Senior Attorney - Worker's Compensation

at  Chicago Transit Authority

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.
Qualifications

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.

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