Workers Compensation Staff Legal Attorney

Zurich 56 Company Ltd; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,200 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich North America is seeking a Workers’ Compensation Defense Trial Attorney to join our Chicago, IL Staff Legal office, with approximately one in-office day per week. This attorney will handle all phases of Illinois workers’ compensation litigation, including pre-trials, hearings, and appeals, working with claims professionals to provide legal analysis and filings.

The role requires a Juris Doctor and 5+ years’ litigation experience, Illinois bar admission, and familiarity with Lexis/Westlaw,

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 and defense litigation.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Company in all phases of Workers’ Compensation litigation in Illinois.
• Prepare and file pleadings and documents, perform legal research, conduct pre-trials and arbitration hearings.
• Handle post-trial activities including appeals.

Skills

Litigation skills

Legal research

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor

Illinois Bar Admission

Tools

Lexis/Westlaw

Microsoft Office

Adobe

Job description

Workers Compensation Staff Legal Attorney

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 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor and 5 or more 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 legal environment
• Knowledge of the law and procedure

Preferred Qualifications:

• Workers Compensation Litigation experience (Highly preferred)
• Experience working in a team-based environment
• 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.

Zurich North America values 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.

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.