Description:

Job Description:
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:

Handles insurance defense or coverage matters from pleadings through trial. Manages litigation preparation driving for superior results. Develops the litigation strategy, and prepares/directs the preparation of all necessary materials i.e., briefs, motions, discovery, depositions, experts, etc. Advises whether a case should be tried or settled and actively drives case to resolution with an appropriate sense of urgency.
Handles bench and jury trials as first chair in both state and federal court as necessary. Tries all aspects of cases including court appearances, trial preparation, motions, discovery and negotiations.
Communicates regularly and concisely with clients, claim professionals, leadership and others to ensure appropriate level of understanding and documentation exists for effective case management.
Conducts legal research and analysis of facts and information to provide counsel and guidance on legal questions or issues.
Prepares opinions or position papers on various legal issues and interpretation of legal issues/provisions.
Counsels client/management/claim professionals to avoid legally unsound decisions or plans and when changes in the law occur.
May train, or mentor other attorneys and paralegals. Trains department staff on appropriate procedures (e.g., claims, etc).
Collaboratively works with clients, claim professionals, underwriting, risk control and other third parties while resolving legal issues.
Works independently in resolving legal cases with oversight supervision.
Responds to government regulatory agencies as needed.

Reporting Relationship:

Director and Managing Trial Attorney

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Advanced knowledge of the theories, principles, practices and procedures of litigation management within an insurance organization.
Excellent verbal and written communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
Strong negotiation, consultative and facilitation skills with the ability to effectively interact with all internal and external business partners,
Ability to exercise independent judgment, and to work with and maintain confidential and sensitive information.
Excellent analytical and problem solving skills, and senior level skill in managing ambiguous situations and issues.
Proven ability to take a proactive long-term view of business goals and objectives in order to achieve strategic business results.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related software i.e. TeamConnect or other case management software.
Acts with a sense of urgency to advance priorities of the client/organization.
Helps self to excel through collaboration and building strong relationships.
Thinks creatively and uses diverse ideas to solve problems.
Raises expectations of self and others by continuously learning and broadening industry and technical skills.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree with JD, and admission to the Illinois Bar.
Typically a minimum of 1-5+ years of related experience. Level will be determined by CNA and depending on the applicant's experience and/or qualifications.
Requires experience with Workers Comp matters.
Requires a proven track record of results and increasing level of responsibility.
Requires trial and/or litigation experience.