Advice to insurers in United States

Clyde & Co LLP

Clyde & Co represents insurance clients involved in national and cross-border disputes, making use of the firm’s extensive global network to advise on international arbitrations and international reinsurance litigation in addition to coverage claims, encompassing general and property liability, D&O cover, cyber risk and environmental matters among others. The practice also supports clients with regulatory concerns and handles commercial litigation for insurers and reinsurers alike. Eileen King Bower leads the team out of the Chicago office, offering extensive experience in coverage litigation including property-related COVID-19 claims and long-tail environmental and asbestos issues. New York-based Michael Knoerzer advises insurers and reinsurers on complicated disputes and arbitrations centered around Bermuda Form, D&O and life/health insurance claims, while in San Francisco Bruce Celebrezze advises on general liability claims. New Jersey-based Daren McNally specializes in advising insurers and reinsurers, including Bermuda-based companies, on environmental pollution and sports concussion cases. Paul Koepff is a veteran litigator, representing insurers in coverage cases spanning high value opioid claims and asbestos claims, in addition to assisting clients involved in Bermuda arbitrations.

Practice head(s):

Eileen King Bower

Other key lawyers:

Michael Knoerzer; Bruce Celebrezze; Daren McNally; Paul Koepff; Leslie Ahari

Testimonials

‘Clyde’s insurance practice is second to none. They have a wide geographic scope (US and internationally) and a number of subject matter experts. They also have the ability to manage some of our scariest mass torts. They are a go-to firm.’

‘Mike Knoerzer is an extremely experienced practitioner who holds a senior position with the company and provides sage advice and counsel. Daren McNally is a tremendous attorney who manages mass torts and also works on Bermuda Form arbitrations in London.’

Dentons

The Dentons team handles a wide range of insurance coverage disputes and reinsurance matters, ranging from COVID-19-related business interruption property claims to sexual abuse and environmental pollution matters, in addition to representing insurers involved in nationwide class action suits brought by policyholders. The firm, including Chicago-based practice co-head Keith Moskowitz in particular, is also noted for its handling of national opioid cases on behalf of property and casualty and specialty insurers. In New York, co-head Sandra Hauser represents insurers facing class actions and other commercial litigation in trial and appellate courts, with a focus on life insurance disputes and annuities class actions, while in Washington, D.C, and Atlanta, Shari Klevens also co-heads the team and has experience litigating COVID-19 claims in addition to her work handling professional liability and bad faith matters. Firm CEO Sonia Martin litigates commercial disputes out of the San Francisco and Oakland offices. Laura Leigh Geist left in March 2022.

Practice head(s):

Keith Moskowitz; Sandra Hauser; Shari Klevens

Other key lawyers:

Sonia Martin

Key clients

AIG

American Security Insurance Company and American Bankers Insurance Company

Arrowood Indemnity Co.

Arrowpoint Capital/Arrowood Indemnity

Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company

AXA XL

Barbican Group

Beazley

Berkshire Hathaway Companies (National Indemnity Co., National Fire & Marine Ins. Co., MedPro and Virginia Surety Co.)

Blackboard Insurance Company

BRIT Insurance

CNA Insurance Company

Coaction Specialty Insurance Group

Cuna Mutual

Enstar and subsidiaries Sussex Insurance Company, Companion Property & Casualty and Cavello Bay Reinsurance Ltd.

Fidelity Security Life

First American

Fletcher Reinsurance Company

Genworth Financial

Liberty Mutual

Marsh USA/Mercer (Marsh & McLennan Co.)

MetLife Inc. and subsidiaries

Milliman, Inc.

Philadelphia Insurance Companies

Premia

Providence Washington Insurance Company

QBE North America

Reinsurance Group of America

StarStone Insurance Company

Sussex Insurance Company

Swiss Re

The Hartford

The Travelers Companies, Inc.

Vantage

Virginia Surety Company, Co.

Work highlights

    O'Melveny & Myers LLP

    O'Melveny & Myers LLP advises on a broad spectrum of insurance matters, including significant sexual abuse, bankruptcy, COVID-19 business interruption and reinsurance disputes. Additionally, in its work for insurance giant Chubb, the firm has handled cyber risk, natural disaster and opioid matters, including major appeals. Allen Burton, who handles coverage disputes and arbitrations, with further expertise in advising on reinsurance and Bermuda form matters, heads the practice in New York alongside veteran litigator Tancred Schiavoni, who represents clients involved in environmental coverage and bad faith claims. In Los Angeles, Richard Goetz makes up the third part of the practice’s leadership group, handling a broad range of high value litigation, including COVID-19 coverage, environmental damage and asbestos claims. In New York, Gary Svirsky is noted for his work in regard to cyber and data breach claims both in the US and Europe, while Janine Panchok-Berry advises clients at the confluence of insurance and bankruptcy law. Zoheb Noorani, based in Los Angeles, specializes in coverage and bad faith claims, with particular expertise in advising on COVID-19-related claims.

