Advice to policyholders in United States

Blank Rome LLP

Blank Rome LLP advises clients on litigation across a spectrum of insurance coverage claims, including notable claims concerning sexual harassment and abuse and multi-jurisdictional matters concerning alleged violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act, while continuing to handle COVID-19 business interruption, natural disaster and D&O claims. In addition, the practice also supports clients in arbitration under the UK’s Arbitration Act, including Bermuda Form arbitrations. The team is led by Jim Murray and John Gibbons in Washington DC, representing clients in major sexual abuse coverage and representation and warranty claims respectively, and Los Angeles-based Linda Kornfeld, who advises on COVID-19-related claims. In New York, Jared Zola handles high value litigation and arbitrations, while Natasha Romagnoli assists with sexual abuse and discrimination claims in addition to D&O matters. In Washington, John Heintz advises clients on claims ranging from environmental contamination to employment discrimination class actions, while Omid Safa represents clients in D&O disputes and cyber matters and Kyle Brinkman handles mass tort and environmental liability issues. Of counsel Daniel Rylaarsdam handles a range of first and third party claims out of the Los Angeles office.

Practice head(s):

John Gibbons; Linda Kornfeld; Jim Murray


Other key lawyers:

Jared Zola; Natasha Romagnoli; John Heintz; Omid Safa; Kyle Brinkman; Daniel Rylaarsdam


Testimonials

‘Deep, specialized knowledge in the area of insurance law. Strong connections in the industry.’

‘Natasha Romagnoli is excellent. Very knowledgeable and very smart. She has tremendous experience representing policyholders in connection with sexual abuse claims, e.g., schools and camps. I cannot say enough about her expertise and care for clients. I always recommend her.’

‘Their vast experience and subject matter expertise is incredibly valuable, it is their creativity in developing elegant and executable solutions that sets the firm apart.’

‘The people, the responsiveness and the knowledge make Blank Rome standout.’

‘The Blank Rome team is extraordinarily knowledgeable and stays up to date on court decisions. In addition, the team patiently explains both the most basic and arcane of topics.’

‘Natasha Romagnoli is not only very sharp but she explains complicated topics with ease and care. She also makes herself readily available when my team is under a tight deadline.’

‘Deep understanding of insurance law combined with very practical understanding of different types of insurance policies and carrier practices and insurance forms that helps their clients navigate not just the purchase of insurance but also how to handle the claims submittal process to achieve the best outcome and when to take the carrier to court.’

‘Linda Kornfeld is a star! Very knowledgeable and an expert negotiator and litigator.’

Key clients

International Micro Industries


Renewable Biofuels


Yeshiva University


Chipotle Mexican Grill


Yelp


Surf Style Retail Management


Lionsgate Entertainment


M1 Finance


Huntington Ingalls


Philadelphia Eagles


Work highlights


  • Represented an international energy company in a case seeking $28.5 million in defense costs and $220 million in indemnity damages for securities class actions and SEC/DOJ investigations.
     

Jones Day

Jones Day takes advantage of the firm’s presence in North America, Europe, Asia and South America to handle major cross-border coverage matters, handling liabilities arising out of environmental pollution, natural disasters, sexual abuse and cyber-security issues among many others. In addition to the firm’s litigation work, it also represents clients in arbitrations and advises them on pre-trial mediation. Practice head Tyrone R. Childress, based in Los Angeles, advises clients on claims concerning product liability, mass tort issues and catastrophic property losses. San Francisco-based Richard DeNatale is a cyber insurance specialist, handling claims concerning major data breaches and cyber-attacks on behalf of sectors as diverse as technology, retail and defense. In New York, Edward Joyce represents food and beverage, real estate and pharmaceutical clients involved in professional, D&O and business interruption claims, while Jason Lissy litigates property loss, business interruption and employment practices liability cases at the state and federal level, while also handling arbitrations and mediations.

Practice head(s):

Tyrone R. Childress


Other key lawyers:

Richard DeNatale; Edward Joyce; Jason Lissy


Key clients

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.


