Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school with strong academic credentials
Minimum 10 years of litigation experience, including jury trials and depositions
Active law license in at least one state; IL limited license required if not already licensed in IL
Advanced understanding of legal principles, specifically in litigation, class actions, and insurance bad faith
Proficient management and collaboration skills with a proactive, creative problem-solving attitude
Responsibilities
Supervise litigation and strategy formulation for complex cases, including class actions
Collaborate with outside counsel on litigation strategies and trial preparations
Attend trials, providing reports to relevant business units and law management
Develop and manage litigation budgets and projects
Offer legal advice to State Farm representatives and analyze legal issues
Prepare and manage discovery processes and respond to legal requests
Advise on discovery disputes and review legal briefings from external counsel
Benefits
Annual salary increases and potential yearly bonuses
Comprehensive health programs with significant employer contribution, including telemedicine and mental health support
Robust educational benefits, including tuition assistance and professional development programs
Generous time off policies, offering up to 20 annual vacation days plus various leave options
Retirement planning with 401(k) contributions from the company and access to financial advisors
Opportunities to give back to the community through various assistance and matching gift programs
Full Job Description
Responsibilities
State Farm is excited to announce the opening of a satellite office in Chicago. We are seeking particular subject matter expertise to supplement our Bloomington based Corporate Law team.
State Farm is excited to offer a Litigation In-House Counsel opportunity within the Litigation Division of our Corporate Law Department. Our Law Department is made up of dedicated and empowered professionals who support each other's growth both personally and professionally-a culture that has defined us since 1922.
The ideal candidate for this role will have 10+ years of relevant experience. Individuals in this position will take on advanced responsibilities, including supervising litigation and formulating strategies for complex cases, which may include class actions.
The role is classified as hybrid, requiring a balance of in-office and virtual work, with the expectation that the majority of time will be spent in the office in the new Chicago Satellite office located in the West Loop. Work arrangements may evolve based on business needs.
The primary focus of this role is to supervise litigation and manage discovery issues in cases involving State Farm entities. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Collaborate with outside counsel to develop litigation strategies for bad faith, class action, and various other litigation types.
Assist in trial preparation and prepare company witnesses and corporate representatives for depositions and testimony.
Attend trials and provide trial reports to relevant business units, Law Department management, and colleagues.
Develop and manage budgets for litigation matters and related projects.
Provide legal advice to representatives of the State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its affiliates.
Analyze legal problems and interpret laws and regulations.
Approach legal matters and litigation resolution with creative solutions.
Serve as a resource for the organization on complex legal issues.
Respond to written discovery requests (interrogatories, document requests, and requests for admission) in state and federal court litigation.
Prepare and execute discovery strategies and manage discovery processes and procedures.
Advise on meet and confer strategies and discovery disputes, driving strategy on related motions.
Review dispositive pleadings and other legal briefs prepared by outside counsel.
Assist in identifying a bench of outside counsel across jurisdictions in the United States.
Collaborate with other areas within the Corporate Law Department to effectively manage legal risk.
Qualifications
Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school and excellent academic credentials
Active law license to practice law in at least one state and a member in good standing of the bar with an ability to obtain a limited license in IL if not already appropriately licensed in IL
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.
Attorney with 10+ years of litigation experience
Jury trial and significant deposition experience
Advanced knowledge of legal principles and practices related to litigation
Leadership, management, and collaboration skills
Experience with class actions, MDLs, and/or insurance bad faith strongly preferred
Experience with eDiscovery issues
Proactive and creative mindset that anticipates and responds effectively to client's needs and actively assists clients by practicing preventative law
Commitment to providing quality legal advice, learning agility (including demonstrated willingness to develop expertise in new subject matters), and a history of enthusiastic participation in a team environment
Eligibility 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 to attend trial in person as well as other litigation-related events or activities along with occasional travel to Corporate Headquarters in Bloomington, IL
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!
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.
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
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Join State Farm today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a commitment to its employees.
