Exhibit 10.11

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made as of the 9th day of
August, 2002 (the “Signing Date”), by and between CNA Financial Corporation, a
Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and James R. Lewis (“Executive”);

WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, the Executive currently serves as the Executive Vice President,
Standard Line, with senior management level responsibility for domestic field
operations and standard commercial lines underwriting for the principal business
units, subsidiaries and affiliates of the Continental Casualty Company, a
subsidiary of the Company, pursuant to an employment agreement dated as of
August 20, 2001 (“Prior Employment Agreement”);

     WHEREAS, the Company wishes to employ Executive as President & Chief
Executive Officer, Property and Casualty Operations, with senior management
level responsibility for all property and casualty operations for the Company’s
principal business units and subsidiaries of the CNA Insurance Companies
(collectively, the Company and the CNA Insurance Companies are referred to as
the “CNA Companies”); and

     WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive wish to terminate the Prior
Employment Agreement and to enter into a new written agreement setting forth the
terms of their future employment relationship as set forth below.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the promises
and covenants herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

     1.     Employment Term. The Company and Executive agree that the Company
shall employ Executive to perform the duties of President & Chief Executive
Officer, Property and Casualty Operations, for the period commencing on August
26, 2002 (“Effective Date”) and ending on December 31, 2005, or such earlier
date as of which Executive’s employment is terminated in accordance with
Section 6 hereof. The covenants set forth in Sections 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,
14 through 16 shall survive the term of Executive’s employment.

     2.     Duties of Executive.

               (a) Executive shall serve as the President & Chief Executive
Officer, Property and Casualty Operations, as defined and directed by the
Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (hereinafter “President/CEO”).
Executive shall report to the President/CEO. Executive may be elected to and
shall serve as a member of the Board of Directors of one or more of the CNA
Companies, and if so elected Executive agrees to serve on such boards in such
capacity without additional compensation; provided that nothing in this
Agreement shall require that the shareholders of any company elect Executive to
its board of directors.

               (b) Executive shall diligently and to the best of his abilities
assume, perform, and discharge the duties and responsibilities of President &
Chief Executive Officer, Property and Casualty Operations, as well as such other
specific duties and responsibilities not inconsistent with Executive’s such
titles, offices, status and responsibilities as the President/CEO

 

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shall assign or designate to Executive from time to time. Executive shall devote
substantially all of his working time to the performance of his duties as set
forth herein and shall not during the term of his employment, without the prior
written consent of the President/CEO, accept other employment or render or
perform other services, nor shall he have any direct or indirect ownership
interest in any other business which is in competition with the business of the
CNA Companies, other than in the form of publicly traded securities constituting
less than five percent (5%) of the outstanding securities of a corporation
(determined by vote or value) or limited partnership interests constituting less
than five percent (5%) of the value of any such partnership. The foregoing shall
not preclude Executive from engaging in charitable, professional, and personal
investment activities, and Executive shall be permitted to continue to engage in
such charitable and professional activities engaged in by Executive during the
term of his Prior Employment Agreement, provided in any case that, in the
reasonable judgment of the President/CEO, such activities do not materially
interfere with his performance of his duties and responsibilities hereunder.

     3.     Compensation.

               (a) Base Compensation. The Company or its subsidiaries shall pay
to Executive for the period he is employed by the Company hereunder, an annual
base salary at a rate of no less than $750,000.00, payable not less frequently
than monthly (the “Base Compensation”). Such Base Compensation shall be reviewed
by the Incentive Compensation Committee of the Board (“Committee”) not less
frequently than annually, as of each March, during the term of the Agreement
commencing, with a view to making such positive adjustments as the Board deems
equitable and appropriate, beginning with March of 2003, based on market
considerations, Executive’s responsibilities and performance, and the increased
amount shall thereafter be considered Executive’s Base Compensation for all
purposes under this Agreement. In no event shall Executive’s salary rate be
reduced to an amount that is less than $750,000.00, or after any increase in
Base Compensation hereafter to an amount that is less than such increased amount
that he was previously receiving, without Executive’s written consent.

               (b) Annual Incentive Cash Award. The Executive shall be entitled
to an annual cash award (“Bonus”) pursuant to the CNA Financial Corporation 2000
Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Incentive Compensation Plan”). Subject to
Committee approval, the Executive’s target Bonus thereunder shall be not less
than the rate of one hundred percent (100%) of his Base Compensation and his
maximum Bonus shall be not more than the greater of (i) the rate of two hundred
percent (200%) of his Base Compensation or (ii) $1,500,000; provided, subject to
Committee approval, a special bonus plan will be established for Executive for
the year 2002 only and Executive’s 2002 Target Bonus shall be $1,000,000 upon
achievement of a goal of $2,600,000,000 net written property casualty premium
for the CNA Companies for the last two fiscal quarters of 2002, subject to
Committee negative discretion. The amount of Executive’s annual Bonus shall be
based on performance criteria (the “Performance Criteria”) established by the
Committee pursuant to the Incentive Compensation Plan for each of the years
included in the term of this Agreement, and payment of Executive’s annual Bonus
shall otherwise be in accordance with the provisions of the Incentive
Compensation Plan, including the requirement of annual review and certification
by the Committee of the awards; provided, that satisfaction of the Performance
Criteria shall be based on Net Operating Income as defined in the Incentive
Compensation Plan.

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                (c) Special Long-Term Incentive Award. Executive shall be
awarded a special stock option grant of 5,000 shares of CNA Financial
Corporation stock as of November 27, 2002, pursuant to the terms and conditions
set forth in the attached Addendum (the “Addendum”), which is incorporated by
reference into this Agreement.

