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Insurance Defense Attorney Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Litigation Counsel

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Responsible for being the first line of defense to mitigate risk to enterprise from outside ... Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance options available from day one.

New

Responsible for being the first line of defense to mitigate risk to enterprise from outside ... Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance options available from day one.

Responsible for being the first line of defense to mitigate risk to enterprise from outside ... Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance options available from day one.

Showing results 41-45

Insurance Defense Attorney information

See Wisconsin salary details

$72.7K

$137.6K

$206.4K

How much do insurance defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for insurance defense attorney in Wisconsin is $137,604.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an insurance defense attorney do?

As an insurance defense attorney, your responsibilities are to provide civil litigation and insurance defense for a client or company. To accomplish this work as a lawyer, you analyze complex factual and legal issues, conduct research, create pleadings, and work on written discovery and depositions. You also provide timely communication to clients, courts, and other relevant parties, as well as help your client sue for breach of contract and provide other types of legal protection. You frequently communicate with courts, opposing counsel, co-counsel, and witnesses, and may prepare and present these witnesses at trials, hearings, arbitrations, and other types of dispute resolution.

What is an insurance defense attorney?

An Insurance Defense Attorney is a lawyer who represents insurance companies and their policyholders in legal disputes, typically involving claims of liability or damages. Their primary role is to defend clients against lawsuits and help resolve claims efficiently, either through negotiation, settlement, or litigation. They often handle cases related to personal injury, property damage, professional liability, and other insurance-related matters. These attorneys analyze claims, develop legal strategies, and protect the interests of their clients throughout the legal process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an insurance defense attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Insurance Defense Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, strong litigation skills, and in-depth knowledge of insurance law. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management software, and e-discovery tools is essential. Excellent negotiation, analytical thinking, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively advocating for clients, managing complex caseloads, and achieving successful outcomes in insurance-related disputes.

What is the difference between Insurance Defense Attorney vs Claims Adjuster?

AspectInsurance Defense AttorneyClaims Adjuster
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles require a bachelor's degree
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, insurance companies, government agenciesInsurance companies, third-party administrator offices
Industry UsageLegal representation, litigation, legal adviceClaims processing, investigation, settlement
Common Search/ComparisonLegal expertise, courtroom workClaims handling, settlement negotiation

Insurance Defense Attorneys primarily provide legal representation and advice in insurance disputes and litigation, requiring a law degree and license. Claims Adjusters focus on investigating and settling claims, often with a high school diploma or degree. While both roles work within the insurance industry, attorneys handle legal proceedings, whereas adjusters manage claims processing and negotiations.

What are some common challenges faced by insurance defense attorneys in managing their caseloads?

Insurance Defense Attorneys often juggle a high volume of cases simultaneously, each with its own deadlines, discovery requirements, and client communications. Managing competing priorities and staying organized is essential to ensure timely filings and effective representation. Attorneys in this field must also adapt to changing case strategies, evolving legal precedents, and frequent negotiations with opposing counsel, making time management and clear communication critical skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Wisconsin? For Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in WI? For Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Insurance Defense Attorney job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,604 per year, or $66.2 per hour.

Complex Claims Consultant - EPL, Private & NFP D&O

Cna

Wauwatosa, WI

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

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 is one of the premier providers of professional liability insurance. CNA Financial Lines has an opening for a Complex Claims Consultant handling Employment Practice Liability, Private and NFP D&O claims. This individual will work with insureds, attorneys and brokers regarding the handling and/or disposition of mid to high severity claims.
This individual will investigate claims, coordinate discovery, and team with defense counsel on litigation strategy. This individual will be able to utilize claims policies and guidelines, review coverage, determine liability and damages, set financial reserves, secure information to negotiate and settle claims, and present claims to leadership, as needed. Critical to success in this role is the ability to be highly organized, independently motivated and responsive/communicative.
CNA offers a hybrid work environment in one of the following locations: Chicago, Glastonbury, Lake Mary, Wyomissing, NYC area preferred, but candidates near any CNA location will be considered.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:

  • Manages an inventory of highly complex Financial Lines claims, with large exposures that require a high degree of specialized technical expertise and coordination, by following company protocols to verify policy coverage, conduct investigations, develop and employ resolution strategies, and authorize disbursements within authority limits.

  • Ensures exceptional customer service by managing all aspects of the claim, interacting professionally and effectively, achieving quality and cycle time standards, providing timely updates and responding promptly to inquiries and requests for information.

  • Verifies coverage and establishes timely and adequate reserves by reviewing and interpreting policy language and partnering with coverage counsel on more complex matters, estimating potential claim valuation, and following company's claim handling protocols.

  • Leads focused investigation to determine compensability, liability and covered damages by gathering pertinent information, such as contracts or other documents, taking recorded statements from customers, claimants, injured workers, witnesses, and working with experts, or other parties, as necessary to verify the facts of the claim.

  • Resolves claims by collaborating with internal and external business partners to develop, own and execute a claim resolution strategy, that includes management of timely and adequate reserves, collaborating with coverage experts, negotiating complex settlements, partnering with counsel to manage complex litigation and authorizing payments within scope of authority.

  • Establishes and manages claim budgets by achieving timely claim resolution, selecting and actively overseeing appropriate resources, authorizing expense payments and delivering high quality service in an efficient manner.

  • Realizes and addresses subrogation/salvage opportunities or potential fraud occurrences by evaluating the facts of the claim and making referrals to appropriate Claim, Recovery or SIU resources for further investigation.

  • Achieves quality standards by appropriately managing each claim to ensure that all company protocols are followed, work is accurate and timely, all files are properly documented and claims are resolved and paid timely.

  • Keeps senior leadership informed of significant risks and losses by completing loss summaries, identifying claims to include on oversight/watch lists, and preparing and presenting succinct summaries to senior management.

  • Maintains subject matter expertise and ensures compliance with state/local regulatory requirements by following company guidelines, and staying current on commercial insurance laws, regulations or trends for line of business.

  • Mentors, guides, develops and delivers training to less experienced Claim Professionals.

May perform additional duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship

  • Typically Director or above


Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

  • Thorough knowledge of the commercial insurance industry, products, policy language, coverage, and claim practices.

  • Strong communication and presentation skills both verbal and written, including the ability to communicate business and technical information clearly.

  • Demonstrated analytical and investigative mindset with critical thinking skills and ability to make sound business decisions, and to effectively evaluate and resolve ambiguous, complex and challenging business problems.

  • Strong work ethic, with demonstrated time management and organizational skills.

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment at high levels of productivity.

  • Demonstrated ability to negotiate complex settlements.

  • Experience interpreting complex specialty insurance policies and coverage.

  • Ability to manage multiple and shifting priorities in a fast-paced and challenging environment.

  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn business-related software.

  • Demonstrated ability to value diverse opinions and ideas.

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience; JD preferred.

  • Typically a minimum of five to seven years of relevant experience, preferably in claim handling

#LI-CP1

#LI-Hybrid

In certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $72,000 to $141,000 annually.Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees - and their family members - achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA's benefits, please visitcnabenefits.com.


CNAutilizesAI-enabled technology during the recruiting process. For more information, please visitourcareers page.


CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contactleaveadministration@cna.com