Insurance Defense Trial Attorney

About the role

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. Rebecca (Missie) Hendry & Associates, insurance staff counsel for State Farm Insurance Companies, is seeking an Attorney to join our growing St. Petersburg Claim Litigation office. While every day can provide different experiences and opportunities, State Farm attorneys maintain their own caseload from inception to conclusion. The role involves case ownership, participating in litigation events, and meeting with clients. We encourage a collaborative environment where our attorneys can assist each other and have access to support staff while maintaining ownership of their files. As a result of not being billed by the hour, our attorneys have the opportunity to strategize on trial and case development as it passes through litigation. State Farm creates an environment inclusive of career development opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Handle litigation and other legal assignments in accordance with guidelines established by the Law Department
• Prepare and summarize reports for proceedings
• Trial strategy and case development
• Attend litigation events including trials, mediations, depositions, and hearings

Qualifications

• Previous experience required: 3-10 years of civil/trial experience handling bodily injury/uninsured motorist automobile injury lawsuits is strongly preferred
• Criminal jury trial experience will be considered
• Key skills required: Jury trial, mediation, deposition experience; file ownership; knowledge of local and state discovery rules, trial procedures, and applicable substantive law commensurate with level of experience; effective written and oral communication skills; ability to work in a team setting
• Technology/software experience required: Ability to work efficiently with cases in electronic form; working knowledge of a Case Management system; working knowledge of a Document Storage system
• Education requirements including licenses and certifications: J.D. from an A.B.A. Accredited Law School with excellent academic credentials; must have an active law license to practice in the state of Florida and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Florida
• Additional details: Applicants are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the U.S. immediately; State Farm will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work opportunities; other than authorized and pro bono work, State Farm attorneys are not permitted to handle any legal business outside of State Farm and candidates must cease all outside practice and all suit involvement before joining State Farm; travel via personal or commercial transportation to job related activities is an essential function; consideration will be given for attorneys who live in Sarasota and are willing to drive to Charlotte and Lee Counties; irregular hours may be required

Benefits

• Competitive pay with annual raise and bonus eligibility
• Robust health and wellbeing programs: State Farm pays most of your healthcare premium; multiple healthcare plan options including a high deductible plan; 100% coverage for in-network preventative care; vision, dental, telemedicine, 24/7 mental health professionals
• Educational benefits: industry leading training programs, top‑notch tuition assistance, employee resource groups, mentoring
• Family planning benefits: fertility/IVF/adoption assistance, college coaching
• Financial wellness: national discount programs, interactive monthly financial workshops, free financial coaching, option to start a savings account or financing through State Farm Federal Credit Union
• Time off: up to 20 days annually plus parental leave, paid holidays, celebration day, life leave (40 hours/year), bereavement leave, community service/education support days
• Give‑back programs: Matching Gift Program, Good Neighbor Grant Program, Employee Assistance Fund
• Retirement: free financial advisors and a 401(k) plan with company contributions up to 7% of salary

Pay

• Potential starting salary range: $107,000.00 – $195,000.00
• Starting salary based on skills, background, and experience; high end of range limited to applicants with significant relevant experience
• Potential yearly incentive pay up to 24% of base salary