Overview
A Workers Compensation Defense Attorney is needed for an in-house litigation position, licensed to practice in both Iowa and Nebraska. This role involves defending litigated Workers’ Compensation claims before hearing locations across various venues in Iowa and Nebraska, within a geographically reasonable area. The attorney will work under the direction of the General Counsel.
Responsibilities
- Defend Workers’ Compensation claims in courts, arbitration panels, and administrative bodies.
- Conduct legal research, examine records, and investigate cases as necessary.
- Attend depositions and consult with witnesses, insured parties, legal assistants, and other personnel.
- Participate in negotiations and settlements on behalf of the organization and policyholders.
- Prepare legal pleadings, motions, memorandums, trial briefs, and appeals.
- Provide leadership and expertise on major company projects as needed.
- Apply legal principles and judgment to solve legal issues.
- Draft legal correspondence and memorandums with minimal supervision.
- Provide timely legal opinions and advice.
- Assess risk areas objectively.
- Work on special projects as assigned.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor degree and admission to the bar in Iowa and Nebraska (in good standing).
- Minimum of four (4) years of legal experience; at least two years preferred in the insurance industry.
- Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations governing insurance.
- Ability to understand complex legal issues.
- Excellent analytical, communication, leadership, management, and advocacy skills.
- Strong problem-solving and project management abilities with attention to detail.
- Skilled in developing policies, procedures, and training materials.
- Basic to working knowledge of corporate policies, procedures, contracting concepts, and Uniform Commercial Code.
- Ability to draft and review simple contractual instruments.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret statutes, business and legal periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
- High ethical standards and integrity.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Sound judgment and ability to encourage professional judgment in others.
- Ability to develop collaborative relationships internally and externally.
- Understanding of business operations and financial/analytical issues including profit and loss implications.
- Ability to influence senior corporate management.
- Experience performing in complex cross-functional business environments.
- Ability to develop rapport and engender confidence with clients.
- Excellent presentation, teambuilding, negotiation, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Qualified to effectively present information and respond to questions from courts, regulators, clients, customers, and the public.
Working Conditions
- Primarily office-based work with no unusual hazards.
- Travel required; must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive.
- Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
- Frequent handling of documents, books, and manuals; reaching with hands and arms; talking and hearing.
Compensation & Benefits
- Estimated salary range: $121,500 to $203,400, depending on internal equity, candidate skills, experience, geographic location, and market factors.
- Employment is on an "at will" basis.
Location
- Position requires licensure and work in both Iowa and Nebraska, with travel to hearing locations across these states as needed.