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

Orion Placement

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 ...

Heplerbroom Llc

Attorney of Counsel

Chicago, IL · On-site

$160K - $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 ...

Kelley Kronenberg

Associate Attorney

Merrillville, IN · On-site +1

The Workers' Compensation Defense Attorney will play a crucial role in managing, leading, and ... Company Paid PPO Health Insurance + Dental & Vision Options * Generous Paid Time Off + Floating ...

Kelley Kronenberg

Associate Attorney

Merrillville, IN · On-site +1

The Workers' Compensation Defense Attorney will play a crucial role in managing, leading, and ... Company Paid PPO Health Insurance + Dental & Vision Options * Generous Paid Time Off + Floating ...

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All JobsInsurance Defense Attorney JobsInsurance Defense Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 11, 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 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.
More about Insurance Defense Attorney jobs
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:
Insurance Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Insurance Defense Attorney job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, 12% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,438 per year, or $67.5 per hour.

Insurance Defense Attorney

Orion Placement

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$125K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Pay: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

  • Join a respected litigation team where you will manage meaningful cases from inception through resolution.
  • Gain hands-on courtroom experience while working alongside highly experienced trial attorneys.
  • Enjoy significant autonomy with the support and mentorship needed to continue growing your career.
  • Work on sophisticated civil litigation matters involving insurance, construction, premises liability, trucking, and coverage issues.
  • Be part of a collaborative, professional culture that values high-quality legal work and long-term client relationships.
  • Opportunity for career advancement with an established and growing litigation practice.

Location:
Chicago, Illinois – Full-time, primarily on-site. We believe in collaboration and mentorship through in-office teamwork, with limited hybrid flexibility only for exceptional candidates.

Note:
Candidates must be licensed to practice law in Illinois and have insurance defense litigation experience. Strong legal writing, research, analytical, billing, and case management skills are essential.

About Us
We are a well-established civil litigation firm dedicated to delivering exceptional legal representation while building lasting client relationships. Our attorneys handle sophisticated litigation matters from beginning to end in a collaborative, supportive environment where professionalism, initiative, and quality work are valued. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

  • Manage insurance defense litigation matters from case inception through resolution.
  • Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery, and other litigation documents.
  • Conduct legal research using Westlaw and other legal research platforms.
  • Develop litigation strategies and analyze evidence, testimony, and expert opinions.
  • Represent clients during hearings, depositions, mediations, settlement conferences, and court appearances.
  • Negotiate settlements and communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and experts.
  • Maintain organized case files while meeting billing expectations and litigation deadlines.
  • Collaborate with experienced attorneys on complex litigation matters while independently managing your own caseload.

Qualifications

  • Active Illinois Bar license.
  • 1+ year of insurance defense litigation experience (3+ years strongly preferred).
  • Strong knowledge of Illinois civil litigation procedures.
  • Excellent legal writing, research, and analytical abilities.
  • Experience drafting litigation documents and handling discovery.
  • Familiarity with billing software and meeting billing requirements.
  • Insurance coverage experience is a plus.
  • Solo practitioners with relevant insurance defense experience are encouraged to apply.

Why You Will Love Working Here

You'll join a close-knit litigation team where your work makes a real impact. We value collaboration, mentorship, professional development, and providing attorneys with meaningful responsibility while maintaining a supportive and respectful workplace culture.

JPC-1525

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance