| NOTABLE WOMEN IN REINSURANCE
JULIE JOHNSTON
Reinsurance Director , CNA Insurance
Continuous learning in both her work and home lives has always been at Julie Johnston ’ s core . The year 2020 , one rocked by COVID-19 and its impact on all areas of life , showed the importance of that value .
Julie serves as Reinsurance Director at CNA Insurance ( CNA ) based in Chicago . In early 2020 , when the world was just learning about COVID-19 , her team immediately began planning . In mid-March , when the governors of Illinois and many other states began issuing “ stay at home ” or “ shelter in place ” orders , Julie ’ s team was ready with new processes and procedures .
“ The CNA leadership supported everyone in this transition ,” said Julie . “ I ’ m really grateful that we were ready from day one and , in some ways , have been able to be even more productive than before .”
Directing the reinsurance practice at a global commercial property and casualty insurance company during a pandemic is not exactly where Julie saw herself when she graduated with her J . D . from UIC John Marshall Law School .
“ When I first started practicing law , my focus was largely professional and product liability defense work .”
Julie began as an associate at a Chicago-based law firm and developed valuable courtroom and litigation skills , the art of persuasive legal writing and negotiations . In 2002 , she joined Lord , Bissell and Brook ( now known as Locke Lord LLP ).
“ When I joined Lord , Bissell and Brook , my practice transitioned to primarily coverage work for large insurers in the U . S . and the London market . I played a key role in advising our clients on a variety of coverage issues , provided advice on policy / contract wording and represented our clients in disputes throughout the U . S . During that time , I was fortunate enough to work with talented attorneys and became more involved in reinsurance coverage disputes .”
After 12 years , that experience led her to a new opportunity that was in-house at CNA , where she delved into the business side of reinsurance .
“ I never thought that ’ s where I would see myself , working as part of team crafting business solutions , but it has really been gratifying ,” she said . “ I ’ ve been surrounded by amazing talent and leadership at CNA . Our work is on the cutting edge in the industry and we are committed to continuously learning and refining our expertise . At CNA , I ’ m a part of the process as an attorney , but because of the way our reinsurance group collaborates , I ’ m able to hear and understand the business need . I feel that having such direct access to the business units helps make me provide more relevant legal advice .”
Julie notes that working so closely with her clients is a side of the legal field you can ’ t truly appreciate when you are in a firm .
The ability to adapt and continue learning has also helped in her personal life . Like many parents , Julie has had to guide her children through COVID-19-era learning . Her 15-year-old and 13-year-old have different mixtures of virtual and in-person education . For Julie , she has always worked to prioritize her family while also thriving in her career . She jokes that her husband , also an attorney , understands why she sometimes cross-examines the kids , but at times that ’ s what needs to be done .
“ When I came out of law school , I was a young attorney , taking depositions , going to court , arguing motions and traveling . I eventually got married and we starting having children , and I had to shift my priorities . I never thought I wouldn ’ t be able to be a valuable member of the firm while also making time for my children . I had to adjust my expectations , be realistic and prioritize .”
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