environment.

Responsibilities

• Represent Zurich North America in all phases of New Jersey Workers’ Compensation litigation.
• Prepare and file legal pleadings and documents; perform legal research.
• Conduct pre-trial discovery and handle hearings before workers’ compensation judges.
• Perform post-trial activities within broad limits of expertise.

Skills

Effective communication

Negotiation

Teamwork

Collaboration

Analytical thinking

CWCS certification

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe

Lexis/Westlaw

Job description

Zurich is looking for a Sr. Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney to join our Staff Legal team to work on a hybrid schedule from our office in Philadelphia. This Trial Attorney will be responsible for representing the commercial insureds of a prestigious and financially stable commercial insurance carrier, by preparing and trying high complexity, high exposure New Jersey Workers’ Compensation cases.

Ready for a career move? Consider working for a company with a global footprint that offers an incentive plan, excellent work/life balance, career growth, terrific benefits including a dollar-for-dollar 401K Match and a second 401K contribution, flexible work options and a great culture.

This Attorney will be responsible for representing the Company in all phases of Workers’ Compensation litigation in New Jersey. They will be practicing law in compliance with ethical standards as established by state law by preparing and defending high exposure Workers’ Compensation cases from a challenging and varied caseload. Responsibilities will include working directly with claims professionals providing legal analysis and advice, preparing and filing legal pleadings and documents, performing legal research, preparing for and conducting pre-trial discovery, preparing for and handling final hearings before the workers’ compensation judge, and conducting post-trial activities where appropriate. Under limited direction, the attorney will work within broad limits and authority on complex assignments requiring specialized knowledge in breadth and/or depth in area of expertise.

At Zurich North America Claims we acknowledge that work life-balance and flexibility are a priority when it comes to choosing your next career move. Designed with our employees' needs in mind, the ZNA Claims hybrid work model emphasizes flexibility, allowing claims employees to conduct individual work in their preferred location, while facilitating in-person connections and collaborative activities when meaningful and valuable. While the model provides a high level of flexibility and autonomy, occasional circumstances requiring in-office attendance should be expected. The candidate selected for this opportunity should be able to report into Zurich’s Philadelphia, Pennsylvania office at least one day a week.

Basic Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor and 7 or more years of experience in the Workers’ Compensation Litigation area AND
• Active member in good standing with the New Jersey Bar Association
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe
• Experience working with Lexis or Westlaw
• Knowledge of the insurance industry, claims and the insurance defense litigation legal environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Effective communication skills
• Effective negotiation skills
• Experience working in a team-based environment
• Collaboration skills
• Effective problem solving and analytical skills
• Certified Workers Compensation Specialist designation desired

Your pay at Zurich is based on your role, location, skills, and experience. We follow local laws to ensure fair compensation. You may also be eligible for bonuses and merit increases. If your expectations are above the listed range, we still encourage you to apply- your unique background matters to us. The pay range shown is a national average and may vary by location.

The proposed Salary range for this position is $155,000.00 - $185,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%.

We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. [Learn more about Total Rewards here.]

Why Zurich?

At Zurich, we value your ideas and experience. We offer growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment—so you can help shape the future of insurance. Zurich North America is a leader in risk management, with over 150 years of expertise and coverage across 25+ industries, including 90% of the Fortune 500®.

Join us for a brighter future—for yourself and our customers.

Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer disability/vets.

Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code

• 1033.

Please note: Zurich does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. Preferred vendors should use our Recruiting Agency Portal.

Location(s): AM - Philadelphia

Remote Working: Hybrid

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered: No