               (d) Long-Term Incentive Awards. Subject to the approval of the
Committee, Executive shall additionally be awarded (i) an annual target
long-term incentive cash award equal to twenty percent (20%) of his Base
Compensation and (ii) (as provided in Section 3 of the attached Addendum) a
targeted stock option grant of 30,000 shares of CNA Financial Corporation stock
annually pursuant to the terms and provisions set forth in the Addendum, and in
the case of such cash, stock option and other long-term incentive awards
pursuant to such other terms that are comparable to such awards to senior
executives of the Company, as well as such other awards under the Incentive
Compensation Plan as the Committee shall in its sole discretion from time to
time grant to Executive. Such cash, stock option, restricted stock and other
equity incentive awards, the long-term cash incentive award and stock option
grant pursuant to subsection 3(c), and all other long-term incentive cash, stock
option, restricted stock and other equity incentive awards granted to Executive
pursuant to this subsection 3(d), are referred as “LTIP Awards” hereunder.

               (e) Prior Incentive Awards. All stock option, restricted stock
and other equity incentive awards granted to Executive prior to the Effective
Date shall continue in accordance with the terms thereof (except that
“December 31, 2005” shall be substituted for “April 1, 2004” as the latest
“Offer Date” to constitute a “Triggering Termination” thereunder).

               (f) Section 162(m) Compliance; Deferral. For avoidance of doubt,
respecting awards to Executive under Section 3(b) or 3(c) hereof, the Committee
shall retain such discretion as may be provided under the Incentive Compensation
Plan to satisfy Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“Code”) or
any successor provision. The Company may defer the payment of all compensation
to which Executive is entitled hereunder or otherwise to enable it to comply
with Section 162(m) of the Code or any successor provision with respect to
deductibility of executive compensation. All such deferred compensation will be
credited to the Executive’s SES-CAP account and shall be subject to the terms
thereof.

               (g) S-CAP/SES-CAP Earnings. Executive’s compensation and
pensionable earnings under the CNA Savings & Capital Accumulation Plan (“S-CAP”)
and the CNA Supplemental Savings & Capital Accumulation Plan (“SES-CAP”) will be
calculated as specified in the plan documents.

     4.     Other Benefits. Executive shall be entitled to participate in the
various benefit plans, programs or arrangements established and maintained by
the Company from time to time and applicable to senior executives of the Company
such as, but not by way of limitation, vacation pay, health and major medical
insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance,
both qualified and supplemental savings plans, and long-term incentive
compensation plans, and to receive all fringe benefits and perquisites made
available to Band 540 employees of the Company, including but not limited to
club memberships ($10,000 annually), tax preparation and paid parking.
Executive’s entitlement to participate in any such plan, program or arrangement
shall, in each case, be subject to the terms and conditions thereof;

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however, notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of termination of
employment, Executive’s severance entitlement shall be determined solely in
accordance with Section 6 hereof.

     5.     Expense Reimbursement. Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement
by the Company for all reasonable and customary travel and other business
expenses incurred by Executive in carrying out his duties under this Agreement
(and any outstanding reimbursable expenses under the Prior Employment
Agreement), in accordance with the general reimbursement policies adopted by the
Company from time to time for its senior executives. Executive shall report all
such expenditures not less frequently than monthly accompanied by adequate
records and such other documentary evidence as required by the Company or by
Federal or state tax statutes or regulations governing the substantiation of
such expenditures. The Company shall promptly reimburse Executive for all
reasonable professional expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation and
preparation of this Agreement.

     6.     Termination of Employment. If Executive’s employment with the
Company shall terminate during the term of this Agreement, the following
conditions set forth herein shall apply with respect to Executive’s compensation
and benefits hereunder. Either party may terminate Executive’s employment with
the Company during the term of this Agreement by written notice to the other
party effective as of the date specified in such notice and Executive’s
employment shall automatically terminate in the event of Executive’s death. Upon
termination of Executive’s employment during the term of this Agreement, the
rights of the parties under this Agreement shall be determined pursuant to this
Section 6. All payments made hereunder shall be subject to applicable
withholding required by federal, state or local law and shall be made either to
Executive or to his personal representatives, heirs or beneficiaries as the case
may be. In the event of Executive’s termination during the term of this
Agreement, unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, Executive’s rights, if
any, under any of the Company’s retirement, savings, benefit, pension, incentive
or other plans of any nature shall be governed by the terms of such plans.

     6.1     Death and Disability. In the event of the death of Executive or, at
the Company’s election, in the event of his Permanent Disability (as defined
below) during the term of this Agreement, provided it had not already
terminated, Executive’s employment shall terminate. Upon such termination:

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               (a) The Company shall pay to Executive, or his personal
representatives, heirs or beneficiaries, as the case may be:

       (i) within 30 days after such termination, his (“Accrued Obligations”):
(1) unpaid Base Compensation at the rate in effect at the time of notice of
termination and current year’s target Bonus prorated to the date of termination;
(2) any previous year’s earned but unpaid Bonus and other earned and unpaid
incentive cash compensation; and (3) unused vacation time, unpaid expense
reimbursements and other unpaid cash entitlements earned by Executive or payable
to his beneficiaries as of the date of termination pursuant to the terms of the
applicable Company plan or program accrued prior to the date of the date of
termination;

