Firms To Watch: Advice to insurers

Engaged in the full spectrum of disputes impacting insurers, the compact team at Eversheds Sutherland litigates matters in courts country-wide, acting for major insurers, underwriters, and other industry players. Seasoned litigator Kymberly Kochis leads the team from New York, specializing in complex class actions, and advising carriers on legal risks and corporate governance solutions.

Firms in the Spotlight Advice to insurers

Mound Cotton Wollan & Greengrass LLP

Mound Cotton Wollan & Greengrass LLP logo

Founded in 1933 and strategically headquartered in New York’s Financial District, Mound Cotton LLP stands as one of the most prestigious and enduring law firms in New York City. Our legacy is built on delivering exceptional legal services across diverse practice areas, and we have earned our place as a leader in the legal community.

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Advice to insurers in United States

Clyde & Co LLP

The nationwide team at Clyde & Co LLP works in the interest of insurers and reinsurers across the US, Canadian and London Markets under the stewardship of Chicago-based practice head Eileen King Bower , who has great experience representing insurers in high-exposure coverage disputes concerning a range of lines of insurance and claims, including professional liability, commercial crime policies, and insolvency-related issues. In New Jersey, Daren McNally litigates and arbitrates disputes arising from asbestos, pollution, and other long-tail claims, as well as bodily injury, construction defects, and property damage on behalf of international insurers. Also in New Jersey and New York is Paul Koepff, an experienced advocate before trial and appellate courts, Edward Kirk, who is a key contact for disputes involving the financial services sector, and Michael Knoerzer, who handles complex insurance and reinsurance disputes, alongside non-contentious matters. In San Francisco, Bruce Celebrezze is well-versed in litigation connected to an array of insurance products, long-tail claims, mass torts and first-party property disputes. The Miami office forms a key pillar of the firm’s country-wide coverage. There, Sina Bahadoran assists a broad client base, and litigator Laura Besvinick‘s practice runs the gamut. In Phoenix, Amy Samberg is tapped to litigate bad faith suits throughout the Southwest, and over in Atlanta, Scott Bertschi acts for insurers in declaratory judgement actions, actions to rescind insurance policies, breach of contract actions and various other suits brought by insureds.

Practice head(s):

Eileen King Bower


Other key lawyers:

Daren McNally; Paul Koepff; Edward Kirk; Michael Knoerzer; Bruce Celebrezze; Sina Bahadoran; Laura Besvinick; Scott Bertschi


Testimonials

‘Good response times.’

‘Jim Koelzer is excellent.’

‘They are a very resourceful entity with lawyers in various jurisdictions, which made collaboration effective when dealing with claims matters in different jurisdictions.’

Work highlights


Dentons

Routinely instructed by a range of P&C, life, specialty, and emerging insurers as well as key reinsurance players, the team at Dentons remains a go-to for clients embroiled in disputes over a truly expansive array of coverage, bad faith litigation, enforcement actions, and other insurance-based disputes, and gained significant experience advising various clients on COVID-19 exposures, environmental cleanup and chemical matters, and opioid crisis-related disputes. NY-based litigator and practice co-lead Sandra Hauser is particularly well-versed in life insurance annuities and class actions, and other co-head Keith Moskowitz, who is based in Chicago, has a broad practice and is a go-to for major catastrophic exposures, including environmental liabilities, sex abuse, and war risks. The third and final practice leader is Shari Klevens, who serves as the firm’s bad faith expert and has been highly engaged insurer-side in COVID-19 coverage matters, notably serving as Zurich North America’s lead trial counsel for a slew of pandemic-related property loss coverage claims. Newly-appointed New Jersey partner Erika Lopes-McLeman concentrates on class actions, coverage litigation and counseling, and insurance defense work.

 

 

Practice head(s):

Keith Moskowitz; Sandra Hauser; Shari Klevens


Other key lawyers:

Erika Lopes-McLeman


Testimonials

‘The Dentons team has deep industry knowledge and the ability to deploy that expertise in almost any jurisdiction while being sensitive to business realities.’

‘The team has deep subject matter expertise.’

‘Dentons has a good team with solid nationwide support. They definitely take full advantage of their business model.’