Astellas U.S. Holding, Inc. and Astellas Pharma US, Inc.


Cardinal Health, Inc.


Churchill Downs Inc.


Dell Technologies Inc.


Experian Information Solutions, Inc.


Federal Signal Corporation


FirstEnergy Corp.


Los Angeles Unified School District


Luxottica of America Inc.


The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company


The Sherwin-Williams Company


Union Pacific Railroad Company


Verizon Communications Inc.


Wynn Resorts, Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Represented Experian in resolving coverage litigation against various excess professional liability insurers regarding, among other disputed claims, the defense and indemnification of a series of 25 related consumer class action lawsuits filed in the United States concerning Experian’s practice of collecting and reporting public records data.
  • Represented Verizon in obtaining a declaratory judgment confirming its entitlement to defense coverage as an additional insured in connection with significant bodily injury litigation.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Litigation, arbitration, mediation and negotiation fall within the scope of Latham & Watkins LLP‘s work on behalf of policyholders, which includes COVID-19 business interruption matters, long-tail environmental and sexual abuse claims in addition to an increasing number of first and third-party cyber-security and data breach issues. The practice is particularly adept at handling D&O work and is noted for its work in the niche representations and warranties sector. David A. Barrett leads the group from Washington DC, handling major first and third party offers, COVID-related claims and sports concussion disputes. In Boston, Robert Gilbert, who has experience representing policyholders in North America, Europe, the Middle East Asia, advises clients on their first and third party claims, including those linked to catastrophic events, while in San Diego Drew Gardiner and John Wilson represent clients seeking D&O and E&O coverage. Brook Roberts, now in the firm’s Austin office, handles large-scale business interruption and bad faith claims. In addition to her commercial general liability recovery practice, Century City-based Kirsten Jackson counsels clients on captive insurance and reinsurance disputes.

Practice head(s):

David A. Barrett


Other key lawyers:

Robert Gilbert; Kirsten Jackson; Brook Roberts; John Wilson; Drew Gardiner


Testimonials

‘What makes the team unique is that they are constantly winning. Remarkable success before CA Supreme Court. Innovative strategists.’

 

Key clients

Amphenol Corporation


Aziyo Biologics, Inc.


Caesars Entertainment, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Bedrock/Jack Entertainment LLC, Golden Gaming


Canadian Solar, Inc.


Chevron U.S.A, Inc.


Cigna


Emerson Electric Company


Fluor Corporation


Health Information Management & Systems Society (HIMSS)


L.A. Terminals, Inc.


Cedars-Sinai Medical Center


Michigan State University


Montrose Chemical Corporation of California


National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)


Rockland Funding LLC, dba Westbrook Partners


Work highlights


Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

The ‘extremely practical’ practice at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP handles claims concerning an extensive number of liabilities, including cyber, environmental, product liability, class actions, mass torts and catastrophes among others, while also assisting with captive insurance and reinsurance disputes. Paul A. Zevnik leads the practice, splitting time between Washington DC and Los Angeles and representing clients in mass tort, environmental, securities and product liability matters. In Houston, Brady Edwards specializes in mass torts concerning asbestos and talc contamination, while in DC, Daniel Chefitz is a captive insurance expert, and Gerald P. Konkel is adept at handling disputes with ties to Bermuda and London, advising on matters pertaining to business interruptions, medical device liability and food recalls. Sergio F. Oehninger, also Washington-based, handles insurance, reinsurance and bad faith disputes, with a cross-border practice, particularly in regard to Latin America. San Francisco’s Jeffrey S. Raskin handles matters of commercial general, D&O, fiduciary and cyber liability, while in Washington, associate Teri Diaz is noted for her work on toxic tort, property damage and business interruption claims.


Practice head(s):

Paul A. Zevnik


Other key lawyers:

Brady Edwards; Daniel Chefitz; Gerald P. Konkel; Sergio F. Oehninger; Jeffrey S. Raskin; Teri Diaz


Testimonials

‘Extremely practical and cost-effective in running a coverage dispute to an amicable settlement.’

‘Thorough, diligent and creative.’