       (ii) In the event that the termination occurs during a Performance Period
(as defined under the Incentive Compensation Plan) with respect to which the
Committee has not yet made an LTIP Award (or affirmatively determined not to
make an award) pursuant to subsection 3(d), an amount equal to the cash
equivalent, as of the date of termination and without any present value
discount) of the target amount referred to in subsection 3(d) for such
Performance Period multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
number of days in such Performance Period through and including the date of
termination and the denominator of which is the total number of days in such
Performance Period. For the purpose of this Section 6.1(a)(ii), the cash
equivalent of a future LTIP stock option Award shall be equal to 48% of the fair
market value of the number of shares of stock to be covered by the LTIP stock
option Award, determined based on the fair market value of the stock on the date
of termination, and then discounted from January 1 of the year for which the
LTIP stock option Award would have been granted to the date of termination using
an interest rate equal to the prime rate for the date of termination as reported
in The Wall Street Journal (Midwest Edition). Fair market value of the stock
shall be determined by taking the average of the highest and lowest sales prices
of the stock on the date of termination, as reported as the New York Stock
Exchange-Composite Transactions for such day, or if the stock was not traded on
the New York Stock Exchange on such day then on the next preceding day on which
the stock was traded, all as reported by The Wall Street Journal (Midwest
Edition) under the heading New York Stock Exchange-Composite Transactions, or,
if the stock ceases to be listed on such exchange, as reported on the principal
national securities exchange or national automated stock quotation system on
which the stock is traded or quoted, but in no event shall the price be less
than the par value of the stock; and

       (iii) Any unexercised LTIP stock option Award held by Executive upon
termination of employment may be exercised by Executive (or his heirs or
personal representative) following such termination to the extent of the sum of
the number of shares with respect to which each such LTIP Award was vested but
unexercised immediately prior to such termination, plus an additional number of
shares determined by multiplying the unvested portion of such LTIP Award by

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  the fraction described in subsection 6.1(a)(ii), and rounded to the next
higher number of whole shares. Such portion of each such LTIP Award may be
exercised through the one-year anniversary of such date of termination, but in
no event later than the date on which such LTIP Award would expire if Executive
had remained employed by the Company. Other stock options held by Executive may
be exercised during the same period, but only to the extent vested under the
terms of each such award. The provisions of this subsection 6.1(a)(iii) shall
apply notwithstanding any contrary provision in any agreement governing any LTIP
Award or other incentive award.

               (b) For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Permanent
Disability” means a physical or mental condition of Executive which, as
determined by an independent physician selected by the Company after
consultation with Executive (or, if Executive is incapable of consulting with
the Company, with Executive’s personal physician), based on all available
medical information, is expected to continue indefinitely and which renders
Executive incapable of performing any substantial portion of the services
contemplated hereunder.

     6.2     Termination for Cause by the Company.

               (a) In the event that Executive shall engage in any conduct that
the Board shall determine constitutes Cause, as defined in the following
sentence, the Board shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment
with the Company by written notice to Executive effective as of the date of such
notice. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean conduct: (i) which
would constitute a felony or other act involving fraud, dishonesty, moral
turpitude, unlawful conduct or breach of fiduciary duty, other than due to
Limited Vicarious Liability, (ii) which is inconsistent with the dignity and
character of an executive of the Company, (iii) which is a substantial breach of
any material provision of this Agreement, (iv) constituting willful or reckless
material misconduct in the performance of the Executive’s duties, or (v)
constituting the habitual neglect of duties; provided, however: (x) that the
Board in good faith determines that such conduct has had a material adverse
effect on the business or prospects of the Company; (y) for purposes of clauses
(iv) and (v), Cause shall not include any one or more of the following: bad
judgment, negligence or any act or omission believed by the Executive in good
faith to have been in or not opposed to the interest of the Company (without any
intent by the Executive to gain, directly or indirectly, a profit to which he
was not legally entitled); and (z) “Limited Vicarious Liability” shall mean any
liability which is (1) based on acts of the Company for which Executive is
responsible solely as a result of his office(s) with the Company and (2)
provided that (A) he was not directly involved in such acts and either had no
prior knowledge of such intended actions or promptly acted reasonably and in
good faith to attempt to prevent the acts causing such liability or (B) he did
not have a reasonable basis to believe that a law was being violated by such
acts. If the Executive agrees to resign from his employment with the Company in
lieu of being terminated for Cause, he may be deemed to have been terminated for
Cause for purposes of this Agreement.

               (b) Upon terminating the Executive for Cause, other than paying
the Executive within 30 days of such termination his Accrued Obligations, the
Company shall have no further obligations under this Agreement, and all rights
or options with regard to LTIP Awards as provided in this Agreement and the
Addendum hereto shall thereupon expire.

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     6.3     Termination by the Company Without Cause / Termination by Executive
for Good Reason. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the
Company for any reason not described in subsections 6.1 and 6.2, or in the event
Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason, as defined herein,

               (a) The Company shall pay to Executive:

       (i) Within 30 days after such termination, his Accrued Obligations;

       (ii) Termination payments consisting of the greater of: (x) the sum of
(A) two and one-half (2 1/2) times Executive’s annual Base Compensation in
effect at the time of such termination paid in thirty (30) equal monthly
installments, plus (B) two (2) times Executive’s annual target Bonus paid in
twenty-four (24) equal monthly installments, or (y) Executive’s Base
Compensation plus Executive’s annual target Bonus (which annual target Bonus
shall be prorated for any fiscal year of less than twelve (12) months during
such period), paid in equal monthly installments, for the unexpired period of
the employment term set forth at Section 1 as such term may be extended or
renewed pursuant to Section 6.5; provided, in each such case Executive’s Base
Compensation shall be determined without regard for any reduction that
constitutes Good Reason for such termination.