    Practice head(s):

    Allen Burton; Tancred Schiavoni; Richard Goetz

    Other key lawyers:

    Gary Svirsky; Zoheb Noorani; Janine Panchok-Berry

    Key clients

    The Chubb Group/Chubb Limited

    Westchester Fire Insurance Co.

    Century Indemnity Co.

    Arrowpoint Capital Corporation

    Lexington Insurance Company

    AIG

    Sompo International

    AXIS Insurance Company

    The Starr Companies

    TIG Insurance Company

    Work highlights

    • Advised Chubb Group in dozens of coverage litigation disputes arising from business interruption claims related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
    • Defended Chubb Group at trial in a coverage dispute arising from damages related to Superstorm Sandy.
    • Defended Chubb Group in the largest sexual abuse-related bankruptcy in US history.

    Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

    Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP represents clients before state and federal courts and in arbitrations in a range of insurance and reinsurance disputes, handling issues arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, data breaches and insurance bankruptcy. In addition, the team also handles claims brought against insurers by shareholders and advises on regulatory proceedings, including state and federal government investigations. The practice is led by Andrew T. Frankel, who has extensive experience handling mass tort coverage litigation, alongside the co-heads of the firm’s litigation practice, Lynn K. Neuner and Jonathan K. Youngwood. The ‘very sharp’ Bryce Friedman advises on matters concerning fraud allegations and violations of the False Claims Act. Joshua Polster represents insurance clients in commercial disputes, advising on securities, M&A and breach of contract claims, while Summer Craig focuses her practice on insurance and reinsurance litigation. Former co-head of the insurance practice Mary Beth Forshaw left the firm in January 2023. All lawyers mentioned are New York-based.

    Practice head(s):

    Andrew T. Frankel; Lynn K. Neuner; Jonathan K. Youngwood

    Other key lawyers:

    Bryce Friedman; Joshua Polster; Summer Craig

    Testimonials

    ‘These are some of the savviest, experienced and intelligent lawyers with whom I have been fortunate to work. They are deep thinkers, fast studies and good people. They assisted me on a project involving a very complex 30-year-old restructuring, and dove deep with me. A very impressive team.’

    ‘Bryce Friedman is very sharp and has experience arbitrating.’

     

    Key clients

    AIG

    American Family Insurance

    American Property Casualty Insurance Association

    AmGUARD Insurance Company

    AXA XL

    Beazley Group

    Berkshire Hathaway insurance subsidiaries, including National Indemnity

    Brighthouse Financial

    Burlington Northern Santa Fe Insurance Company Ltd.

    Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s London

    Chubb

    FM Global

    New York State Superintendent of Financial Services

    Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation and affiliates

    Travelers and affiliates

    Utica Mutual Insurance Company

    Work highlights

    • Represented Lloyd’s of London Syndicates in the first major insurance coverage litigation stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    • Represented Chubb in aviation insurance litigation related to airplanes allegedly “stranded” in Russia.
    • Represented Travelers in a summary judgment, winning a major environmental insurance case.

    Chaffetz Lindsey LLP

    New York boutique Chaffetz Lindsey LLP is adept at representing clients involved in insurance and reinsurance disputes in the US and those spanning multiple jurisdictions, appearing before courts and in arbitrations. The practice has experience advising clients on multi-national arbitrations and has also handled matters with ties to the UK and Canada. Leadership of the practice is split four ways between Peter Chaffetz, a highly experienced trial and arbitration lawyer who advises on complex matters including asbestos claims, environmental liability and sports disability, Cecilia Moss, who has advised on COVID-19 losses and construction losses, trial and arbitrations litigator Steven Schwartz, and Charles Scibetta, whose practice encompasses mass tort liabilities in relation COVID-19 claims, pollution, and professional liability.

    Practice head(s):

    Peter Chaffetz; Cecilia Moss; Steven Schwartz; Charles Scibetta

    Other key lawyers:

    Andrew Poplinger

    Testimonials

    ‘Very strong persuasive advocacy – both oral and writing. Willing to think outside the box in regard to billing, staffing, as well as legal argument.’

    ‘Steve Schwartz is exceptional at taking complex matters and addressing them in a straightforward, easy-to-follow manner. Cia Moss is precise, confident, and a strong advocate for her clients.’

    ‘Chaffetz Lindsey’s work has very high quality and it has not only an excellent understanding of legal aspects in the case, but also an excellent understanding of the position of an insurer and the insurance market. They are knowledgeable, savvy in strategical matters, extremely experienced and also well-connected all over the world. In addition, the insurance team of Chaffetz Lindsey has many years of experience in insurance and reinsurance law. Their team is highly skilled and very dedicated to its clients, making them one of the leading providers in this field.’

    ‘Peter Chaffetz: the impression is to work with lawyers who are not only very competent, reliable and experienced, but also wise and distinguished. The knowledge of the insurance law and market of Peter is in my opinion unique, and of course his professional and personal contacts in this field are great.’