‘Keith Moskowitz is as good as it gets. Smart, detailed, hard-working, conscientious, and experienced with superior interpersonal skills. Furthermore, his early career experience working for an insurance company gives him unique insight into how to most effectively work with his clients. Lastly, he is a first-rate trial attorney.’

‘Dentons has a worldwide platform that seamlessly delivers excellent legal advice and results.’

‘Shawn Kelly is many steps ahead of adversaries and counsel representing other insurers. He can fight as hard and intelligently as anyone but always looks for leverage to achieve a cost-effective solution.’

Key clients

AIG


American Security Insurance Company and American Bankers Insurance Company, affiliates of Assurant, Inc.


Arrowood Indemnity Co.


Aspen Insurance


Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company


AXA XL


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


Blackboard Insurance Company


Brighthouse Financial


Chubb


CNA Insurance Company


Coaction Specialty Insurance Group


Cuna Mutual


Enstar


Sussex Insurance Company


Enstar US, Inc.


Fidelity Security Life


First American


Fletcher Reinsurance Company


Genworth Financial, Inc.


Genworth Life Insurance Co.


Genworth Insurance Company of New York


M Life Insurance Company


Marsh USA/Mercer


MetLife Inc.


Milliman, Inc.


Providence Washington Insurance Company


QBE North America


Reinsurance Group of America


StarStone Insurance Company


Sussex Insurance Company


Swiss Reinsurance Company


The Travelers Companies, Inc.


Zurich American Insurance Company


Zurich North America


Work highlights


  • Represented American Home Assurance Company, an AIG company, in an insurance bad faith lawsuit brought by a policyholder who alleged that American Home acted in bad faith when it denied his 2005 insurance claim, which was made under a homeowner’s policy issued through AIG’s Private Client Group.
  • Represented First American in a cyber security enforcement proceeding brought by the New York Department of Financial Services, in which Department claimed $120M in penalties for alleged violations of its cyber security regulations.
  • Represented Metlife in two high-exposure Long Term Care class actions against MetLife this year in which plaintiffs alleged fraud and fraudulent concealment and violations of state consumer statutes related to MLIC’s premium rates for long-term care insurance including Inflation Benefit riders on the policies.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Led by ‘fierce and talented’ trial lawyer Lynn Neuner and flexible commercial litigator Jonathan Youngwood, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP counts a large chunk of the largest insurers and reinsurers in the market as clients, who turn to them to handle a range of high-stakes and high-value coverage disputes, bad faith suits, class actions, and more. The team litigates and arbitrates a broad range of substantive issues across the US, UK, and Bermuda, taking on cases connected to some of the country’s key areas of coverage disputes, from PFAS and environmental liabilities, to the opioid crisis, to war risks and sexual abuse. The bench is filled by veteran litigator Bryce Friedman, who has seen the full spectrum of insurance disputes, with particular expertise in fraud and the False Claims Act, Joshua Polster, who is notably adept at navigating actuarial matters that arise during disputes, and new partner Summer Craig, who is trusted by a range of insurers to handle coverage disputes at the trial and appellate levels. All lawyers mentioned are in New York.

Practice head(s):

Lynn K. Neuner; Jonathan K. Youngwood


Other key lawyers:

Bryce Friedman; Joshua Polster; Summer Craig


Testimonials

‘Longstanding experience in the industry.’

‘Bryce Friedman is excellent. Very strong industry knowledge. Gives pragmatic advice and has strong instincts on strategy. A great lawyer.’

‘Knowledgeable, personable, approachable, reliable, easy to work with.’

‘Summer Craig and Lynn Neuner are particularly easy and approachable to work with.’

‘I have worked with Lynn Neuner as opposing counsel. She is creative, an incredibly effective advocate, and a true professional.’

‘Lynn was a fierce and talented advocate. Her writing and oral argument skills are exceptional. She is professional and is a lawyer who is creative in finding solutions.’

‘Excellent, responsive, and professional firm. A cut above…’

‘Bryce Friedman is an excellent, polished attorney. He responds quickly and is very easy to consult with. Defence during deposition evidence is excellent. A go-to lawyer for high-value insurance coverage disputes.’

Key clients

AIG


AmGUARD Insurance Company


AXA XL


Beazley Group


Berkshire Hathaway insurance subsidiaries including National Indemnity


Burlington Northern Santa Fe Insurance Company Ltd.


