Associate Attorney - Workers' Compensation

Herrera Law Center, LLC is seeking an Associate Attorney to join our growing Petitioner-side workers’ compensation practice in Chicago, Illinois.

About Herrera Law Center

Herrera Law Center, LLC is a boutique workers’ compensation law firm that has been representing injured workers for over 10 years. Our practice is dedicated to advocating for employees who have been injured on the job and helping them obtain the medical treatment and benefits to which they are entitled.

Position Description

The ideal candidate will have experience handling Illinois workers’ compensation matters and be comfortable working directly with clients, opposing counsel, medical providers, and the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Essential Job Functions:

• Manage a caseload of Illinois workers’ compensation cases from inception through resolution.
• Meet with and communicate regularly with clients regarding their claims, medical treatment, benefits, and case status.
• Gather, review, and analyze medical records and other evidence.
• Conduct client interviews and prepare clients for depositions, hearings, and trial.
• Conduct discovery and perform legal research regarding Illinois workers’ compensation law.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, settlement documents, and other legal correspondence.
• Prepare cases for status calls, pre-trials, arbitrations, and trial.
• Represent injured workers before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.
• Take and defend depositions of claimants, physicians, medical experts, and other witnesses.
• Evaluate medical evidence, permanency, causation, work restrictions, and settlement value.
• Negotiate settlements with defense counsel and insurance representatives.
• Attend hearings, arbitrations, depositions, and oral arguments.
• Remain current on developments in Illinois workers’ compensation law and Commission decisions.
• Work collaboratively with attorneys and staff to effectively manage client cases.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Illinois Bar in good standing.
• Prior experience handling Illinois workers’ compensation matters preferred.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines independently.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Spanish-speaking ability is a strong plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Outlook required; experience with legal case-management software preferred.
• Commitment to providing compassionate and zealous representation to injured workers.

What We Offer

• Meaningful responsibility and hands-on litigation experience.
• Direct client interaction and case ownership.
• Exposure to all stages of Illinois workers’ compensation litigation.
• A collaborative environment within a small, close-knit firm.
• Opportunity for professional growth and advancement.

Experience Level: We are open to candidates with varying levels of workers’ compensation experience. Candidates with 2+ years of Illinois workers’ compensation experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person