In-House Litigation Discovery Counsel

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About the role

State Farm is excited to announce the opening of a satellite office in Chicago. We are seeking particular subject matter expertise to supplement our Bloomington-based Corporate Law team. Join State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company—a proud Fortune 50 leader with a legacy of excellence since 1922—as we seek a dynamic and motivated attorney to work as part of a team to help State Farm engage in institutional discovery and otherwise help manage institutional litigation risk. This position is part of Corporate Law’s Litigation Section within State Farm’s Law Department, located in our new satellite office in Chicago's West Loop.

At State Farm, we don’t just offer jobs; we provide opportunities to grow, challenge yourself, and make a real impact. Our Law Department team members are empowered to collaborate, innovate, and thrive professionally and personally in a supportive environment that values development and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Shape discovery-related strategies and issues in bad faith, class action, and various other types of litigation.
• Analyze legal matters and/or litigation resolution in creative ways.
• Drive strategies on discovery-related issues including responding to written discovery requests (interrogatories, document requests, and requests for admission), meet & confers, discovery disputes and discovery motions, and respond to third-party subpoenas in state and federal court litigation and from state and federal regulatory agencies.
• Prepare company witnesses and/or corporate representatives for depositions and other testimony in state and federal court litigation.
• Provide strategic guidance for, draft, and help negotiate eDiscovery protocols, protective orders, and related agreements.
• Provide legal advice and develop strategies regarding privilege analyses, including, where appropriate, categorical logging, redactions, and clawback agreements.
• Develop and validate defensible review processes, including through the use of predictive coding, analytics, sampling methodologies, and statistical validation techniques where applicable.
• Build relationships with business area contacts and Law Department colleagues to identify and collect responsive materials for discovery and identify appropriate corporate representatives.
• Collaborate with internal and external legal teams, IT and other internal business areas, and external vendors to develop and implement eDiscovery strategies that align with legal and business objectives and to provide legal advice regarding risks arising from business area technology enablement.
• Educate outside counsel, witnesses, and third-party service providers on discovery processes.
• Provide legal advice and help identify, develop, implement, and refine optimal use of discovery-related technology, including GenAI, for early case assessment and broader discovery strategies.
• Help shape policies that directly affect our business and customers.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school with outstanding academic credentials.
• Active law license in at least one state and in good standing with 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.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. immediately; sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications

Preferred candidate would have a minimum of 7+ years’ experience in one or more of the following:

• Significant discovery experience, including managing discovery strategy across a portfolio of related matters.
• Significant motion practice experience, especially in the context of unilateral discovery.
• Use of technology (e.g., CAL/TAR, AI) as part of discovery and case assessment processes.
• A proactive, preventative approach to lawyering, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality legal advice.
• Demonstrated agility in learning new areas and a passion for continuous professional growth.
• Proven team player who excels in collaborating with diverse stakeholders in complex, fast-paced environments.

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 to attend trial in person as well as other litigation-related events or activities along with occasional travel 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.

Pay

Compensation is based on our standard 38:45-hour work week.

• Potential starting salary range: $185,000.00 - $280,000.00. 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 up to 30% of base salary.

Benefits

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!

• Eligible for an annual raise and bonus.

Stay Well!

• Robust health and wellbeing programs with State Farm paying most of your healthcare premium.
• Multiple healthcare plan options, including a high deductible plan. All medical plans provide 100% coverage for in-network preventative care.
• Access to vision, dental, telemedicine, 24/7 mental health professionals, and much more.

Develop and Grow!

• Educational benefits like industry-leading training programs, top-notch tuition assistance programs, employee resource groups, and mentoring.

Plan Ahead!

• Benefits like fertility/IVF/adoption assistance, college coaching, national discount programs, interactive monthly financial workshops, free financial coaching, and more.
• Savings account or financing through our State Farm Federal Credit Union.

Take a Little “You” Time!

• Generous time off policies including 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.

Give Back!

• 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.