Key clients

Ansul


Tyco Fire Products


Kroger-Harris Teeter


H-E-B


Rite Aid


New-Indy Catawba LLC


Aircastle Ltd.


Covil Corporation and Other Receiverships


Delticus Group, LLC


InTel Management, LLC,


ITT LLC


Goulds Pumps LLC


Santa Fe Braun, Inc./The Braun Trust


PepsiCo, Inc./Pepsi-Cola Metropolitan Bottling Company, Inc.


Greenleeds LLC


GSF Management Co.


Green Meadow Insurance Corporation


Scott Figgie LLC


Port of Portland


Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.


MMGL, LLC


Duke Energy Indiana, LLC


Lifetime Brands and Wallace Silversmiths de Puerto Rico, Ltd.


H-E-B Grocery Company, LP


Mars Incorporated


Mars Incorporated, ITT Inc.


Walters & Mason d/b/a Altar’d State


Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation


Peet’s Coffee


SNL


OTG


Albemarle Corporation


NiSource Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advised Ansul/Tyco Fire Products on securing coverage under historic insurance policies responsive to novel and complex claims arising from the manufacture, sale and use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (“AFFF”).
  • Assisting ITT Inc. and its former liability management subsidiary InTelco Management LLC in efficiently managing InTelCo Management’s subsidiaries ITT LLC’s and Goulds Pumps LLC’s underlying liabilities and recovering and securing over ten figures in insurance.
  • Represented Covil Corporation in a series of discovery and pretrial motions, and extended mediations, reaching settlements with all of Covil’s historical insurers except for USF&G and Pennsylvania National Insurance Company.

Reed Smith LLP

Reed Smith LLP‘s ‘top-of-market’ insurance recovery practice offers clients excellent litigation, arbitration and settlement negotiation advice, handling a broad range of high value coverage claims centered in the US in addition to those with ties to the European and Bermudan markets. Practice head David Halbreich, based in Los Angeles, represents clients seeking coverage for asbestos and other toxic tort liabilities, environmental pollution and fiduciary duty disputes. In Chicago, John Shugrue focuses on supporting energy sector clients with multi-jurisdictional insurance claims covering general and excess liability, business interruption and specialist OEE coverage, while John Vishneski represents clients seeking to claim coverage for first party property and business interruption matters. Managing partner of the Los Angeles office Amber Finch handles COVID-19-related property and business interruption claims, while Houston’s James Cooper specializes in handling recovery claims in the maritime, construction, energy, chemical and professional services sectors. John Ellison, who splits time between Philadelphia, New York and Houston, is an experienced arbitrator, also handling litigation concerning first party property claims, D&O policies and fidelity bonds.

Practice head(s):

David Halbreich


Other key lawyers:

John Shugrue; John Vishneski; Amber Finch; James Cooper; John Ellison


Testimonials

‘Reed Smith has a strong insurance practice and we found them to be very knowledgeable in this area. In particular, we found them to always approach matters with a legal as well as a commercial-minded and pragmatic approach.’

‘Reed Smith is one of the few top-tier terms with a broad-based insurance recovery practice. They bring top-of-market skill to an area that most large law firms refuse to address due to conflicts issues.’

‘Reed Smith has been our legal representative for many years. Their expertise and legal guidance have been of great help and much appreciated.’

Anderson Kill PC

Anderson Kill PC advises clients on complicated insurance coverage claims, handling a number of major asbestos-related class actions, in addition to advising clients on property damage and business interruption claims suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group also supports clients seeking property coverage in the wake of natural disasters and with D&O claims. Leading the team are Robert M. Horkovich, an experienced litigator in the field of D&O, construction, professional and general liability claims, and William G. Passannante, who represents clients involved in asbestos, environmental and property claims. Rhonda D. Orin manages the firm’s Washington DC office, handling property, business interruption and environmental liability claims, while Boston’s Marshall Gilinsky handles CGL, D&O, E&O and life insurance matters. Diana Shafter Gliedman  is adept at handling multi-party claims and Raymond Mascia Jr. represents governmental entities, corporate policyholders, and asbestos trusts involved in professional liability and property disputes. All lawyers are New York-based unless otherwise specified.

