Insurance Defense Associate — Chicago

About the Company

We're partnering with a well-established insurance defense practice in Chicago to identify their next Associate Attorney. This firm represents carriers and self-insured businesses across a steady, high-volume caseload and is looking for someone who can pick up a docket and run with it immediately.

About the Role

The team defends insurers and policyholders across general liability, premises liability, auto/trucking, and professional liability matters, with regular appearances in Illinois state and federal court. This is a high-volume, fast-paced practice where associates get real file ownership early, direct carrier contact, and steady courtroom reps.

Responsibilities

• Manage an active caseload of insurance defense matters from intake through resolution
• Handle all phases of litigation — written discovery, depositions, motion practice, dispositive motions, and trial preparation
• Draft pleadings, discovery responses, motions, and coverage/status reports for carrier clients
• Appear in Illinois state and federal court for hearings, depositions, mediations, and trials
• Communicate directly with adjusters and carrier representatives on case strategy and status
• Evaluate liability and damages exposure to support reserving and settlement decisions
• Collaborate with senior attorneys on case strategy while managing your own file load independently

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school;
  active Illinois bar license (or eligible to waive in)
• 2+ years of civil litigation experience;
  insurance defense background strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of general liability, premises liability, and/or auto/trucking defense
• Comfortable carrying a high-volume caseload with competing deadlines
• Strong legal writing and ability to produce clean, efficient work product under time pressure
• Court and deposition experience strongly preferred

Required Skills

• Insurance defense litigation
• Legal research and writing
• Discovery and motion practice
• Carrier/client communication and reporting
• High-volume case and docket management

Preferred Skills

• Trucking, construction, or professional liability defense experience
• Trial experience
• Prior work directly with carrier clients or TPAs

Equal Opportunity Statement

They're actively growing their defense bench and want someone who can take ownership of a real caseload fast. The firm is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and to creating an inclusive environment where diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences are valued.