Associate Attorney - Worker's Compensation

SALARY 

$104,787.50

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision, functions as a “junior associate” attorney responsible for supporting defense of workers’ compensation cases from minor to significant injuries or death and supports litigation for assigned caseload litigating workers’ compensation cases brought against the authority.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Handles own caseload of Workers’ Compensation cases through all phases of litigation.  This requires frequent appearances in court for hearings, arbitrations, and trials, the taking and defending of depositions, preparing and deposing witnesses and expert witnesses, legal and medical research, and the drafting of briefs and settlement contracts.
• Works with more senior attorneys in a “second chair” capacity on large Workers’ Compensation litigation.  Assists other departments with the collection of Workers’ Compensation benefits caused by the negligence of third-parties.
• Works closely with the Workers’ Compensation adjusters and staff, as well as CTA’s Third-Party Administrator to handle claims in the best interest of the Authority.
• Conducts research for the purpose of advising client departments.  May provide advice and counsel directly to clients and the Third-Party Administrator.
• Builds skills through continuing legal education programs and training opportunities offered by Law Department.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to this position are the following jobs:

Job Title

• Administrative Support

CHALLENGES

• Must be able to work in partnership with client departments to achieve CTA goals.
• Must be able to provide legal advice in a short response time under stressful situations.
• Must quickly demonstrate skills and credibility as a practicing attorney.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Law degree from an accredited school of law.  Licensed, or in the process of obtaining a license, to practice law in Illinois.
• 1 year of Workers’ Compensation experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity, and fingering for working with computer key boards. 
• Transports documents and equipment to court and various locations.
• Chicago Transit Authority requires all employees to be COVID-19 vaccinated.  If you are offered employment, you must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or proof that you are in the process of becoming fully vaccinated as part of the hiring process and as a condition of employment. Visit www.transitchicago.com/careers
• Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of applicable federal and state laws.
• Working knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interrelate with clients, Authority personnel, and witnesses.
• Good research, organization and analytical skills to gather and synthesize large volumes of information into a logical convincing case.
• Good verbal and written communication skills to explain important facts clearly, logically, and concisely.
• Good negotiation skills.
• Good interviewing skills.
• Basic skill using Microsoft software.
• Ability to work on multiple projects in stressful situations.
• Ability to provide timely legal advice.
• Ability to work independently and advise and consult with management as needed.
• Ability to lead others and work in a team environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• General office environment.
• Works various days and hours.
• Travels to various locations to collect or present information.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

• Standard office equipment.
• On-line legal research and litigation support software.