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Insurance Defense Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Insurance Defense Attorney

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$125K - $175K/yr

Collaborate with experienced attorneys on complex litigation matters while independently managing your own caseload. Qualifications * Active Illinois Bar license. * 1+ year of insurance defense ...

Insurance Defense Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $160K/yr

Kennedys, a Legal 500 and Chambers-ranked global firm serving insurers and the London market, is seeking dynamic and talented attorneys to join its national and international insurance defense ...

Attorney of Counsel

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200K/yr

HeplerBroom LLC, a large defense firm, is hiring for a experienced insurance coverage attorney for its Chicago-based insurance coverage practice. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years' experience ...

Be Seen First

Immediate opening for a Civil Litigation Attorney with 3+ years of Insurance Defense and/or Workers' Compensation Defense Litigation experience for highly respected, multi-state litigation firm. This ...

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Insurance Defense Attorney information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$74.2K

$140.4K

$210.7K

How much do insurance defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for insurance defense attorney in Chicago, IL is $140,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,400.00 and $160,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Insurance Defense Attorney jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Insurance Defense Attorney job openings:

Infographic showing various Insurance Defense Attorney job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,438 per year, or $67.5 per hour.

Insurance Defense Attorney - Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Insurance Defense Attorney - Full-time

Location: Chicago, IL

Required Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 6 years of Illinois insurance defense experience.

  • An Indiana license.

Job Description

  • Join our General Liability practice area as a motivated Attorney.

  • Work closely with clients on all tort litigation matters.

  • Develop business rapidly and share existing casualty defense clients.

Benefits:

  • Outstanding benefit packages and a people-first work environment
  • Stable, growing company with tremendous opportunity for career advancement
  • Competitive compensation and benefits
Employment Type: FULL_TIME