    Key clients

    AIG

    Allianz/Fireman’s Fund

    Arch

    Chubb

    Enstar

    Ergo Versicherungs AG

    Marsh

    Sun Life Financial

    Trisura International Insurance

    Zurich Insurance Company North America

    Work highlights

    • Represented AIG in a number of its large, complex insurance and reinsurance coverage disputes, including coverage disputes arising out of lead paint, MTBE contamination, and hockey concussions.
    • Represented an insurer in two separate European-seated arbitrations arising out of US class action settlements (one valued at over $750M and one valued at $187M).
    • Represented Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company before the District Court and on appeal to the Second Circuit concerning the application of follow-the-settlements and whether insurance policies can be exhausted by settlements.

    Choate, Hall & Stewart

    Choate, Hall & Stewart‘s Boston-based team specializes in advising insurers and reinsurers on multi-jurisdictional disputes, including coverage issues, reinsurance arbitrations and subsequent appeals. The firm advises major insurers on their exposure in a number of notable areas, including widespread opioid exposures, COVID-19 reinsurance and retrocession matters, sexual abuse litigation, large-scale disasters such as wildfires and mass shootings. The practice is headed by David Attisani, who offers extensive experience representing insurers and reinsurers engaged in coverage and life rate increase disputes, Robert Kole, who supports clients involved in mass shooting, product liability and sports injury litigation, and J.P. Jaillet, who also handles coverage disputes and reinsurance arbitrations. Kevin Finnerty represents insurers and reinsurers in coverage disputes.

    Practice head(s):

    David Attisani; Robert Kole; J.P. Jaillet

    Other key lawyers:

    Kevin Finnerty

    Testimonials

    ‘Very results-oriented with good understanding of business and commercial relationship issues as well as technical legal expertise and advocacy.’

    ‘David Attisani: extraordinary legal work. Incredibly talented litigator. Best in class representation of clients; brilliant legal preparation and writing. Precise, insightful and razor-sharp intellect. Superior oral presentations and pristine reputation in the legal community.’

     

    Key clients

    Liberty Mutual Insurance Company

    Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation

    Sompo

    The Andover Companies

    GuideOne Insurance Company

    Work highlights

    • Advised Liberty Mutual in connection with all of their opioid exposures nationwide.
    • Advised Sompo in New York, London and Bermuda on COVID-19 reinsurance claims.

    Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

    Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP handles critical litigation for a number of the insurance sector’s biggest names, advising on COVID-19-related business interruption cases, health care coverage matters and cyber disputes, including appeals and class actions. Additionally, the practice represents clients involved in cost of insurance, bad faith and False Claims Act and securities disputes, while also providing support to clients facing regulatory investigations. The team is led by Deborah Stein, who assists insurers facing coverage and business practices claims, and Geoffrey Sigler in Washington DC, who specializes in defending class action suits. Richard Doren is an experienced trial and appellate litigator, while Matthew Hoffman focuses on insurance and reinsurance disputes, including sexual abuse, environmental and product liability coverage matters. All lawyers are Los Angeles-based unless otherwise specified.

    Practice head(s):

    Deborah Stein; Geoffry Sigler

    Other key lawyers:

    Richard Doren; Matthew Hoffman

    Key clients

    Travelers

    Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Insurance Company

    Cypress Insurance Company

    Mutual of Enumclaw

    State Farm Insurance

    UnitedHealth Group and subsidiaries

    John Hancock

    Liberty Mutual

    USAA

    Golden Rule Insurance Company

    Kennedys

    Kennedys offers clients an array of coverage litigation experience, advising on major sports injury, sexual abuse and bankruptcy matters in addition to environmental, construction and D&O liability disputes and bad faith claims. The team is led by Christopher Carroll, an experienced litigator who also provides alternative dispute resolution services to insurers engaged in toxic tort, advertising and cyber coverage matters, and Meg Catalano, who has represented major insurers in contamination, product liability and sexual abuse cases. Heather Simpson is adept at handling class action and mass tort cases, having advised insurers on head injury claims made against the NFL by former players and issues around sexual abuse in religious, sporting and recreational organizations. Kristin Gallagher advises several insurance companies in regard to COVID-19 business interruption claims and also represents clients in bad faith actions. All lawyers mentioned are based in New Jersey.

    Practice head(s):

    Christopher Carroll; Meg Catalano

    Other key lawyers:

    Heather Simpson; Kristin Gallagher

    Testimonials

    ‘The firm has good breadth of professional experience. Their presence in New York, London and Bermuda offers a unique advantage when supporting multi-platform insurance and reinsurance operations. Rates are reasonable. Lawyers are easy to work with.’

    ‘Their geographic footprint is a big positive. For a client that looks for expertise on a state by state basis, having many offices around the country is a big plus.’

     

    Key clients

    Allied World Assurance Company Inc.