Chubb


FM Global


Lloyd’s of London


RSA Insurance


Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation


Travelers


Utica Mutual Insurance Company


Work highlights


  • Advising Chubb, AXA XL and Swiss Re in aviation insurance litigation related to airplanes allegedly grounded in Russia.
  • Advising various insurers, including Travelers, Berkshire Hathaway and ACE American, in fighting Medicare fraud allegations.
  • Advising Travelers in connection with coverage litigation arising from the opioid crisis.

Chaffetz Lindsey LLP

One of only a few disputes-only boutiques in the space, Chaffetz Lindsey LLP‘s New York-based team advises insurers and reinsurers in intricate and high-stakes litigation and arbitration, leveraging the firm’s deep experience with international arbitration to handle matters that traverse several markets, including London and Bermuda. The group is staffed by an experienced team of commercial disputes partners, including veteran practitioner Steven Schwartz, whose experience spans trial, appellate, and arbitration work for insurers and reinsurers, Cecilia Moss, a founding partner with extensive insurance and reinsurance experience that has touched many major industry controversies including COVID-19, asbestos, and environmental contamination, and Charles Scibetta, who takes on high-stakes cases for clients such as AIG concerning a variety of environmental liabilities and other high-profile issues. With over 40 trials and arbitrations under his belt, Peter Chaffetz handles high-profile matters in the reinsurance and insurance spaces, including insolvencies, asbestos, application of aggregate limits, mass torts, and surety disputes, to name a few. Most recently, he was appointed as US counsel for the insolvency practitioners investigating the reinsurance collapse caused by Insurtech company Vesttoo’s fraud. Another cornerstone of the boutique is ‘intellectual powerhouse’ Andrew Poplinger, who is well-versed in reinsurance disputes, P&C speciality lines, London-seated Bermuda form arbitrations, and various environmental and extreme weather-related coverage issues. Joshua Anders is trusted by some of the US’s largest insurers to handle coverage disputes concerning product liabilities, defamation, business interruption, fraud, and environmental contamination, and Erin Valentine advises insurers with regard to a vast array of coverage disputes.

 

Practice head(s):

Peter Chaffetz; Cecilia Moss; Steven Schwartz; Charles Scibetta


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Poplinger; Joshua Anders; Erin Valentine


Testimonials

‘A premier boutique litigation firm for insurers. The firm straddles two divides: the attorneys advocates in both court proceedings and arbitrations. In addition, they are equally familiar in a US environment or a UK or European arbitration. That cultural fluency is impressive.’

‘Peter Chaffetz is king pin of insurance disputes. Charlie Scibetta has a dazzling array of high profile cases for insurers. Andrew Poplinger is an intellectual powerhouse.’

‘Great team, excellent work product, excellent attitude and team spirit.’

‘Peter Chaffetz is a major player and rainmaker in this market. Highly experienced and widely respected.’

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


  • Representing AIG in actions pending in three states arising out of the California Lead Paint litigation, in duelling litigations in New York and New Jersey concerning alleged groundwater contamination with MTBE (with underlying litigations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland), and in proceedings concerning the Combat Arms Earplug litigation, resulting in a $6B settlement.
  • Advising one carrier in connection with an Bermuda Form arbitration seated in London concerning coverage for a mass tort action.
  • Representing the Joint Provisional Liquidators of White Rock Insurance (SAC) Ltd. in connection with a massive reinsurance fraud perpetrated by Vesttoo, With over $2.2 billion of reinsurance limits directly at issue.

Choate, Hall & Stewart

The team at Boston-based Choate, Hall & Stewart represents some of the largest reinsurers in the states and worldwide, and has been involved in a host of high-stakes and highly mediatized disputes concerning a broad spectrum of coverage claims into the billions. The group has counselled reinsurers on matters concerning cat and tandem perils like bushfires and wildfires, environmental risks such as PFAS and asbestos matters, sex abuse matters, and has developed a sub-specialism in formal life reinsurance disputes. One of three practice heads is reinsurance veteran David Attisani, who has vast experience handling reinsurance disputes involving international insurers such as Sompo International. Experienced litigator J.P. Jaillet also leads the team, working primarily with reinsurers, and while reinsurance constitutes the lion’s share of the firm’s practice, the team is also active in the direct-side insurance space, an area where third co-head Robert Kole is trusted by heavyweights like Liberty Mutual, notably in connection to billions’ worth of disputes arising from the opioid crisis, and lawsuits relating to mass shootings. Kevin Finnerty is another player on the reinsurance side of the practice, counseling some of the firm’s largest clients, and Caroline Trusty specializes in litigating on behalf of insurers.