       (iii) A target Bonus and all cash LTIP Awards for the Performance Period
(or long-term incentive periods under the Incentive Compensation Plan) in which
the termination occurs prorated to the date of termination. Executive shall not
be entitled to any Bonus or cash LTIP Award for the period following
termination, it being the intent of the parties that the portion of the
termination payments described in subsection 6.3(a)(ii) that exceeds his Base
Compensation shall be in lieu of such Bonus; and

               (b) Any unexercised LTIP stock option Award held by Executive
upon termination of his employment shall be fully vested on the date of
termination and may be exercised by Executive at any time up to the first
anniversary of Executive’s date of termination (but not later than the date on
which such LTIP stock option Award would expire if Executive had remained
employed by the Company). Subject to the provisions of Section 3(e), any options
other than LTIP Awards may be exercised during the same period but only to the
extent vested under the terms of such option. The provisions of this subsection
6.3(b) shall apply notwithstanding any contrary provision in any agreement
governing any LTIP stock option Award or other option or other right under the
Incentive Compensation Plan.

               (c) In addition, Executive shall continue to participate in such
health, dental, vision, life, and disability plans in which he is enrolled for
the period during which he is entitled to receive termination payments of Base
Compensation under subsection 6.3(a)(ii), as if he were still employed by the
Company, said period of participation to run concurrently with any period of
COBRA coverage to which Executive may be entitled; provided, to the extent that
Executive cannot participate in the Company’s health, dental and vision plans
beyond the termination of the COBRA benefit continuation period, Executive shall
be entitled to equivalent such health, dental

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and vision benefits as are provided to senior executives of the Company under
the Company’s benefit plans.

               (d) In the event that Executive dies before all payments pursuant
to this Section 6.3 have been paid, all remaining payments shall be made to the
beneficiary specifically designated by the Executive in writing prior to his
death, or, if no such beneficiary was designated (or the Company is unable in
good faith to determine the beneficiary designated), to his personal
representative or estate.

               (e) “Good Reason” as set forth herein is defined as, without the
Executive’s consent: (i) a reduction in the rate of Executive’s Base
Compensation or annual target Bonus set forth at subsection 3(b); (ii) the
assignment to Executive of any duties inconsistent with his position (including
status, offices, titles and reporting relationships), authority, duties or
responsibilities, all as in effect on the Signing Date, or any other action by
the Company which results in a diminution in any respect in such position,
authority, duties or responsibilities; (iii) any reduction in any benefits
provided under Section 4 or a material diminution under the expense
reimbursement policies of the Company provided under Section 5 of this
Agreement, that is not generally applicable to all similarly situated executives
of the Company; (iv) a substantial breach of any material provision of this
Agreement by the Company; (v) the Company’s requiring Executive to be based at
any office or location that is more than 35 miles from his office or location in
Chicago, Illinois, as of the hire date; or (vi) the failure of the Company to
obtain the assumption in writing of its obligation to perform this Agreement by
any successor to all or substantially all of the assets of the Company within
fifteen (15) calendar days after a merger, consolidation, sale or similar
transaction; provided, however, that for purposes of clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii), the Company shall have ten (10) calendar days after the date that written
notice has been given to the Company by Executive of such Good Reason in which
to cure such conduct not engaged in by the Company in bad faith.

     6.4     Voluntary Resignation by Executive. In the event that Executive’s
employment is terminated by Executive other than pursuant to Good Reason under
subsection 6.3 or other than as a direct result of his death or Permanent
Disability (as described in subsection 6.1), other than paying the Executive
within 30 days of such termination his Accrued Obligations, the Company shall
have no further obligations under this Agreement, and all rights or options with
regard to LTIP Awards as provided in this Agreement and the Addendum hereto
shall expire in accordance with the terms of such LTIP Awards. Executive agrees
to be bound by the covenants set forth herein effective as of the termination
date.

     6.5     Failure to Extend Agreement.

               (a) On or before June 30, 2005, the Company may offer to
Executive in writing an extension of the period of Executive’s employment under
this Agreement or a new agreement in principle with Executive, in either case
having a term of employment commencing January 1, 2006 and on terms no less
favorable to Executive than the terms in effect immediately prior to such offer
(“Offer”). If the Offer is accepted by Executive, the applicable dates under
this subsection 6.5 shall be adjusted in accordance with the term of such
extension or, if a new Agreement, such new Agreement shall govern such new term
of employment. If the Company does not make an Offer to Executive on or before
June 30, 2005, then Executive’s employment

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shall terminate on December 31, 2005 and Executive shall receive all amounts and
benefits set forth in subsection 6.3(a).

               (b) If the Company makes an Offer on or before June 30, 2005 and
the Company and Executive have not mutually agreed to the terms of, and entered
into, a new agreement prior to December 31, 2005, Executive’s employment shall
terminate on December 31, 2005 and the Company shall pay to Executive the
amounts set forth in subsections 6.5(b)(i), (ii) and (iii) and (iv) and the
benefits set forth in subsection 6.5(b)(v):

       (i) Within 30 days after such termination, his Accrued Obligations;

       (ii) Termination payments consisting of: (x) one and one-quarter (1 1/4)
times Executive’s annual Base Compensation in effect at the time of such
termination (determined without regard for any reduction that constitutes Good
Reason for such termination) paid in fifteen (15) equal monthly installments,
plus (y) one (1) times Executive’s annual target Bonus paid in twelve (12) equal
monthly installments;

       (iii) A target Bonus and all cash LTIP Awards for the Performance Period
(or long-term incentive periods under the Incentive Compensation Plan) in which
the termination occurs prorated to the date of termination. Executive shall not
be entitled to any Bonus or cash LTIP Award for the period following
termination, it being the intent of the parties that the portion of the
termination payments described in subsection 6.5(b)(ii) that exceeds his Base
Compensation shall be in lieu of such Bonus.