    Arch

    Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited

    AXA

    AXIS Insurance Company

    AIG

    Brit Syndicate Limited

    Continental Casualty Company

    Crum & Forster

    First Mercury Insurance Company

    James River Insurance Company

    Kinsale

    Markel Corporation

    Munich Re

    The RiverStone Group

    Starr Companies

    United States Fire Insurance Company

    The Hanover Insurance Group

    Selective Insurance Company

    Work highlights

    • Advised AXA XL across multiple lines of insurance related to the collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida.
    • Represented United States Fire Insurance Company, in matters that have arisen against various Dioceses in connection with a series of claims and lawsuits alleging sexual abuse bymembers of their clergy.
    • Represented Allied World in a multi-million dollar, multi-tower coverage dispute before the Delaware Supreme Court arising out of a high-profile de-SPAC transaction.

    McDermott Will & Emery LLP

    McDermott Will & Emery LLP handles a range of insurance and reinsurance disputes for its clients, including insurance tax liabilities and issues concerning captive insurers. Insurance coverage litigation is the core work of the practice, which is particularly strong in the health insurance sector, where it advises major clients on disputes and appeals across the United States. The firm has also handled environmental insurance disputes centered on asbestos claims and issues arising from Superfund Sites, and furthermore is able to advise on regulatory matters, including cross-border insolvency matters. The practice’s leadership group is made up of insurance and reinsurance litigators Margaret Warner and Ryan Smethurst in Washington DC, following the December 2022 retirement of Jane Byrne. Dan Brown left the firm in August 2022 while John Finston took up a role with the New York State Department of Financial Services in October 2022.

    Practice head(s):

    Margaret Warner; Ryan Smethurst

    Key clients

    World Trade Center Captive Insurance Company, Inc.

    Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company

    Allianz Underwriters Ins. Co.

    The American Insurance Company

    Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company

    State National Insurance Company

    Topa Insurance Group

    MCIC, A Vermont Risk Retention Group

    Allied World/Allied World Surplus Lines Insurance Co.

    Infrassure Ltd.

    Munich Re America

    CNA

    Nationwide Insurance Co.

    W.R. Berkley

    Travel Guard Group, Inc.

    National Union Fire Insurance Co.

    Work highlights

    • Representing Allianz Global Risks US Ins. Co. and Allianz Underwriters Ins. Co. on the Boy Scouts of America’s Chapter 11 case and contribution litigation against Daimler’s historical insurers.
    • Represented The American Insurance Company in active coverage litigation with its insured, Precision Castparts Corporation, and adverse to Chubb and Travelers companies in their respective capacities as other PCC insurers.
    • Represented the World Trade Center Captive Insurance Company, Inc in all facets of its operations, including its historic settlement on behalf of 9/11 responders.

    Steptoe & Johnson LLP

    Steptoe & Johnson LLP represents several international insurers in both national and cross-border litigation, with a strong focus on coverage disputes, including in long-tail disputes arising out of the financial crisis, ongoing climate change issues and cybersecurity claims. The practice advises on coverage claims related to drug manufacturers, environmental, professional and product liability before the courts and in arbitration proceedings. Health, environment and D&O coverage litigator Sarah Gordon and property and liability specialist John O’Connor, who also advises HNW policyholders on individual line claims, lead the team- both are based in Washington DC, while Antonia Ianniello, also in DC, represents clients involved in an array of insurance disputes, including CGL, first party property, E&O, specialty products and Bermuda form matters. She has also litigated several major COVID-19-related first party property claims across the US. Roger Warin has extensive experience advising insurers and reinsurers on a wide range of coverage claims, ranging from business interruption and construction defects to professional liability and environmental claims among others. James Rocap III represents insurers in coverage claims, with a particular focus on the health insurance industry and cases centered on asbestos, lead paint and recently, football concussion claims.

    Practice head(s):

    Sarah Gordon; John O’Connor

    Other key lawyers:

    Antonia Ianniello; Roger Warin; James Rocap III

    Key clients

    Hartford Financial Services Group and its subsidiaries

    W.R. Berkley

    AIG

    Lexington Insurance Company (AIG) and Indian Harbor Insurance Company (XL)

    Zurich Insurance Company

    Zurich American Insurance Co. and American Guarantee Insurance Co.

    National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA

    Maxum Indemnity Company

    Zurich American Insurance Co. and American Guarantee Insurance Co.

    Hartford Accident & Indemnity Company and New England Reinsurance Company/XL Insurance

    Work highlights

    • Represented The Hartford on COVID-19 business interruption lawsuits.
    • Represented W.R. Berkley’s with respect to insurance coverage claims and litigation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Represented two major insurance companies with respect to insurance claims arising out of the Surfside Condo Collapse in Miami, Florida.

    Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP

    Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP represents a number of major insurers and reinsurers in significant national disputes, advising on major sexual abuse and bankruptcy cases. The New York-based insurance team is led by Thorn Rosenthal, a highly experienced litigator who represents major US, Bermudan and European insurers in disputes before courts and in arbitration and appraisal proceedings. Alongside him, Joel Kurtzberg advises his clients on coverage and reinsurance matters, including representing multiple insurers in notable sexual abuse cases. Landis Best is the practice’s regulatory specialist, handling government investigations and compliance matters in addition to coverage disputes and arbitration.