 

Practice head(s):

Robert M. Horkovich; William G. Passannante


Other key lawyers:

Rhonda D. Orin; Marshall Gilinsky; Diana Shafter Gliedman; Raymond Mascia, Jr.


Key clients

Schleicher and Stebbins Hotels LLC


United Policyholders for Huntington Ingalls


Kaiser Gypsum Trust


Official Talc Claimants Committee in LTL Management


Tort Claimants Committee and Future Claimants Representative in Cyprus Mines


Future Claimants’ Representative in Aldrich Pump


Crestview Advisors


Sonneborn LLC


NYU Langone Hospitals


BDO Puerto Rico


Microbilt Corp.


Siplast, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Represented Schleicher and Stebbins Hotels in NH Superior Court, finding coverage for business income loss stemming from COVID-19.
  • Re[resemted United Policyholders in Huntington Ingalls Inc. et al. v. Ace American Insurance Company et al., in the Vermont Supreme Court, which found that the shipbuilder was entitled to business interruption coverage due to COVID-19 losses.
  • Represented Official Talc Claimants Committee in LTL Management LLC in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. LTL is the spinoff Johnson & Johnson created to resolve asbestos claims relating to its talc products.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP supports clients seeking to recover losses caused by COVID-19 business interruptions, opioid litigation, environmental pollution and cyber-attacks, while also handling D&O matters. Outside of recovery litigation, the practice advises clients involved in arbitrations and supports them in settlement talks, with particular strengths assisting the energy and hospitality and leisure sectors. Syed Ahmad leads the practice from Washington DC, representing clients in complex allocation disputes and rescission claims in addition to D&O, E&O and general liability coverage work. Miami’s Walter J. Andrews represents clients in disputes revolving around business interruption, product liability, construction defect and reinsurance disputes, while DC-based Lorelie S. Masters handles a broad range of claims including environmental, employment and business interruption liability. Andrea DeField, located in Miami, is a cyber insurance specialist, handling matters concerning ransomware, data breaches and social engineering.

Practice head(s):

Syed S. Ahmad


Other key lawyers:

Walter J. Andrews; Lorelie S. Masters; Michael S. Levine; Geoffrey B. Fehling; Andrea DeField


Testimonials

‘The firm has attorneys with broad subject matter expertise. Our partner and senior counsel can effectively make those resources available based upon specific legal challenges/questions.’

‘The team is immensely collaborative because they realize that there is both a need for specialization but at times an interdisciplinary approach to providing the best strategic advice to clients.’

‘Andrea DeField is a dedicated and sophisticated advocate for her clients. She understands how to get the best outcome for her clients which takes a big picture view – meeting the client objectives of doing something quickly, not pushing for outcomes that are unreasonable and are just for effect, pushing for innovative legal theories. She never assumes that conventional wisdom should be unquestioned.’

Key clients

AWP USA Inc.


Cinemark USA


H.I.G. Capital


Treasure Island Casino


Bloomin’Brands, Inc.


Summit Hotel Properties, Inc.


Colonial Pipeline Company


Boardriders, Inc.


City of Los Angeles


PBF Energy


Work highlights


  • Represented Cinemark USA in the company’s effort to recover more than $1 billion in revenue lost due to COVID-19.
  • Advising Colonial Pipeline Company as insurance coverage counsel on its May 2021 ransomware attack.
  • Represented the City of Los Angeles in three insurance coverage claims for environmental liabilities at the Port of Los Angeles.

McGuireWoods LLP

McGuireWoods LLP handles a broad range of matters, with particular strengths in cases centered on D&O liability and property, business income losses and wrongful death claims tied to catastrophes including natural disasters and workplace accidents. Alongside its work in the US, the practice has experience in handling cross-border insurance disputes, often working on matters linked to London, Bermuda and Asia. The firm also supports clients seeking to recover losses caused by long-tail issues under commercial general liability primary and excess policies, healthcare claims and cyber liability linked to data breaches. The practice is led by New York-based recovery litigator Stephen G. Foresta, Scott C. Oostdyk, who handles a range of commercial insurance disputes out of the Richmond office, Atlanta-based Anthony P. Tatum, who advises financial institutions on insurance coverage matters, and product and environmental liability specialist Candace Blydenburgh, also in Richmond.