       (iv) Any unexercised LTIP Award comprised of stock options or stock
appreciation rights held by Executive upon termination of his employment shall
be fully vested on the date of termination and may be exercised by Executive at
any time up to the first anniversary of Executive’s date of termination (but not
later than the date on which such stock option or stock appreciation right would
expire if Executive had remained employed by the Company). Subject to the
provisions of Section 3(e), any options or stock appreciation rights other than
LTIP Awards may be exercised during the same period but only to the extent
vested under the terms of such option. The provisions of this subsection
6.5(b)(iv) shall apply notwithstanding any contrary provision in any agreement
governing any LTIP Award or other stock option or other right under the
Incentive Compensation Plan.

       (v) In addition, Executive shall continue to participate in such health,
dental, vision, life, and disability plans in which he is enrolled for the
period during which he is entitled to receive termination payments of Base
Compensation under subsection 6.5(b)(ii), as if he were still employed by the
Company, said period of participation to run concurrently with any period of
COBRA coverage to which Executive may be entitled; provided, to the extent that
Executive cannot participate in the Company’s health, dental and vision plans
beyond the termination of the COBRA benefit continuation period, Executive

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  shall be entitled to equivalent such health, dental and vision benefits as are
provided to senior executives of the Company under the Company’s benefit plans.

     In the event that Executive dies before all payments pursuant to Section
6.5 have been paid, all remaining payments shall be made to the beneficiary
specifically designated by the Executive in writing prior to his death, or, if
no such beneficiary was designated (or the Company is unable in good faith to
determine the beneficiary designated), to his personal representative or estate.

     6.6     No Offset, No Mitigation. The Company’s obligation to make the
payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations
hereunder shall not be affected by any circumstances, including without
limitation any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which
the Company may have against Executive or others. In no event shall Executive be
obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation
of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this
Agreement, and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive
obtains other employment.

     7.     Confidentiality. Executive agrees that while he is employed by the
Company, and at all times thereafter, Executive shall not reveal or utilize
information, knowledge or data which is confidential as defined in this
Agreement and learned during the course of or as a result of his employment
which relates to (a) the Company and/or any other business or entity in which
the Company during the course of the Executive’s employment has directly or
indirectly held a greater than a 10% equity interest whether voting or
non-voting; (b) the Company’s customers, employees, agents, brokers and vendors.
The Executive acknowledges that all such confidential information is
commercially valuable and is the property of the Company. Upon the termination
of his employment Executive shall return all confidential information to the
Company, whether it exists in written, electronic, computerized or other form.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7, the Executive may
disclose or use any such information (i) as such disclosure or use may be
required or appropriate in the course of his employment with the Company, (ii)
when required by a court of law, by any governmental agency having supervisory
authority over the business of the Company or by any administrative or
legislative body (including a committee thereof) with apparent jurisdiction,
provided that in the event Executive believes he is so required to make such
disclosure or use he will notify the Company in writing of the basis for that
belief before actually making such disclosure or use in order to permit the
Company to take steps to protect the Company’s interests and will cooperate with
the Company in all reasonable respects to permit the Company to oppose such
disclosure or use, or (iii) with the prior written consent of the Company.

     8.     “Confidential Information” Defined. For purposes of this Agreement
“confidential information” includes all information, knowledge or data (whether
or not a trade secret or protected by laws pertaining to intellectual property)
not generally known outside the Company (unless as a result of a breach of any
of the obligations imposed by this Agreement) concerning the business and
technical information of the Company or other entities as described in Section 7
above. Such information may without limitation include information relating to
data, finances, marketing, pricing, profit margins, underwriting, claims, loss
control, marketing

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and business plans, renewals, software, processing, vendors, administrators,
customers or prospective customers, products, brokers, agents and employees.

     9.     Competition. Executive hereby agrees that, while he is employed by
the Company, and for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of his
termination of his employment with the Company for any reason except that such
period shall be for twenty-four (24) months in the case of a termination of
Executive’s employment pursuant to subsection 6.5(b) (in either case, the
“Restriction Period”), he will not, directly or indirectly, without the prior
written approval of the Board, enter into any business relationship (either as
principal, agent, board member, officer, consultant, stockholder, employee or in
any other capacity) with any business or other entity that for the duration of
the Restriction Period is engaged in any of the principal businesses of the
Company (a “Competitor”); provided, however, that such prohibited activity shall
not include the ownership of less than 5% of the outstanding securities of any
publicly traded corporation (determined by vote or value) regardless of the
business of such corporation. Upon the written request of Executive, the Board
will reasonably determine whether a business or other entity constitutes a
“Competitor” for purposes of this Section 9; provided that the Board may require
Executive to provide such information as the Board determines to be necessary to
make such determination; and further provided that the current and continuing
effectiveness of such determination may be conditioned on the accuracy of such
information, and on such other factors as the Board may determine.

     10.     Solicitation. Executive agrees that while he is employed by the
Company, and for a period of 36 months following his termination of employment
with the Company for any reason, he will not employ, offer to employ, engage as
a consultant, or form an association with any person who is then, or who during
the preceding one year was, an employee of the Company, nor will he assist any
other person in soliciting for employment or consultation any person who is
then, or who during the preceding one year was, an employee of the Company.

     11.     Non-interference. Executive agrees that while he is employed by the
Company, and for a period of 36 months following his termination of employment
for any reason, he will not disturb or attempt to disturb any business
relationship or agreement between either the Company or an Affiliate and any
other person or entity.

