You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential.
CNA seeks to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees that helps them - and their family members - achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals.
For a detailed look at CNA's benefits, check out our Candidate Guide .
Under technical direction, provides legal services to one or more departments or specialty area. Has ongoing relationship and accountability for assigned legal matters. Is a legal expert in specialized areas. Work assignments consist of major legal tasks involving problems of recognized complexity and facts that are in question for which considerable legal judgment, experience and independent reasoning are required. This is a trial attorney position.
The ideal candidate will have worker's compensation experience and is one who is able to successfully manage a caseload of worker's compensation matters from inception to conclusion. The ideal candidate for this full-time position will be licensed in Illinois. The primary area of responsibility includes all Northern Illinois Commissions.
As determined by CNA and depending on the applicant's experience and/or qualifications, candidates may be hired into one of two positions: Associate Litigation Attorney or Litigation Attorney. Typically 1-5+ years of related experience.
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.

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CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [email protected] .