    Practice head(s):

    Thorn Rosenthal

    Other key lawyers:

    Joel Kurtzberg; Landis Best

    Key clients

    Swiss Re

    AIG

    Beazley PLC

    Work highlights

    • Represented Swiss Re in SDNY with respect to a $100 million insurance layer on the GM E&O program with respect to claims by subprime borrowers against ResCap arising out of lending practices by originators of loans securitized by ResCap.
    • Represented several AIG companies with hundreds of millions of dollars in coverage with respect to coverage for sexual abuse claims related to the Dr. George Tyndall and Dr. Dennis Kelly cases.
    • Represented a major bank with respect to numerous disputes relating to financing of large-dollar life insurance policies.

    Cozen O'Connor

    Cozen O'Connor supports clients across the industry, including property and casualty, life, health, surety, title, and financial guaranty companies, in addition to reinsurers and regulatory agencies. The team is jointly led by Joseph Ziemianski in Houston, representing clients in first and third party coverage and bad faith claims, while also offering advice on minimizing risks and Melissa Brill in New York, whose practice is centered on litigation for general, professional and excess/umbrella liability insurers, including bad faith disputes. In Atlanta, Kenan Loomis advises clients involved in commercial general liability, property, environmental and casualty insurance disputes, while John David Dickenson, based in West Palm Beach, assists with coverage, claims handling and bad faith disputes on behalf of both insurers and reinsurers.

    Practice head(s):

    Joseph Ziemianski; Melissa Brill

    Other key lawyers:

    Kenan Loomis; John David Dickenson

    Key clients

    Acceptance Indemnity Insurance Company

    AXIS Surplus Insurance Company

    ACE European Group Limited

    ACE Property and Casualty Company

    Allied World National Assurance Company

    Federal Insurance Company

    Chubb

    Zurich American Insurance Company

    Arch Insurance Company

    North River Insurance Company

    Great Northern Insurance Company

    DLA Piper LLP (US)

    DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s ‘extremely knowledgeable’ team leverages the firm’s international presence to take on multi-jurisdictional insurance and reinsurance litigation, with a focus on transactional liability coverage disputes including representation and warranties and loss mitigation matters. The practice also handles matters pertaining to D&O and professional liability, in addition to alternative risk transfer products. Aidan McCormack leads the team, providing support to insurers and reinsurers involved in litigation, arbitration and regulatory proceedings. Joseph Finnerty III handles representation and warranty matters, including litigation and investigations in relation to both private equity transactions and M&A. Mark Deckman represents insurers in coverage disputes in a range of sectors, including environmental and product liability and first party property claims in the energy sector. All lawyers mentioned are New York-based.

    Practice head(s):

    Aidan McCormack

    Other key lawyers:

    Joseph Finnerty III; Megan Shea; Mark Deckman; Stephen Schwab

    Testimonials

    ‘DLA is extremely knowledgeable and achieves excellent results.’

    ‘Very knowledgeable and focused on achieving excellent results.’

    ‘The team have extensive litigation experience and have offices across the globe that is very attractive to utilize as a multi-jurisdiction insurer. In addition, DLA always take the time to understand the needs and commercial considerations of their clients, ensuring that their advice is consistent and aligned.’

    ‘Aidan McCormack – Aidan is supported by a very strong team of excellent partners and associates in the US, ensuring that his clients fully understand the litigation risk. Aidan’s experience in US litigation is unrivalled.’

    ‘The DLA team is very knowledgeable, and because of their nationwide presence, we are confident using them anywhere in the US.’

    Key clients

    Chubb

    AIG

    Swiss Re

    Arch Insurance

    Old Colony Insurance Company

    Senior Health Insurance Company of Pennsylvania

    VALE/PartnerRe

    Work highlights

    • Represented Senior Health Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania in the Southern District of New York in a fraud suit against Platinum Partners concerning $320 million of policyholder reserves.
    • Represented Swiss Re in the Appellate Division of New York on a COVID-19 business interruption loss.
    • Represented AIG in a lawsuit commenced in Tampa, Florida against AIG and eight other insurers that had issued director’s and officer’s liability insurance policies to Surgery Partners.

    Duane Morris LLP

    Drawing on the experience of the firm’s international presence, the Duane Morris LLP insurance team represents commercial liability insurers, advising them on coverage disputes in areas including bankruptcy, health hazard, construction, professional liability and reinsurance among many others. The San Francisco team is led by Max Stern, who is known for his work litigating coverage and bad faith cases, and Brian Kelly, an experienced toxic tort and environmental claim litigator. The Philadelphia practice is headed by Richard L. Cohen and Wendy M. Simkulak, whose practice focuses on the insurance aspects of bankruptcy and corporate restructuring. Alex Gonzales leads the team in Austin, providing regulatory support to insurance companies, while insurance and reinsurance coverage litigator Damon Vocke heads the New York practice. San Francisco-based Philip R. Matthews specializes in handling environmental and toxic tort disputes.