     12.     Assistance with Claims. Executive agrees that, while he is employed
by the Company, and for a reasonable period (not less than 36 months)
thereafter, he will be available, on a reasonable basis, to assist the Company
and its subsidiaries and affiliates in the prosecution or defense of any claims,
suits, litigation, arbitrations, investigations, or other proceedings, whether
pending or threatened (“Claims”) that may be made or threatened by or against
the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. Executive agrees, unless
precluded by law, to promptly inform the Company if he is requested (i) to
testify or otherwise become involved in connection with any Claim against the
Company or any subsidiary or affiliate or (ii) to assist or participate in any
investigation (whether governmental or private) of the Company or any subsidiary
or affiliate or any of their actions, whether or not a lawsuit has been filed
against the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates relating thereto.
The Company agrees to provide reasonable compensation, in advance, including,
without limitation, transportation, lodging and meals expenses, and a reasonable
stipend for his time of not less than $2,885 per day to Executive for such
assistance.

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     13.     Return of Materials. Executive shall, at any time upon the request
of the Company, and in any event upon the termination of his employment with the
Company, for whatever reason, immediately return and surrender to the Company
all originals and all copies, regardless of medium, of property belonging to the
Company created or obtained by Executive as a result of or in the course of or
in connection with his employment with the Company regardless of whether such
items constitute proprietary information, provided that Executive shall be under
no obligation to return written materials acquired from third parties which are
generally available to the public. Executive acknowledges that all such
materials are, and will remain, the exclusive property of the Company.

     14.     Scope of Covenants.

               (a) The Executive acknowledges that: (i) as a senior executive of
the Company he had access to confidential information concerning the entire
range of businesses in which the Company was engaged; (ii) that the Company’s
businesses are conducted nation-wide; and (iii) that the Company’s confidential
information, if disclosed or utilized without its authorization would
irreparably harm the Company in: (1) obtaining renewals of existing customers;
(2) selling new business; (3) maintaining and establishing existing and new
relationships with employees, agents, brokers, vendors; and (4) other ways
arising out of the conduct of the businesses in which the Company is engaged.

               (b) To protect such information and such existing and prospective
relationships, and for other significant business reasons, the Executive agrees
that it is reasonable and necessary that: (i) the scope of this agreement be
nation-wide; (ii) its breadth include those segments of the entire insurance
industry in which the Company conducts business; and (iii) the duration of the
restrictions upon the Executive be as indicated therein.

               (c) The Executive acknowledges that the Company’s customer,
employee and business relationships are long-standing, indeed, near permanent
and therefore are of great value to the Company. The Executive agrees that
neither any of the provisions in this Agreement nor the Company’s enforcement of
it alters or will alter his ability to earn a livelihood for himself and his
family and further that both are reasonably necessary to protect the Company’s
legitimate business and property interests and relationships, especially those
which he was responsible for developing or maintaining. The Executive agrees
that his actual or threatened breach of the covenants set forth in Sections 7
through 13 above would cause the Company irreparable harm and that the Company
is entitled to an injunction, in addition to whatever other remedies may be
available, to restrain such actual or threatened breach. The Executive agrees
that if bond is required in order for the Company to obtain such relief, it need
only be in a nominal amount. The Executive consents to the filing of any such
suit against him in the state or federal courts located in Illinois or any state
in which he resides. He further agrees that in the event of such suit or any
other action arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the parties shall be
bound by and the court shall apply the internal laws of the State of Illinois
and irrespective of rules regarding choice of law or conflicts of laws.

               (d) If he has not already done so Executive agrees to continue to
be bound by and to execute the Company’s Confidentiality, Computer
Responsibility and Professional Certification Agreement.

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                (e) For purposes of Sections 7 through 14 hereof, the “Company”
shall include the “CNA Insurance Companies”, as well.

     15.     Effect of Covenants. Nothing in Sections 7 through 14 shall be
construed to adversely affect the rights that the Company would possess in the
absence of the provisions of such Sections.

     16.     Indemnification. Except as otherwise required by law, the Company
agrees that Executive shall be entitled to indemnification as provided for, and
pursuant to the terms of, Article X of its Corporate by-laws in effect on the
date hereof, or as may be amended hereafter provided such amendment is not less
favorable to Executive than the by-laws in effect on the date hereof. Except as
otherwise required by law, the indemnification of Executive under the Prior
Employment Agreement shall survive the termination of the Prior Employment
Agreement hereunder.

     17.     Revision. The parties hereto expressly agree that in the event that
any of the provisions, covenants, warranties or agreements in this Agreement are
held to be in any respect an unreasonable restriction upon Executive or are
otherwise invalid, for whatsoever cause, then the court or arbitrator so holding
is hereby authorized to (a) reduce the territory to which said covenant,
warranty or agreement pertains, the period of time in which said covenant,
warranty or agreement operates or the scope of activity to which said covenant,
warranty or agreement pertains or (b) effect any other change to the extent
necessary to render any of the restrictions contained in this Agreement
enforceable.

     18.     Severability. Each of the terms and provisions of this Agreement is
to be deemed severable in whole or in part and, if any term or provision of the
application thereof in any circumstances should be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, the remaining terms and provisions or the application thereof to
circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby and shall remain in full force and
effect.

     19.     Binding Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon
the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors, personal
representatives and assigns. The Company shall have the right to assign this
Agreement to any successor in interest to the business, or any majority part
thereof, of the Company or any joint venture or partnership to which the Company
is a joint venturer or general partner which conducts substantially all of the
Company’s business. Executive shall not assign any of his obligations or duties
hereunder and any such attempted assignment shall be null and void.