Practice head(s):

Stephen G. Foresta; Scott C. Oostdyk; Anthony P. Tatum; Candace Blydenburgh


Other key lawyers:

Shelby S. Guilbert; Joseph M. Englert; Nicholas G. Hill


Testimonials

‘The McGuireWoods insurance team provides practical advice to policyholders looking to better understand their existing insurance relationships, negotiate changes in policy language, and take proactive steps to avoid potential coverage disputes. It’s rare to find such sophisticated and experienced counsel on the policyholder side.’

‘I appreciate that Stephen Foresta and Nicholas Hill are quite responsive and approach their work with us in the spirit of partnership. They take the time to understand our goals and help us navigate complex issues in a timely and practical manner.’

‘I’ve worked with Shelby Guilbert. Shelby provides excellent practical advice about insurance coverage issues. He also understands the industry and often has insights into how various carriers are responding to claims.’

Key clients

Xerox


Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority


University of North Carolina Wilmington


U.S. Tobacco Cooperative


Prime Healthcare


International Paper Company


Lineage Logistics


SCANA/Dominion Energy


The Coca-Cola Company


Big Onion Tavern Group


Work highlights


  • Represent Xerox Corporation with respect to insurance coverage for claims made against Xerox arising out of Xerox’s merger agreement with Fujifilm.
  • Represented Puerto Rico’s government-owned power company, PREPA, in efforts to recover more than $500 million in insurance for property and business interruption losses arising out of Hurricane Maria and an earthquake occurring in early 2020.
  • Represented a large California-based healthcare provider in a D&O/EPL insurance recovery dispute for payment of defense costs and settlement paid by Prime Healthcare Services and its affiliates in connection with claims Prime violated the False Claims Act.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP‘s insurance recovery team works alongside the firm’s construction, energy, environmental, crisis management, and cybersecurity practices, advising clients on claims pertaining to COVID-19-related and other business interruptions, D&O, pollution and cyber liability coverage claims. In addition to litigating coverage disputes before state and federal courts, the firm has experience handling arbitrations and is adept at supporting clients with multi-jurisdictional claims, assisting with matters that encompass Bermuda, Asia and Europe. The practice is led jointly by the experienced Robert Wallan in Los Angeles, D&O and property and casualty specialist Peter Gillon in Miami and Washington DC, New York’s catastrophic property and casualty loss litigator Joseph Jean and Houston-based Tamara Bruno, who advises on specialized coverage areas including D&O and professional liability in addition to cyber-related claims.

Practice head(s):

Robert Wallan; Peter Gillon; Joseph Jean; Tamara Bruno


Other key lawyers:

Mark Plumer; David Klein


Testimonials

‘Longstanding experience representing policyholders in coverage disputes and advising on coverage issues.’

‘These are very smart lawyers who work well together. They are efficient, principled in their approach, and get great results.’

‘Smart and business oriented-team.’

Key clients

In-N-Out Burger


Wilshire Vermont Housing Partners LP


Northrop Grumman Corporation & Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc.


FedEx Office


JUUL Labs, Inc.s


Victaulic


Apro, LLC


Rayonier Advanced Materials, Rayonier, Inc., and Southern Wood Piedmont


Lane Construction


Duke Energy


Active Industrial Accident Matters


Teva Pharmaceutical Industries


Vale Canada Limited (Vale)


CITGO


American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP)


AECOM Hunt/AECOM Energy & Construction Inc.


Plaid, Inc.


Ormat Technologies


Tapestry, Inc.


Genting Americas


Detroit Entertainment


New York University


Pacific Lutheran University, et al.


Foresight Energy LP


CC – Development Group


Kaleida Health


Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.


American Consolidated Natural Resources


Terra Group


Esalen Institute


AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.


CareDx, Inc.


