In-House Fire Claim Counsel

Overview

Being good neighbors - helping people, investing in our communities, and making the world a better place - is who we are at State Farm. It is at the core of how we operate and the reason for our success. We're moving with urgency to become a Next Gen Good Neighbor, with technology that strengthens human connections and enhances the customer experience. As an employee, you'll spend less time navigating systems and more time applying judgment, empathy, and expertise in the moments that matter most.


Responsibilities

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, a Fortune 50 company, is offering an opportunity to join its Law Department as Fire Claim Counsel. This position is based at our corporate headquarters in Bloomington, Illinois, and offers a hybrid work arrangement. This means you will work both in the office and remotely, with the majority of your time spent on-site. Please note that work arrangements may evolve over time depending on business needs.

The primary focus of the Counsel position in the Fire Claim Counseling (FCC) unit is to provide legal advice on issues associated with the creation, implementation, and interpretation of property & casualty (P&C) insurance policies (e.g., homeowners and commercial property and liability) issued to our policyholders. FCC is a resource for P&C Claims, providing legal services to the business area so it may support claim handling activities. Legal services are also provided to business areas involved in drafting, training, and marketing related to P&C insurance policies. In addition, FCC is a legal resource for legislative, regulatory, and litigation issues impacting P&C insurance policies and claim operations.

In part, the attorney selected for the Fire Claim Counsel role will:

• Give clear and practical legal advice to representatives of State Farm companies
• Apply knowledge in drafting policy language, analyzing coverage, and interpreting statutes, regulations, and case law related to P&C insurance policies and claim related topics
• Provide sound advice concerning the defense of, and coverage for, litigation matters pending against policyholders
• Anticipate client needs, respond proactively, and offer support through legal counseling
• Approach legal matters collaboratively and creatively, offering solutions-oriented counsel
• Serve as an established resource within the organization for complex legal issues

Qualifications

• Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school with excellent academic credentials
• Active license to practice law in at least one state and membership in good standing with the state bar
• Ability to obtain a limited license to practice in Illinois if not already licensed there
• Preferred: Attorney with 5+ years of property & casualty coverage and litigation experience; however, outstanding candidates with other coverage experience will be considered
• Commitment to delivering high-quality legal advice, demonstrating learning agility, and actively participating in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Forward-thinking mindset with the ability to anticipate client needs, respond effectively, and provide proactive legal counseling
• Strong analytical skills, combined with clear and concise written and verbal communication abilities for interactions with internal business units and outside counsel
• Proficiency in reading, interpreting, and advising on policy language, insurance statutes, regulations, bulletins, and related case law
• Ability to apply the law to claim facts and offer effective legal counsel
• Proven record of professionalism, civility, and ethical conduct, with adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and codes of conduct
• Must be authorized to work lawfully in the U.S. immediately; employer will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work authorization

Additional Details:

• Other than as authorized by the General Counsel or her designee, employees are not permitted to handle any legal business outside of State Farm except authorized pro bono work
• Newly hired employees must cease all outside practice and all suit involvement before joining State Farm
• May work irregular hours due to workload and nature of work
• Occasional travel may be required
• Relocation benefits may be available depending on eligibility and position.

Our Benefits

Because work-life balance is a priority at State Farm, compensation is based on our standard 38:45-hour work week!

• Potential starting salary range: $137,000.00 - $225,000.00
• • Starting salary will be based on skills, background, and experience
  • High end of the range limited to applicants with significant relevant experience
• Potential yearly incentive pay up to 30% of base salary

At State Farm, we offer more than just a paycheck. Check out our suite of benefits designed to give you the flexibility you need to take care of you and your family!

• Get Paid! On top of our competitive pay, you are eligible for an annual raise and bonus.
• Stay Well! Focus on you and your family's health with our robust health and wellbeing programs. State Farm pays most of your healthcare premium, and we offer multiple healthcare plan options, including a high deductible plan. All medical plans provide 100% coverage for in-network preventative care, AND you and your family have access to vision, dental, telemedicine, 24/7 mental health professionals, and much more!
• Develop and Grow! Take advantage of educational benefits like industry leading training programs, top-notch tuition assistance programs, employee resource groups, and mentoring.
• Plan Ahead! Plan for those big moments in life with benefits like fertility/IVF/adoption assistance, college coaching, national discount programs, interactive monthly financial workshops, free financial coaching, and more. You can also start a savings account or consider financing through our State Farm Federal Credit Union!
• Take a Little "You" Time! You will have access to our generous time off policies designed so you can plan around holidays, family events, volunteering, or just to take a relaxing day off. With the opportunity to initially earn up to 20 days annually plus parental leave, paid holidays, celebration day, life leave (40 hours/year), bereavement leave, and community service/education support days, there will be plenty of time for you!
• Give Back! We offer several ways to give back through our Matching Gift Program, Good Neighbor Grant Program, and the Employee Assistance Fund.
• Finish Strong! Plan for retirement using free financial advisors and a 401(k) plan with company contributions of up to 7% of your salary.

Visit our State Farm Careers page for more information on our benefits , locations , and the hiring process of joining the State Farm team!

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