We use cookies. Find out more about it here. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Senior Attorney - Worker's Compensation

Vacancy has expired

#alert

Chicago, IL

Employer:  Chicago Transit Authority
Category:  Legal
Job Type:  Full Time

Description

SALARY
$99,647.10

POSITION SUMMARY
Under general supervision, performs a broad variety of legal duties in support of the Authority's General Counsel. Works on the defense of workers' compensation lawsuits filed against the Authority, from minor to significant injuries or death and performs all litigation for assigned caseload.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Plans, directs, and participates in litigation involving workers' compensation lawsuits and other matters on behalf of the Authority.
  • Handles own caseload of workers' compensation cases through all phases of litigation.
  • Initiates, researches, prepares, and presents opinions, briefs, arguments, and pleadings in litigation and arbitrations.
  • Makes frequent appearances in court for hearings, arbitrations, and trials.
  • Obtains and defends depositions, and prepares witnesses for trial.
  • Gathers legal and medical research, drafts pleadings and motions, and completes and submits any forms, memoranda, briefs, and settlement agreements on behalf of the Authority's General Counsel.
  • Prepares memos and present cases to appropriate management or Settlement Committee for approval
  • Conducts research and provides advice and counsel directly to client departments and Third-Party Administrator (TPA). Works closely with Workers' Compensation Department and the Authority's TPA to handle claims in the best interest of the Authority. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the legal field.
  • Works with more senior attorneys in "second chair" capacity on large workers' compensation litigation.
  • Works with claims adjusters to determine compensability and appropriate handling of claim.
  • Manages work of paralegals and other support staff assigned to his/her projects.
  • Provides mentoring and other skill-development service for more junior attorneys and staff.
  • Assists other departments with the collection/subrogation of workers' compensation benefits caused by the negligence of third-parties.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.


MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to this position may include the following jobs:

  • Paralegal
  • Administrative Support


CHALLENGES

  • Keeping abreast of new trends and innovations in the legal field.
  • Maintaining good working relationships and communicating effectively with client departments and staff on all levels to achieve Authority goals and objectives.
  • Managing multiple tasks simultaneously and handling stressful situations.
  • Providing legal advice with efficiently and accurately on behalf of the Authority.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited school of law and licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois, plus three (3) years of experience as a practicing attorney, of which one (1) year of experience was spent specializing in workers' compensation claims, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Required to maintain appropriate continuing legal education credits.


    PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

    • Light to moderate lifting.
    • 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

    • Detailed knowledge of Illinois Workers' Compensation laws and regulations.
    • Detailed knowledge of applicable federal and state laws.Detailed knowledge of principles and methods in drafting legal documents.Detailed knowledge of the methods and practices of legal research and investigation, judicial procedure, and the rules of evidence.
    • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including work processing functions.
    • Strong interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interrelate with Authority personnel of all levels and the public.
    • Strong editing and drafting skills, and great attention to detail.
    • Strong organizational skills.
    • Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
    • Strong verbal and in written communication skills.
    • Strong analytical skills necessary for competent legal interpretation.
    • Strong managerial and administrative skills to direct and coordinate the activities of the work team.
    • Ability to coordinate multiple requests simultaneously while meeting multiple deadlines.
    • Ability to provide effective solutions to CTA issues with integrity, initiative and creativity.
    • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and possess analytical skills necessary for competent legal interpretation.
    WORKING CONDITIONS

    • General office environment.
    • Makes regular site visits to non-office locations (e.g., court and CTA field locations)
    EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

    • Standard office equipment.
    • Personal computer, telephone, trial visual aids equipment, on-line legal research, and litigation support software.


    Additional Details

    Please note, employees and/or union members will be given priority consideration in the hiring process, per the applicable labor contracts.

    Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate and may be higher or lower than target.

    Applicants, if hired,must comply with CTA's residency ordinance.

    CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

    No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact arc@transitchicago.com prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided.
    Applied = 0
    This option is not yet activated. Please purchase the required service here.
    Back