New Tech Global Ventures, LLC


Delek Logistics Operating LLC


Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.


Proskauer Rose LLP

In addition to handling general liability claims for clients from the financial services, consumer products and pharmaceutical industries, the Proskauer Rose LLP team is adept at securing coverage in matters concerning bonds, financial guaranty and political risk insurance. In addition to the practice’s experience in advising private equity houses and hedge funds on insurance claims, the group is noted for its understanding of the captive insurance and reinsurance, where it advises on business interruption and casualty matters. New York’s John Failla leads the practice, representing clients in D&O, E&O and representations and warranties claims, both in court and in arbitrations. In Chicago, Marc Rosenthal handles a wide range of matters, including first and third party and product recall claims in addition to reinsurance arbitration. Nathan Lander, also in New York, specializes in supporting the financial sector with insurance recovery litigation. Seth Schafler left the firm in November 2022.

Practice head(s):

John Failla


Other key lawyers:

Marc Rosenthal; Nathan Lander


Key clients

Sycamore Partners Management L.P.


Bausch Health


Activision


Wells Fargo


J.P. Morgan


WTA Tour


National Hockey League


AMAG Pharmaceuticals


Cohen Ziffer Frenchman & McKenna

Cohen Ziffer Frenchman & McKenna advises clients, including several Fortune 500 companies, on complex insurance coverage disputes, including COVID-19-related business interruption claims and natural and man-made disasters, with particular strength in high value D&O liability issues, concerning securities and other alleged fraud matters. ‘Ace’ Robin Cohen heads the team, supporting companies in securing coverage in the wake of COVID-19 losses, governmental investigations and securities-related D&O claims. The ‘remarkable’ Adam Ziffer‘s practice encompasses E&O, D&O, product liability, asbestos, environmental, and employment coverage matters, in addition to representation of clients in London and Bermuda arbitrations. Kenneth Frenchman assists clients seeking to recover damages resulting from insurance companies’ breaches of contract, bad faith claims and attempts at rescission of policies.

Practice head(s):

Robin Cohen


Other key lawyers:

Adam Ziffer; Kenneth Frenchman; Keith McKenna


Testimonials

‘One of the best decisions I have ever made as an in-house lawyer was contacting Adam and Robin regarding representation in a challenging litigation. The combination of their deep expertise of the law, understanding of the adversary, and willingness to challenge the status quo places their client in the best position to move a case toward a successful resolution. They listen to the client and create solutions to balance the client’s goal with case resolution.’

‘Adam Ziffer is remarkable. He actually listens to his client’s goals and devises solutions to achieve the goals. He is sharp, has deep expertise in his specialty, creative, practical and maintains a great sense of humor throughout (which is needed). Adam is a great communicator to the business – one of the sharpest guys in the room but unlike other top lawyers out there does not suck the air out of the room.’

‘Robin Cohen – an ace. You want her on your side as a policyholder. Unafraid to shake things up and challenge the status quo. Beyond knowledgeable of her specialty.’ 

Key clients

Walmart Inc.


Philadelphia Energy Solutions


Verizon Communications


Pfizer Inc.


Viacom Inc.


Thor Equities, LLC


CONMED Corp.


JDS Construction Group, LLC


Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.


AR Capital, LLC


Willis Towers Watson


JGB Vegas Retail Lessee, LLC


Crystal Windows & Doors Ltd.


Suez Treatment Solutions, Inc.


Energy Transfer Partners, L.P.


Chanel


The Options Clearing Corp.


Media Rights Capital


Publix


Work highlights


  • Represented Verizon Communications and secured a ruling that entitles it to recover approximately $120 million in defense and settlements costs, plus prejudgment interest that likely will total in excess of $50 million.
  • Represented Philadelphia Energy Solutions in a dispute against over 30 carriers in the Delaware Bankruptcy Court, seeking more than $1 billion in coverage resulting from the explosion at the Girard Point Refinery near Philadelphia in June 2019.
  • Represented Options Clearing Corporation and secured a favorable ruling in Delaware Superior Court, finding that various “relatedness” policy exclusions did not apply to preclude coverage for OCC’s defense costs incurred in connection with an SEC and CFTC investigation.

