State Farm

Employment Law In-House Counsel

State Farm$137K — $198K *
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school with strong academic credentials
  • Active law license required; Illinois limited license needed if not already licensed in Illinois
  • Minimum 3 years of employment law or litigation experience
  • Preferred experience handling employment matters for employers and counseling on labor issues
  • Experience in complex employment litigation suggested
  • Advanced knowledge of legal principles related to employment and agency matters is necessary
  • Proactive in anticipating client needs and practicing preventive law
  • Commitment to quality legal advice and team participation, with a willingness to learn new subjects

Responsibilities

  • Independently manage a diverse portfolio of legal employment and agency matters
  • Provide practical legal advice balancing risk and organizational objectives
  • Analyze complex employment law issues and develop effective strategies
  • Partner with HR and business leaders to identify legal risks and solutions
  • Direct and manage outside counsel for litigation, ensuring quality and efficiency
  • Collaborate on emerging legal issues, policies, and strategic initiatives

Benefits

  • Annual raises and performance bonuses on top of competitive salaries
  • Robust healthcare coverage with 100% preventive care coverage
  • Educational benefits including training, tuition assistance, and mentoring
  • Generous time off policies with up to 20 days off annually plus additional leave
  • Access to financial planning resources and retirement plans with company contributions
  • Opportunities for community involvement through various grant and assistance programs
Full Job Description
Responsibilities

State Farm, a Fortune 50 company and the nation's #1 property & casualty insurers, is seeking an experienced attorney to join its in-house Law Department as Human Resources & Agency Counsel at our corporate headquarters in Bloomington, Illinois.

At State Farm, our Law Department is more than a legal function-we are trusted business partners who help shape strategy, manage risk, and support one of America's most recognized brands. Our attorneys are challenged with sophisticated legal issues, empowered to make meaningful contributions, and supported by a collaborative culture that has been a hallmark of State Farm since 1922.

This position is based at our corporate headquarters in Bloomington, Illinois, and is classified as a hybrid role. Attorneys in hybrid positions are expected to spend significant time working in the Bloomington office. Work arrangements may evolve based on business needs.

The OpportunityAs Human Resources & Agency Counsel, you will serve as a strategic legal advisor to business leaders on a broad range of employment and agency-related legal matters affecting State Farm's workforce and independent contractor agency force. You will partner closely with Human Resources, Agency, and business leadership to navigate complex legal issues, mitigate risk, and support key business initiatives.This is a dynamic, high-impact role offering exposure to significant employment and agency matters across multiple jurisdictions.
Key Responsibilities
  • Independently manage a diverse portfolio of legal matters, including day-to-day counseling, administrative proceedings (including EEOC and other agency charges), and complex federal and state litigation involving employees and independent contractor agents.
  • Provide practical, business-focused legal advice on a wide range of employment and agency issues, balancing legal risk with organizational objectives.
  • Analyze complex factual and legal issues, interpret evolving federal and state employment laws and regulations, and develop effective legal strategies and recommendations.
  • Partner with business leaders and Human Resources professionals to proactively identify legal risks and implement practical solutions.
  • Direct and manage outside counsel in employment and agency litigation, ensuring high-quality representation, efficient case management, and alignment with State Farm's legal and business objectives.
  • Collaborate across the Law Department and with internal stakeholders on emerging legal issues, policy development, and strategic initiatives impacting the workforce and agency system.

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from ABA accredited law school and excellent academic credentials
  • Must have active license to practice law in at least one state and a member in good standing of the bar
  • If not already licensed to practice law in Illinois, you will need to obtain at least an in-house limited license for this role, submit an application to the Illinois Board of Admissions within 90 days from your start date, actively pursue the licensure, and keep your supervisor informed throughout the process.
  • 3+ years of employment law experience or 3+ years of litigation experience
  • Past experience in handling employment matters for or on behalf of employers along with experience counseling employers on labor-related issues is preferred
  • Experience handling complex employment litigation is suggested
  • Advanced knowledge of legal principles and practices related to the subject matter of the attorney's area of practice and/or leadership management skills
  • Proactive mindset -anticipates and responds effectively to client's needs and actively assists clients by practicing preventive law
  • Commitment to providing quality legal advice, learning agility (included demonstrated willingness to develop expertise in new subject matters), and a history of enthusiastic participation in a team environment
  • Applicants are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the U.S. immediately; employer will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work opportunity

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
  • Travel may be required via commercial transportation or driving to job related activities
  • May work irregular hours due to workload and nature of work
  • 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 - $198,000.00
    • 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!

About State Farm

State Farm is a large group of insurance companies throughout the United States. State Farm participates in many online communities they want these to be places where people can share, discuss and discover great information and ideas. In keeping with the spirit of these communities they have a core set of guidelines for everyone to follow. These will make their State Farm online communities a place everyone can enjoy.

State Farm Careers

Joining State Farm means becoming part of a community of driven professionals dedicated to innovation and leadership in the insurance industry. As one of the leading insurance providers, State Farm offers unparalleled job opportunities and career growth prospects within a culture that values diversity and inclusion.

Work You’ll Do

At State Farm, your work will directly contribute to our mission of helping people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. Our team is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Empower Your Professional Growth

State Farm is not just about insurance; it's about fostering a culture of continuous professional development and leadership. With a variety of career paths available, the potential for growth is limitless. Whether you're looking to advance in claims handling, underwriting, marketing, or customer service, State Farm provides the training and support needed to advance your career.

Innovate with Us

Our commitment to innovation is fundamental to our success. At State Farm, you will work alongside industry experts to develop solutions that not only meet current customer needs but also anticipate future trends in the insurance industry. Our collaborative environment encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking to drive innovation and efficiency.

Join Our Diverse Team

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our company culture. State Farm believes that a diverse workforce fosters better decision-making and more effective teams. We are committed to providing diversity training and networking opportunities that enhance the skills and potential of all team members.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

State Farm offers a range of internship and employment opportunities that provide hands-on experience in the insurance industry. Our internships are designed to give you a solid foundation in your chosen field, while full-time positions offer benefits and the chance to work as part of a dynamic team.

Benefits of Working at State Farm

Choosing a career at State Farm means enjoying a competitive package of benefits that support both your professional and personal life. From health and wellness programs to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are well taken care of.

How to Apply

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore the open positions on our State Farm Jobs page. Tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the position you are interested in. Prepare for your interview by researching common questions and practicing your responses. Our hiring process is designed to identify passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to make a difference.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at State Farm by following our Careers Blog. Here, you’ll find career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights that you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

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Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at State Farm. Join State Farm today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a commitment to its employees.
Learn more about State Farm
Size
58,000 employees
Industry

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