     20.     Controlling Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by,
interpreted and construed according to the laws of the State of Illinois
(without regard to conflict of laws principles).

     21.     Entire Agreement. Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein,
this Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties with regard to the
subject matter hereof, supersedes all prior agreements and understandings,
written or oral, including the Prior Employment Agreement, and may only be
amended by an agreement in writing signed by the parties thereto.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other term or provision of this Agreement,

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that certain Addendum to Employment Agreement between the Company and Executive,
made as of August 20th, 2001, remains in full force and effect except as
modified pursuant to Section 3(e) of this Agreement. In the case of any conflict
between the terms of this Agreement (the “Terms”) and the provisions of any
plan, policy, or practice of the Company, or agreement or award thereunder, as
in effect from time to time (the “Provisions”), Executive’s rights or the
Company’s obligations shall be established by whichever of the Terms or
Provisions would be more beneficial to Executive, with the reservation that
resolution of any such conflict must be consistent with the terms and provisions
of the Incentive Compensation Plan, the Company’s Securities Compliance Policy
and applicable law and regulation thereunder. If the choice between the Terms or
the Provisions is unclear at the time such choice must be made, the Executive
may, in his sole discretion, but subject to the foregoing reservation, choose to
be treated under either the Terms or the Provisions.

     22.     Additional Documents. Each party hereto shall, from time to time,
upon request of the other party, execute any additional documents which shall
reasonably be required to effectuate the purposes hereof.

     23.     Incorporation. The introductory recitals hereof are incorporated in
this Agreement and are binding upon the parties hereto.

     24.     Failure to Enforce. The failure to enforce any of the provisions of
this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of such provisions. Further,
any express waiver by any party with respect to any breach of any provision
hereunder by any other party shall not constitute a waiver of such party’s right
to thereafter fully enforce each and every provision of this Agreement.

     25.     Survival. Except as otherwise set forth herein, the obligations
contained in this Agreement shall survive the termination, for any reason
whatsoever, of Executive’s employment with the Company.

     26.     Headings. All numbers and headings contained herein are for
reference only and are not intended to qualify, limit or otherwise affect the
meaning or interpretation of any provision contained herein.

     27.     Notices. Notices and all other communications provided for in this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or sent by
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid
(provided that international mail shall be sent via overnight or two-day
delivery), or sent by facsimile or prepaid overnight courier to the parties at
the addresses set forth below (or such other addresses as shall be specified by
the parties by like notice). Such notices, demands, claims and other
communications shall be deemed given:

               (a) in the case of delivery by overnight service with guaranteed
next day delivery, the next day or the day designated for delivery;

               (b) in the case of certified or registered U.S. mail, five days
after deposit in the U.S. mail; or

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                (c) in the case of facsimile, the date upon which the
transmitting party received confirmation of receipt by facsimile, telephone or
otherwise; provided, however, that in no event shall any such communications be
deemed to be given later than the date they are actually received.
Communications that are to be delivered by the U.S. mail or by overnight service
or two-day delivery service are to be delivered to the addresses set forth
below:

    If to the Company:         CNA Financial Corporation
CNA Plaza
Chicago, IL 60685
Attn: Corporate Secretary   If to Executive:         James R. Lewis
CNA Financial Corporation
CNA Plaza
Chicago, IL 60685

or to such other address as either party shall furnished to the other party in
writing in accordance with the provisions of this Section 27.

     28.     Gender. The masculine, feminine or neuter pronouns used herein
shall be interpreted without regard to gender, and the use of the singular or
plural shall be deemed to include the other whenever the context so requires.

     29.     Arbitration of All Disputes. Any controversy or claim arising out
of or relating to this Agreement (or the breach thereof) shall be settled by
final, binding and non-appealable arbitration in Chicago, Illinois by three
arbitrators. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 29, the
arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the rules for resolution of
employment disputes of the American Arbitration Association (the “Association”)
then in effect. One of the arbitrators shall be appointed by the Company, one
shall be appointed by Executive, and the third shall be appointed by the first
two arbitrators. If the first two arbitrators cannot agree on the third
arbitrator within 30 days of the appointment of the second arbitrator, then the
third arbitrator shall be appointed by the Association. This Section 29 shall
not be construed to limit the Company’s right to obtain relief under Section 14
with respect to any matter or controversy subject to Section 14 and, pending a
final determination by the arbitrator with respect to any such matter or
controversy, the Company shall be entitled to obtain any such relief by direct
application to state, federal or other applicable court, without being required
to first arbitrate such matter or controversy.

     30.     Section 280G Gross-Up. If Executive becomes entitled to any
payments or benefits (collectively, “Payments”) whether pursuant to the terms of
or by reason of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement, agreement, policy
or program with the Company, any successor to the Company or to all or a part of
the business or assets of the Company (whether direct or indirect, by purchase,
merger, consolidation, spin off, or otherwise and regardless of whether such
payment is made by or on behalf of the Company or such successor) which

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Payments are subject to the tax imposed by Section 4999 or any successor
provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any similar state
or local tax, or any interest or penalties are incurred by Executive with
respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and
penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), the
Company shall pay Executive an additional amount (“Gross-Up Payment”) such that
the net amount retained by Executive, after deduction or payment of (i) any
Excise Tax on the Payments, (ii) any federal, state and local income or
employment tax and Excise Tax upon the Payment, and (iii) any additional
interest and penalties imposed because the Excise Tax is not paid when due,
shall be equal to the full amount of the Payments.

     31.     Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original copy of this
Agreement and all of which, when taken together, shall be deemed to constitute
one and the same agreement.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the Signing Date.