Haynes and Boone, L.L.P.

Haynes and Boone, L.L.P. has experience in handling litigation at the state and federal level and in arbitrations and appraisals, with strengths in advising clients on third party liability and first party property insurance disputes in addition to indemnity matters concerning corporate transactions. Dallas-based Ernest Martin Jr. leads the practice, supporting corporate policyholders in complex coverage disputes. Barry Buchman, based in Washington DC, handles toxic tort and environmental general liability claims while Leslie C. Thorne, who splits time between New York and Austin, advises on environmental, product and professional liability among other issues. Counsel Michael J. Stoner, based in Dallas and Palo Alto, assists clients with first party loss and third party liability claims, while Dallas-based associate Emily Buchanan specializes in liability and property and casualty coverage disputes.

Practice head(s):

Ernest Martin Jr.


Other key lawyers:

Barry Buchman; Leslie C. Thorne; Michael J. Stoner; Emily Buchanan


Testimonials

‘Exceptionally responsive and appropriately aggressive. Exceptionally knowledgeable and thorough. Creative and competent.’

‘Ernest Martin is exceptionally professional and capable.’

Key clients

XTO Energy


Boy Scouts of America


Clinical Pathology and Sonic Healthcare USA


Double Diamond


Curtis Park Group, LLC


Lundberg LLC and LDX Solutions


Lamacar, Inc. d/b/a Kelli’s Gift Shop Suppliers


Landry’s, Inc.


Riverside Engineering


Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.


Pioneer Natural Resources


ExxonMobil


Lionsgate/Starz


Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services, Inc. and Atlas Railroad Construction


Balfour Beatty Communities, LLC


TD Williamson, Inc.


K&L Gates

K&L Gates‘ insurance recovery team represents mid-sized and Fortune 500 clients in addition to government bodies in litigation concerning COVID-19 business losses, environmental pollution, and product liability matters. Pittsburgh-based David F. McGonigle heads the practice and offers a wealth of experience in handling coverage disputes concerning issues such as asbestos and chemical exposure, aviation and E&O before state and federal courts, in addition to arbitrations governed by the UK’s Arbitration Act. Newark-based Donald W. Kiel advises health care providers on malpractice claims and is also sought after for his COVID-19 business interruption work. Jonathan M. Cohen specializes in handling multi-party disputes, focusing on product liability and recalls, supply chain issues and cyber events out of the Washington DC office, while Pittsburgh’s Lucas J. Tanglen advises clients on D&O exposures and environmental liability.

Practice head(s):

David F. McGonigle


Other key lawyers:

Donald W. Kiel; Jonathan M. Cohen; Lucas J. Tanglen


Testimonials

‘Initially, it is great to find a firm with national reach that represents policyholders as opposed to insurance carriers. There are not many. I find the firm’s approach on insurance coverage issues to be strategic, based on lots of experience, and oftentimes data driven.’

‘Practical and effective approach; timely responses.’

 

Key clients

E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company


Quest Diagnostics Incorporated


Portland General Electric Co.


Eaton Corporation


Standex Electronics, Inc.


Kaiser Gypsum Company, Inc. and Hanson Permanente Cement, Inc. (f/k/a Kaiser Cement Corporation)


Work highlights


  • Represented DuPont in an insurance coverage lawsuit in the Delaware Superior Court against multiple insurance companies seeking coverage for benzene-related bodily injury claims that have been asserted against DuPont.
  • Represented Quest Diagnostics in a business income loss insurance coverage case filed in a Washington state court arising from civil authority orders issued around the country as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Represented a hotel company in insurance coverage litigation related to alleged violations of sex trafficking laws at franchised hotel locations in various jurisdictions across the country.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

The financial and technology sectors form the basis of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP‘s insurance recovery practice, representing banks and institutional investors in trials and settlement discussions. In particular the firm is noted for its work in handling cost of insurance litigation, taking on a number of insurers that raised their monthly deduction rates in addition to handling complex monoline insurance claims. Splitting time between San Francisco and New York, practice head Barry Levin advises on insurance recovery, including on matters arising out of mortgage-backed securities and associated lending practices. Khai LeQuang, based in Orange County, handles trials and appeals in state and federal courts, advising on issues of product liability and life settlements. Former practice co-head Darren Teshima left the firm in August 2022.