    Practice head(s):

    Max Stern; Brian Kelly; Richard L. Cohen; Alex Gonzales; Wendy M. Simkulak; Damon N. Vocke

    Other key lawyers:

    Philip R. Matthews

    Testimonials

    ‘The team has deep knowledge of the insurance industry from business, regulatory, and legal perspectives, and they provide common-sense advice.’

     

    Key clients

    AXA XL Insurance Group

    Berkshire Hathaway Companies

    C N A Companies

    First Insurance Company of Hawaii, Ltd.

    Great American Insurance Group

    Liberty Mutual Group

    Lloyd’s Underwriters & London Market Insurers

    Resolute Management Company

    WR Berkley Companies

    Zurich North America Group

    Work highlights

    • Represented Certain Lloyd’s Underwriters and London Insurance Companies in Truck Ins. Exchange v. Kaiser Cement, securing insurance coverage trial victory following three phases of bench trial in Los Angeles Superior Court.  

    Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

    Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP brings its extensive litigation experience to bear representing insurers in coverage and bad faith disputes, handling matters for clients in the property and casualty, D&O, life, mortgage and business disruption sectors in addition to reinsurance disputes. The practice is adept at both bringing and defending class action suits, notably filing such claims against the US government on behalf of several health insurance companies. The practice is led by Michael Carlinsky, renowned for his vast litigation experience in insurance and securities disputes, and Corey Worcester, who handles class actions, bankruptcies, and multidistrict litigation. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York.

    Practice head(s):

    Michael Carlinsky; Corey Worcester

    Key clients

    Counsel for Plaintiff Classes

    ACP Re, Ltd.; ACP Re Holdings; AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.; Technology Insurance Company, Inc.

    Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, LLC

    American International Group; National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA

    AIG

    Ambac Assurance Corporation

    Waterdrop Inc., Cogency Global Inc., Colleen DeVries

    Work highlights

    • Secured class certification and summary judgment in favor of two classes in actions related to the government’s failure to pay health insurance companies pursuant to the ACA’s risk corridors and cost-sharing reduction programs.
    • Defended AIG and National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA against a putative class action brought on behalf of purchasers of travel insurance whose trips were cancelled prior to departure.
    • Secured dismissal of claims against AIG in federal and New York state courts in multiple qui tam lawsuits regarding alleged unlicensed insurance activity by two former life insurance subsidiaries.

    Troutman Pepper

    The team at Troutman Pepper represents insurers and reinsurers in the US and abroad in a range of litigation, including D&O and professional liability coverage disputes. The practice has handled cases pertaining to claims against lawyers, accountants and healthcare professionals and is also active in advising on employment matters, while also taking on cases concerning opioids, asbestos, sports injuries and environmental contamination. Washington DC-based Richard Pratt heads the team, representing insurers involved in sports concussion cases and the burgeoning field of PFAS litigation. Bill O’Neill, also in Washington, is a reinsurance litigation and arbitration specialist, focusing on the life insurance industry. In Orange County and San Francisco, Kevin Kieffer advises clients on D&O and general liability insurance matters, in addition to assisting with contentious cyber insurance issues.

    Practice head(s):

    Richard Pratt

    Other key lawyers:

    Bill O’Neill; Kevin Kieffer; Terry McInnis; Tony Jones

    Key clients

    Allied World Assurance Company

    Allstate Insurance Company

    AXA XL

    AXIS Insurance, Inc.

    Beazley Group

    CapSpecialty

    Chaucer

    Chubb Group of Insurance Companies

    CNA Insurance Companies

    Markel Corporation

    Navigators Group, Inc.

    Resolute Management, Inc.

    Swiss Re

    Tokio Marine HCC

    United Educators

    Wiley Rein LLP

    The Washington DC-based insurance practice at Wiley Rein LLP specializes in handling management/professional and general liability coverage matters, including D&O and ERISA matters among others, while also taking on cyber exposure cases. The firm also advises on bad faith claims and is retained by clients for insurance appellate matters. In addition to its litigation practice, the firm also offers mediation services to parties involved in disputes. Daniel Standish, an experienced professional liability litigator, leads the practice alongside Kimberley Melvin, who advises at the intersection of bankruptcy and insurance law.

    Practice head(s):

    Daniel Standish; Kimberley Melvin

    Other key lawyers:

    David Topol; Jason Cronic; Cara Tseng Duffield; Ben Eggert; Gary Seligman; Matthew Beato

    Testimonials

    ‘Skilled, collaborative, responsive & professional.’

    ‘I work specifically with Ben Eggert. He is a seasoned coverage attorney who has been working with my organization for many years. Ben exudes professionalism in everything he does. He’s responsive and collaborative and most importantly, he calls it like he sees it. He gives 100% in everything he does and often times exceeds expectations. His work product is spot on and he is well respected within and outside of my organization.’

    Key clients

    AEGIS Insurance

    AIG

    Allied World Assurance Company

    AXA XL

    AXIS Insurance Company

    Beazley

    Berkley Insurance Company

    Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

    Chubb Ltd.