          CNA FINANCIAL CORPORATION     By:

Title: /s/ Jonathan D. Kantor

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Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary

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          /s/ James R. Lewis

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James R. Lewis

 

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ADDENDUM TO
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
GRANT OF OPTION RIGHTS

     THIS ADDENDUM TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Addendum”) is made as of even
date with the Employment Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2002, to which it is
attached and into which it is incorporated by reference (the “Agreement”), by
and between CNA Financial Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”),
and James R. Lewis (the “Executive”);

WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive wish to enter into a written
agreement setting forth the terms and conditions for the granting of certain
option rights as set forth below.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the promises
and covenants in the Agreement and in this Addendum, the parties hereto agree as
follows:

     1.     Option To Purchase Stock. Upon execution of the Agreement and this
Addendum by both parties, the Executive shall be granted the option to purchase
5,000 shares (the “Option Stock”) of the common stock of CNA Financial
Corporation (the “Option”). The Executive’s exercise of all Option rights shall
be effected in accordance with the terms of the CNA Financial Corporation 2000
Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”). For all purposes of this Agreement and
Addendum, the Grant Date shall be November 27, 2002. The Executive’s right to
purchase the Option Stock pursuant to this provision shall accrue as described
in the vesting period provision set forth in Section 2 below (the “Vesting
Period”). The Executive may exercise such Option at any time prior to the tenth
anniversary of the effective date of the Agreement and this Addendum. The price
at which the Option shall be exercisable by the Executive shall be 100% of the
Fair Market Value (as that term is defined in the Plan) of the Option Stock on
the Grant Date, determined by the Company and agreed by Executive to be
Twenty-four dollars and fourteen cents ($24.14) per share. Executive’s rights
with respect to all shares that are the subject of this provision shall be
governed by the terms of the Plan.

     2.     Vesting Period. (a) With respect to all shares of Option Stock which
are the subject of the rights and/or Option(s) described in the provisions set
forth above, the Vesting Period shall begin on the Grant Date. The Vesting
Period with respect to each installment shown on the schedule shall end on the
Vesting Date applicable to such installment:

INSTALLMENT VESTING DATE APPLICABLE TO
INSTALLMENT 1,250 Options August 9, 2003 1,250 Options August 9, 2004 1,250
Options August 9, 2005 1,250 Options August 9, 2006

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     (b). In the event of any expiration or termination of Executive’s
employment by the Company and all of its subsidiaries and affiliates,
Executive’s rights and options with respect to any unvested Option Stock shall
be exercisable only as provided for in Section 6 of the Agreement. All Option
Stock shall be subject to any restrictions imposed by the Securities Act of 1933
or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the rules thereto.

     3.     Additional Options to Purchase Stock. Beginning on a date in 2003 to
be determined by the Company and subject to vesting requirements to be
determined by the Company for its senior executives and the approval of said
Incentive Compensation Committee, Executive shall, for so long as he is employed
pursuant to the Agreement, be awarded an annual targeted stock option grant (the
“Annual Grant”) of 30,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Annual Grant
shall, if feasible, be submitted for consideration to said Incentive
Compensation Committee during or prior to its May meeting each such year.
Subject to share availability, the Annual Grant may be increased or decreased at
the discretion of said Incentive Compensation Committee. Any Annual Grant or
portion of Annual Grant that has not vested on the effective date of any
termination of Executive’s employment with the Company and all of its
subsidiaries shall be exercisable only in accordance with the provisions of
Section 6 of the Agreement. All rights of Executive with respect to the Annual
Grant shall be subject to the terms of the Plan and any restrictions imposed by
the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
or the rules thereto.

     4.     Primacy of Plan and ICC. Any term or provision contained in this
Addendum to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the terms and provisions of
this Addendum and all rights and/or options granted herein shall be subject to
the provisions of the Plan and to the prior review and approval of the Incentive
Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors.

     5.     Application of IRC Section 162(m). In the event the Executive is or
becomes a proxy-named executive or the Company in relation to the Executive is
otherwise subject to the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue
Code, the Company may defer the payment of all compensation to which Executive
is entitled pursuant to this Addendum or otherwise take all measures, the
Company reasonably deems necessary or advisable to comply with said Section
162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code or any successor provision with respect to
deductibility of executive compensation. All deferred compensation will be
credited to the Executive’s SES-CAP account and shall be subject to the terms
thereof.

     6.     Entire Agreement. Subject to the Employment Agreement to which this
Addendum is attached as an addendum thereunder, this addendum, in conjunction
with the Agreement in its entirety, contains the entire agreement of the parties
with regard to the subject matter hereof, supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings, regarding such subject matter, whether written or oral, and may
only be amended by an agreement in writing signed by the parties thereto.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other term or provision of this Addendum or
the Agreement, that certain Addendum to Employment Agreement made as of
August 20th, 2001 remains in full force and effect, except as modified pursuant
to Section 3(e) of the Agreement.

     7.     No Effect on Agreement. Except as otherwise specifically set forth
in this Addendum, all terms and conditions contained in the Agreement of which
this Addendum is

 

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made part are and shall remain unmodified hereby. In the event of any conflict
or inconsistency between the provisions of this Addendum and the provisions of
the Agreement, this Addendum shall be controlling.

     8.     Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original copy of this
Agreement and all of which, when taken together, shall be deemed to constitute
one and the same agreement.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Addendum as of
the date set forth hereinabove.

              CNA FINANCIAL CORPORATION   JAMES R. LEWIS           By:  
/s/ Jonathan D. Kantor    /s/ James R. Lewis    

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          Title:   Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary        

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