Workers Compensation Staff Legal Attorney

Zurich North America; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

401K match

Company 401K contribution

Job summary

Zurich North America seeks a Workers’ Compensation Defense Trial Attorney to join our Chicago, IL staff legal office, with one in-office day per week. You will represent the company in all phases of Illinois workers’ compensation litigation, handling a broad caseload and collaborating with claims professionals.

Requirements include a J.D. and Illinois bar, experience in litigation, and proficiency with Lexis/Westlaw, Microsoft Office, and Adobe.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor and 5+ years of experience in the Litigation area.
• Member in good standing of the Illinois State 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 environment.
• Knowledge of the law and procedure.

Responsibilities

• Represent Zurich in all phases of Illinois Workers’ Compensation litigation.
• Prepare and file legal pleadings and conduct legal research.
• Handle pre-trial investigations, pre-trials and arbitration hearings.
• Conduct post-trial activities including appeals where appropriate and collaborate with claims professionals.

Skills

Juris Doctor

Illinois Bar Admission

Microsoft Office

Adobe

Lexis/Westlaw

Insurance defense knowledge

Legal research

Effective communication

Negotiation skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Juris Doctor

Illinois Bar Admission

Job description

Zurich is seeking a successful Workers’ Compensation Defense Trial Attorney to work out of our Chicago, IL Staff Legal office, 1 day per week in-office attendance should be expected. This Attorney will be responsible for representing the Company in all phases of Workers’ Compensation litigation in the Illinois (including, but not limited to, Chicago, Chicagoland Collar Counties, and Zone 3 Locations including Rock Island, Bloomington, and Peoria). They will be practicing law in compliance with ethical standards as established by state law by preparing and defending moderate to 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 investigations, preparing for and handling pre-trials and Arbitration Hearings before the workers’ compensation Arbitrator, and conducting post-trial activities, including appeals to the Commission, Circuit Court, and/or Appellate Courts 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 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 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, the candidate selected for this opportunity is expected to report to Zurich’s Chicago Illinois Staff Legal Office located in Willis Tower 1 day per week.

If you are ready for a career move, consider working for a company with a global footprint that offers an excellent work/life balance, terrific benefits including a 401K match and a second 401K company contribution, flexible work options and a great culture.

Basic Qualifications

• Juris Doctor and 5 or more years of experience in the Litigation area AND
• Member in good standing of the Illinois State 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
• Knowledge of the law and procedure

Preferred Qualifications

• Workers Compensation Litigation experience (Highly preferred)
• Effective communication skills
• Effective negotiation skills
• Experience working in a team-based environment
• Collaboration skills
• Effective problem solving and analytical skills

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 $110,200.00 - $140,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%.

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.

Location(s): AM - Chicago

Remote Working: Hybrid

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered: No