    CNA Global Specialty Lines

    General Reinsurance Corporation

    General Star Indemnity Company

    Genesis Insurance

    Great American Fidelity Insurance

    The Hartford Financial Services Group

    Nationwide Management Liability

    QBE Insurance Group Limited

    Sompo International

    Swiss RE

    Tokio Marine

    Work highlights

    • Represented AXA XL in First Solar, Inc. v. National Union Fire Ins. Co. First Solar sought coverage for the settlement of a securities lawsuit filed by shareholders who opted out of an earlier class action lawsuit.
    • Represented General Star Indemnity Company in SAS Int’l Ltd. v. General Star Indem. Co., where SAS had sought coverage in relation to COVID-19 losses since 2020.
    • Represented The Hartford Financial Services Group in Jarden LLC v. ACE American Insurance Co. in regard to a settlement linked to Newell Rubbermaid’s acquisition of Jarden and subsequent lawsuit against its D&O insurers.  

    Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

    Under the leadership of New York-based securities litigation specialist Maeve O’Connor, the practice at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP represents insurance industry clients in the life and annuities, property and casualty and financial guaranty sectors in disputes including government investigations, securities litigation, policyholder class actions, coverage disputes, ERISA litigation and reinsurance arbitrations. The firm is also known for its defense of insurance companies in class actions brought by both policy- and shareholders. Susan Reagan Gittes, also in New York, is a regulatory specialist who represents insurance companies, their directors and officers before state and federal courts, handling both inquiries and class action suits.

    Practice head(s):

    Maeve O’Connor

    Other key lawyers:

    Susan Reagan Gittes

    Key clients

    MetLife, Inc.

    Prudential Financial, Inc.

    EmblemHealth and subsidiary Group Health Incorporated

    James River Group Holdings

    AIG

    Symetra Life Ins. Co. and Symetra Assigned Benefits Service Co.

    United Property and Casualty Insurance Co.

    Work highlights

      Mayer Brown

      Mayer Brown draws on its international network to represent insurance sector clients involved in multi-jurisdictional litigation, including class actions and reinsurance disputes. Bronwyn Pollock leads the team from the firm’s Los Angeles office, assisting insurance clients in defeating class actions and multi-state cases. In addition to ongoing COVID-19 business interruption and regulatory matters, the practice has advised on D&O matters, with Houston-based Robert Harrell defending clients against shareholder class actions and SEC investigations. Yevgeniy Markov departed the firm for in July 2022.

      Practice head(s):

      Bronwyn Pollock

      Other key lawyers:

      Robert Harrell

      Key clients

      First American Title Insurance Company

      Chubb Ltd.

      AXA XL Group (Catlin Insurance Company)

      Beazley

      QBE

      The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

      Generali U.S. Branch

      Work highlights

      • Represented Generali in defeating multi-district litigation encompassing several purported class actions arising from COVID-19 travel insurance coverage disputes.
      • Advised insurance industry clients on changing regulatory requirements with regard to COVID-19.

      Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

      Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. represents clients in state, federal and bankruptcy courts across the United States, handling matters pertaining to property and casualty, general liability and D&O insurance. The team has represented major insurers in historical sexual abuse litigation and also represents clients engaged in a host of important areas, advising on disputes concerning opioids, environmental contamination and sporting injuries among other issues. The team is led by Kim Marrkand, whose practice is focused on coverage litigation for insurers and reinsurers, and Nancy Adams, who represents primary and excess insurers on personal, commercial and transactional coverage matters. Both are based in Boston.

      Practice head(s):

      Kim Marrkand; Nancy Adams

      Other key lawyers:

      Deirdre Johnson; Paul Kalish; Marc Abrams; Suman Chakraborty

      Key clients

      Liberty Mutual Group

      Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company

      Liberty Insurance Corporation

      The Netherlands Insurance Company

      Peerless Insurance Company

      Ironshore Specialty Insurance Company

      Resolute Management Inc.

      National Indemnity Company

      Allianz

      Nationwide

      London Market Company Reinsurers

      OneBeacon Insurance Company

      Arlington Insurance Company

      Zurich

      Work highlights

      • Represented Netherlands in an appellate matter involving the application of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act exclusion and whether the insurers had satisfied New Jersey disclosure requirements.
      • Represented six London Market Reinsurers in a landmark case against Lamorak Insurance Company currently pending in federal court in Massachusetts centered on alleged environmental contamination at a number of sites across the United States.
      • Advised Allianz in asbestos and environmental claims and in emerging areas such as sports-related concussions, pesticides and talc across the nation.

      Rivkin Radler

      Rivkin Radler provides comprehensive representation to insurers engaged in a range of disputes, including litigation, arbitration, mediation and dispute resolution, and also risk advisory. Alan Rutkin heads the practice from New York handling claims pertaining to the environment and energy sectors in addition to advising on claims in the growing cyber insurance arena. Michael Kotula, also based in New York, represents clients in high exposure situations including sexual abuse, environmental pollution, product liability and D&O issues among others.

      Practice head(s):

      Alan Rutkin

      Other key lawyers:

      Michael Kotula; Alan Eagle; Michael Jones

      Testimonials

      ‘Rivkin Radler is a responsive and innovative firm that provides excellent coverage analysis and maintains good oversight of nationwide insurance trends.’

