Chicago, Illinois (Hybrid)
Full-time – Exempt
Reports To: Associate and Deputy General Counsels

Company Overview

Who We Are
Central States/TeamCare proudly serves thousands of Teamster members and their families through two trusted organizations:

TeamCare, a Central States Health Plan
The Central States Southeast and Southwest Areas Health and Welfare Fund was founded in 1950 and was one of the first non-profit labor health funds in the United States. Since 2014, the Fund has done business under the tradename TeamCare which today covers the lives of 550,000 members, from 1,100 different employers, making it the largest labor healthcare fund in the country.

Central States Pension Fund
Established in 1955 to provide lifetime monthly retirement benefits to Teamsters in the trucking industry, the Central States Pension Fund has paid nearly $87 billion in lifetime retirement benefits. It has blazed a trail to retirement security for over 670,000 Teamsters and their family members and revolutionized the pension world for American workers.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Litigation Attorney to represent the Funds in federal litigation related to contributions, benefits, withdrawal liability, bankruptcy, and other ERISA related matters. This role also provides strategic legal counsel to Fund personnel on plan compliance as well as administrative matters. The ideal candidate will possess strong research, writing, and advocacy skills, and be comfortable managing cases from the pre-litigation stage through post-judgment collection. This position offers an opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the administration and protection of employee benefit funds.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent the Funds in federal litigation, including contributions, benefits, withdrawal liability, bankruptcy, and ERISA-related matters.
• Conduct all phases of litigation: pre-litigation negotiations, discovery, depositions, hearings, trials, and appeals.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, legal opinions, and other legal documents with clarity and precision.
• Supervise and collaborate with outside counsel as appropriate.
• Handle post-judgment collection matters and settlement negotiations.
• Provide advice and legal guidance to Fund personnel on administrative, compliance and regulatory matters.
• Conduct legal research on applicable federal and state laws, with particular focus on ERISA Titles I and IV.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legal trends, case law, and regulations which would impact the Funds.
• Assist in processing subpoenas and other administrative legal tasks as needed.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law and in good standing in the State of Illinois.
• Zero to five years of litigation experience; ERISA-related litigation experience preferred.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Experience in federal court proceedings, including trials and appeals, is a plus.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and professional ethics.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Compensation

Annual Salary Range: $120,000-$160,000

(determination of salary is based on experience level)

Benefits*

We are proud to offer one of the most competitive total rewards packages, including:

• 100% company-paid premiums for family insurance benefits including health, dental, RX & vision (comprehensive coverage with low deductibles)
• 100% company-funded pension (at no cost to the employee)
• Health and Dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Generous vacation and PTO package
• Flexible start times & hybrid work-from-home schedule
• Lunch stipend for onsite café
• Tuition reimbursement

* Please note that, though uncommon, the benefits described above are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Equal Opportunity Employer We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.