Coverage Attorney - Illinois

About The Role

As a Coverage Attorney - Illinois, you will serve as a senior subject-matter expert on complex insurance coverage matters and related litigation. In this salaried, full-time role, you will lead the analysis and interpretation of a wide range of insurance policies, advise clients on coverage exposure and risk, and strategically manage coverage disputes in state and federal courts. Drawing on your extensive experience, you will function as a key advisor both to clients and to internal teams, helping shape coverage strategies, mentoring more junior attorneys, and contributing to the growth and reputation of the firm’s coverage practice in Illinois.

What You'll Do

• Provide sophisticated coverage analysis and written opinions on a wide array of insurance policies, including but not limited to CGL, professional liability, D&O, E&O, excess/umbrella, and specialty lines.
• Evaluate and interpret policy language, endorsements, exclusions, and conditions to advise clients on coverage, exposure, and risk management.
• Handle and oversee complex insurance coverage disputes and related litigation in Illinois state and federal courts, from inception through resolution.
• Draft, review, and refine pleadings, motions, dispositive briefs, coverage position letters, reservation of rights letters, and declination letters.
• Develop and execute case strategies for declaratory judgment actions, bad faith claims, and other coverage-related proceedings.
• Conduct and defend depositions, participate in mediations, arbitrations, and settlement conferences, and represent clients at hearings and, where appropriate, trial.
• Collaborate directly with insurer clients, corporate insureds, and brokers to provide timely, practical, and business-oriented coverage advice.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide guidance to associates and staff on coverage analyses, research, writing, and litigation tasks.
• Work closely with other practice groups to identify and address coverage implications in broader commercial, tort, and professional liability matters.
• Contribute to business development initiatives, including client presentations, training sessions, thought leadership pieces, and industry events related to insurance coverage.
• Maintain current knowledge of developments in Illinois and federal insurance coverage law, including case law, statutory changes, and regulatory trends, and share insights with clients and colleagues.
• Support internal firm initiatives, including practice development, knowledge management, and process improvements within the Non-Equity Partners department.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law and in good standing; must be barred in Illinois.
• Approximately 5 or more years of experience as an attorney with a strong focus on insurance coverage and related litigation.
• Demonstrated expertise in analyzing, interpreting, and litigating issues involving complex insurance policies and coverage disputes.
• Substantial experience handling matters in Illinois state and federal courts, including motion practice, discovery, and participation in mediations and other alternative dispute resolution forums.
• Proven ability to independently manage a significant coverage caseload, including strategy development, client communication, and matter budgeting.
• Exceptional legal research, analytical, and drafting skills, with a track record of producing clear, persuasive, and well-reasoned written work.
• Strong oral advocacy skills and confidence in representing clients in court, at depositions, and in negotiations.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with insurer clients and other stakeholders, offering practical and timely legal guidance.
• Experience mentoring and overseeing junior attorneys and legal staff on coverage and litigation matters.
• High level of professional integrity, judgment, and discretion in managing sensitive client matters.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented, fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and manage competing demands.
• Proficiency with legal research tools and litigation support technologies.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current on developments in Illinois insurance coverage law and practice.