      ‘They carry out the instructions of the client and are very responsive. High quality legal services at a fair price.’

      ‘Alan Rutkin – extremely conscientious. He is always available and addresses issues in a pragmatic, timely manner.’

      Alan Eagle provides solid, considered coverage counsel to assist clients in navigating difficult coverage issues. Michael Jones is an innovative attorney who provides strong legal representation and works hard to achieve the best results for his client.

      Key clients

      Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company

      Allianz

      Affiliated FM Insurance Company

      MLMIC Insurance Company

      GEICO

      Work highlights

      • Represented Allianz in competing coverage actions concerning over 2,000 CVS opioid suits in multi-district litigation.
      • Represented Affiliated FM Insurance Co. in obtaining dismissal of a suit by commercial landlords in New York and Chicago seeking coverage for lost rental income due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
      • Represented GEICO in obtaining about $5 million of relief in no-fault fraud affirmative action litigation under the civil Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).

      Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP

      Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP specializes in handling cases hinging on insurance and bankruptcy, while also representing clients facing contentious regulatory issues. The practice is led out of New York by Robert Lewin, an experienced insurance and reinsurance coverage litigator who focuses on D&O, workers’ compensation and environmental issues, and ‘outstanding team leader’ Michele Jacobson, who also heads the firm’s general litigation group and assists insurers and reinsurers with issues including misrepresentation, broker negligence and regulatory disputes. In Miami, Laura Besvinick is an experienced coverage disputes litigator, with an in-depth knowledge of claims-handling issues in the Florida market, who also advises on general and professional liability, property and casualty and life insurance matters.

      Practice head(s):

      Robert Lewin; Michele Jacobson

      Other key lawyers:

      Laura Besvinick

      Testimonials

      ‘The team I work with is very tight. They are all really smart and skilled in their area of practice. But, they are respectful of each other and value input and direction and act effectively as a cohesive unit.’

      ‘Michele Jacobson is an outstanding team leader. She’s extremely enthusiastic and puts her whole energy behind her client’s needs. She has constructed a team with equal values and they work extremely effectively as a group.’

      ‘The practice is unique in that they have years of experience advising insurers and reinsurers.’

      Key clients

      AIG

      Liberty Mutual

      Willis North America, Inc (Willis of Greater Kansas, Inc.)

      Arrowood Indemnity Company and Arrowood Surplus Lines Insurance Company

      Starr Indemnity and Liability Company

      Arch Insurance Group/Arch Mortgage Insurance Company and Arch Capital Group Ltd.

      Security First Insurance Company

      Park Insurance Company

      Watford Specialty Insurance Company

      Baldon Group

      Central States Health & Life Co. of Omaha

      Work highlights

      • Represented Arrowood Indemnity Company and Arrowood Surplus Lines Insurance Company in an action against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Al Rajhi Bank for causing the September 11th attacks.
      • Represented Park Insurance Company after the New York Department of Financial Services commenced a petition seeking the liquidation of the client – the first contested liquidation proceeding in over 25 years.
      • Represented several AIG companies (ASIC, National Union and Lexington) in an action pending in Hudson County, New Jersey Superior Court, in which plaintiffs are suing multiple insurers including to obtain coverage for environmental damages resulting from the release of dielectric fluid into the Hudson River.

      Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP

      Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP offers clients a broad insurance practice, representing insurers covering diverse industries such as cybersecurity, healthcare, and aviation in addition to COVID-19 business interruption cases, while branching out into burgeoning areas including cannabis, autonomous vehicles and drones. The practice has a strong international presence, advising insurers from the US, UK and Bermuda among others on a range of coverage and reinsurance matters. The practice is headed by James Stankowski, based in Los Angeles and advising on cyber matters and investigations, professional liability specialist Thomas Quinn in New Jersey, Dallas-based Price Collins, who specializes in handling coverage determinations, claims handling, settlement negotiations and bad faith avoidance, and Chicago-based Michael Duffy, who advises on coverage, extra-contractual liability and reinsurance matters.

      Practice head(s):

      James Stankowski; Tom Quinn; Price Collins; Michael Duffy

      Other key lawyers:

      Jonathan Meer; Kate Tammaro

      Key clients

      CFC Underwriting Ltd.

      Chubb Insurance Company

      AIG

      Hiscox

      Beazley

      Brit Insurance

      Canopius Insurance

      Nationwide

      Fortegra Insurance

      Great American

      Applied Underwriters

      Aspen Specialty

      Work highlights

      • Advised a major insurer in relation to insurance litigation in Oregon where a lender sued a series of religious-related entities that ran some colleges, contending that those defendants defrauded them for over $300 million.
      • Acted for Hiscox in a matter concerning coverage under a D&O policy for a distributor of opioids that was investigated and ultimately settled with the US government.
      • Acted for a chiropractice insurance company in a matter concerning the coverage under a chiropractor’s professional liability policy regarding claims of sexual assault by seven former patients.