Workers Compensation Staff Legal Counsel II

Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.•Chicago, IL

7d•$110,200 - $140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Zurich is seeking a successful Workers’ Compensation Defense Trial Attorney to work out of our Chicago, IL Staff Legal office, with 1 day per week in-office attendance expected. This Attorney will be responsible for representing the Company in all phases of Workers’ Compensation litigation in Illinois. They will be practicing law in compliance with ethical standards, preparing and defending moderate to high exposure Workers’ Compensation cases from a challenging and varied caseload. Responsibilities 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. 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. Zurich North America acknowledges that work-life balance and flexibility are a priority. 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. 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Representing the Company in all phases of Workers’ Compensation litigation in Illinois
Preparing and defending moderate to high exposure Workers’ Compensation cases
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
Conducting post-trial activities, including appeals to the Commission, Circuit Court, and/or Appellate Courts where appropriate