Practice head(s):

Barry Levin


Other key lawyers:

Khai LeQuang


Testimonials

‘The team is extremely efficient and very bright.’

‘Khai LeQuang is a calm advisor with great negotiation skills. He has a unique understanding of the life insurance industry, paired with great legal skills.’

Key clients

EFG Bank


Erste Abwicklungsanstalt


Credit Suisse


Abe Khader and Abe Financial Services, Inc.


BroadRiver Asset Management


MHR Fund Management


Pasich LLP

A number of Fortune 500 companies and major names in the sports and entertainment sectors have tasked Pasich LLP with complex insurance recovery disputes, covering D&O liability and shareholder issues, employment matters and COVID-19 business interruption cases. Jeffrey Schulman leads the practice from New York, handling COVID shutdown, opioid and sexual abuse matters on behalf of insureds, particularly in the entertainment industry. In Los Angeles, Kirk Pasich represents clients at trial and in arbitrations, assisting the defense, energy and entertainment sectors in matters concerning D&O liability and first-party property losses, while in Manhattan Beach, Shaun Crosner focuses on employment practices and commercial general liability.

Practice head(s):

Jeffrey Schulman


Other key lawyers:

Kirk Pasich; Shaun Crosner; Peter Halprin


Testimonials

‘The firm possesses an incredible depth of experience and creativity. Their experience in resolving the most complex of claims directly translates to manuscripting expertise that, based on the depth of their claims experience, supports the avoidance of otherwise unseeable coverage pitfalls.’

‘This practice has a laser-focus on their clients and making sure that their needs are being met during every phase of the engagement. This is done through constant communication, collaboration and creative problem-solving.’

‘Peter Halprin has been a standout since he joined the firm. His intense focus on clients as well as vast knowledge of insurance has allowed him to provide top-quality services to clients when they need assistance.’

Key clients

Academy of Country Music


Always Smiling LLC


Another Planet Entertainment


A.P. Møller – Mærsk


Arizona Tile, LLC


ASICS America Corporation


Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd.


Bolthouse Farms, Inc.


Bowlero Corp.


Burton Way Hotels, LLC


Concentrix Corp.


Crescent Hotels & Resorts


Darigold, Inc.


Dole Food Company


Douglas Emmett Management, LLC


Feld Entertainment Inc.


Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.


Frantic, Inc


General Mills


Hilary Swank


Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.


JC/SC, LLC


JM Eagle


Jujamcyn Theaters LLC


Madison Square Garden


Mall Properties, Inc. d/b/a/ Olshan Properties


Match Group, LLC


MGM Studios, Inc.


Northrop Grumman Corp.


Pacific Gas & Electric Company


Pacific Western Bank


Paramount Pictures Corp.


Platform One Media


Sempra Energy


Solstice Studios


Southern California Edison Company


Southern California Gas Company


Southern California Pizza Company


Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.


Tao Group Hospitality


The Ensign Group, Inc.


Tort Claimants Committee, in re Boy Scouts of America


Tory Burch, LLC


Train Times Broadway, LLC


United Talent Agency, LLC


ViacomCBS Inc.


West Marine Products, Inc.


Whirlpool Corporation


Work highlights


  • Represented Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. in connection with a Vermont lawsuit against 32 reinsurers and four London arbitrations arising out of HII’s losses associated with COVID-19.
  • Represented Tort Claimants Committee, which acts on behalf of more than 85,000 claimants who alleged they were molested while in the Boy Scouts, in the Boy Scouts of America’s Delaware bankruptcy Chapter 11 proceeding.
  • Represents Sunstone, which sustained business interruption losses nationwide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including litigation pertaining to an insurer’s refusal to provide cover after the US’s first COVID-19 “super-spreader” event that took place at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf.