In-House Employment Law Counsel

Overview

Being good neighbors – helping people, investing in our communities, and making the world a better place – is who we are at State Farm. It is at the core of how we operate and the reason for our success. We're moving with urgency to become a Next Gen Good Neighbor, with technology that strengthens human connections and enhances the customer experience. As an employee, you'll spend less time navigating systems and more time applying judgment, empathy, and expertise in the moments that matter most.

Responsibilities

State Farm, a Fortune 50 company and the nation's #1 property & casualty insurers, is seeking an experienced attorney to join its in-house Law Department as Human Resources & Agency Counsel.  This position will be located in our Chicago, IL satellite office and supplement our Bloomington, IL based Corporate Law Team.

At State Farm, our Law Department is more than a legal function—we are trusted business partners who help shape strategy, manage risk, and support one of America's most recognized brands. Our attorneys are challenged with sophisticated legal issues, empowered to make meaningful contributions, and supported by a collaborative culture that has been a hallmark of State Farm since 1922.

Based in our Chicago, IL satellite office, this position is classified as a hybrid role. Attorneys in hybrid positions are expected to spend significant time working in the Chicago office with occasional travel to Corporate Headquarters in Bloomington, IL. Work arrangements may evolve based on business needs.

The Opportunity
As Human Resources & Agency Counsel, you will serve as a strategic legal advisor to business leaders on a broad range of employment and agency-related legal matters affecting State Farm's workforce and independent contractor agency force. You will partner closely with Human Resources, Agency, and business leadership to navigate complex legal issues, mitigate risk, and support key business initiatives.This is a dynamic, high-impact role offering exposure to significant employment and agency matters across multiple jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently manage a diverse portfolio of legal matters, including day-to-day counseling, administrative proceedings (including EEOC and other agency charges), and complex federal and state litigation involving employees and independent contractor agents.
• Provide practical, business-focused legal advice on a wide range of employment and agency issues, balancing legal risk with organizational objectives.
• Analyze complex factual and legal issues, interpret evolving federal and state employment laws and regulations, and develop effective legal strategies and recommendations.
• Partner with business leaders and Human Resources professionals to proactively identify legal risks and implement practical solutions.
• Direct and manage outside counsel in employment and agency litigation, ensuring high-quality representation, efficient case management, and alignment with State Farm's legal and business objectives.
• Collaborate across the Law Department and with internal stakeholders on emerging legal issues, policy development, and strategic initiatives impacting the workforce and agency system.

Qualifications

• Law Degree from ABA accredited law school and excellent academic credentials
• Must have active license to practice law in at least one state and a member in good standing of the bar
• If not already licensed to practice law in Illinois, you will need to obtain at least an in-house limited license for this role, submit an application to the Illinois Board of Admissions within 90 days from your start date, actively pursue the licensure, and keep your supervisor informed throughout the process.
• 7+ years of employment law experience 
• Past experience in handling employment matters for or on behalf of employers along with experience counseling employers on labor-related issues is preferred
• Experience handling complex employment litigation is suggested
• Advanced knowledge of legal principles and practices related to the subject matter of the attorney's area of practice and/or leadership management skills
• Proactive mindset -anticipates and responds effectively to client's needs and actively assists clients by practicing preventive law
• Commitment to providing quality legal advice, learning agility (included demonstrated willingness to develop expertise in new subject matters), and a history of enthusiastic participation in a team environment
• Applicants are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the U.S. immediately; employer will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work opportunity

Additional Details

• Other than as authorized by the General Counsel or her designee, employees are not permitted to handle any legal business outside of State Farm except authorized pro bono work
• Newly hired employees must cease all outside practice and all suit involvement before joining State Farm
• Travel may be required via commercial transportation or driving to job related activities and occasionally to Corporate Headquarters in Bloomington, IL
• May work irregular hours due to workload and nature of work
• Relocation benefits may be available depending on eligibility and position

Our Benefits

State Farm values work-life balance and offers competitive compensation!

• Potential starting salary range: $185,000.00 - $230,000.00
• • Starting salary will be based on skills, background, and experience
  • High end of the range limited to applicants with significant relevant experience
• Potential yearly incentive pay with a target of 20% and maximum potential of 30%

At State Farm, we offer more than just a paycheck. Check out our suite of benefits designed to give you the flexibility you need to take care of you and your family!

• Get Paid! On top of our competitive pay, you are eligible for an annual raise and bonus.
• Stay Well! Focus on you and your family’s health with our robust health and wellbeing programs. State Farm pays most of your healthcare premium, and we offer multiple healthcare plan options, including a high deductible plan. All medical plans provide 100% coverage for in-network preventative care, AND you and your family have access to vision, dental, telemedicine, 24/7 mental health professionals, and much more!
• Develop and Grow! Take advantage of educational benefits like industry leading training programs, top-notch tuition assistance programs, employee resource groups, and mentoring.
• Plan Ahead! Plan for those big moments in life with benefits like fertility/IVF/adoption assistance, college coaching, national discount programs, interactive monthly financial workshops, free financial coaching, and more. You can also start a savings account or consider financing through our State Farm Federal Credit Union!
• Take a Little “You” Time! You will have access to our generous time off policies designed so you can plan around holidays, family events, volunteering, or just to take a relaxing day off. With the opportunity to initially earn up to 20 days annually plus parental leave, paid holidays, celebration day, life leave (40 hours/year), bereavement leave, and community service/education support days, there will be plenty of time for you!
• Give Back! We offer several ways to give back through our Matching Gift Program, Good Neighbor Grant Program, and the Employee Assistance Fund.
• Finish Strong! Plan for retirement using free financial advisors and a 401(k) plan with company contributions of up to 7% of your salary.

Visit our State Farm Careers page for more information on our benefits, locations, and the hiring process of joining the State Farm team!

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