 

Other key lawyers:

Kevin Finnerty; Caroline Trusty


Key clients

Liberty Mutual


Sompo


Symetra Life Insurance Company


GuideOne


Helfrich


Enstar


Work highlights


DLA Piper LLP (US)

DLA Piper LLP (US)’s insurance team is primarily based in New York, handles the full spectrum of insurance and reinsurance disputes, and is led by Aidan McCormack, who litigates and arbitrates an array of contentious matters on behalf of insurance and reinsurance giants. Its stellar client list is also advised by Mark Deckman, who acts for insurance carriers in domestic and international coverage disputes concerning various insurance lines, from directors’ and officers’ liability to first-party property claims in the energy sector, and reinsurance matters. Robert Santoro is a key name for high-exposure claims under primary and excess policies written on claims-made and occurrence bases, and down in Dallas, Rob Hoffman was notably active in litigations arising from pandemic business losses and is a key contact for clients facing post-M&A insurance issues. In Houston, Brett Solberg navigates COVID-19-related litigation before numerous state Supreme Courts, and federal and intermediate appellate courts. Also integral to the group is LA associate Erik Buzzard, who takes on contract disputes to toxic torts, and back in New York, Joseph Finnerty is tapped for M&A transactional liability matters. Robert Brian Seibert’s practice includes international dispute resolution, and Megan Shea advocates for the interests of insurers in a wide range of matters.

Practice head(s):

Aidan M. McCormack


Testimonials

‘The people at DLA Piper have been incredibly helpful and friendly. They have a diverse set of backgrounds and knowledge in the insurance industry. They are continuing to expand their experience through high profile cases and smaller cases alike.’

‘Individuals I have worked with have been consistently available and informative regarding their fields. I have had numerous discussions with multiple individual partners both during claims-related litigation, claims-related coverage analysis, and industry-related discussions. They have continued to inform me of changing areas of law that should be noted when handling claims in the property insurance industry.’

‘I have had great success working with Aidan McCormack and his property team. Aidan and his team are very knowledgeable in the insurance industry and are a pleasure to work with. Understanding the cost associated with litigation and the desire to reduce overall exposure in both the legal billing and claim outcome.’

‘I feel that they take responsibility for our overall success and not just for the specific question in front of them. Hence they feel accountable for our company’s overall success.’

‘DLA is our go-to firm for complex insurance litigation, and has skilled litigators that provide timely service and quality advice.’

‘The partners are very knowledgeable with respect to the plaintiffs and defense bars, and have handled high-stakes bet -the-company insurance coverage and bad faith litigation successfully for us. Their teams are also experienced and respond promptly and accurately to us.’

‘DLA has pretty much a global reach, which is helpful to clients with global offices and claims impacting multiple jurisdictions, for example, when coordinating the COVID claims worldwide or dealing with the multiple litigations concerning the aviation assets restrained in Russia.’

‘DLA gets to know their clients individually and tailors the litigation plan accordingly. Not a “one size fits all” approach.’

Key clients

DUAL North America


Mosaic Americas Insurance Services LLC


The Hartford


Ryan Transactional


QBE North America


VALE Insurance Partners


AXA XL


Liberty Mutual Group Inc.


Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance


Chubb Group of Insurance Companies


American International Group, Inc.


Swiss Reinsurance Company


Old Colony Insurance Company


Tokio Marine Kiln


Work highlights


  • Representing London-based reinsurance syndicates in response to a $844 million judgment (with interest over $1 billion) in an aviation dispute.
  • Representing Old Colony Insurance Company in an ongoing insurance litigation filed in Missouri by Opioid Master Disbursement Trust II, which filed suit seeking insurance coverage and other damages for over 3,000 underlying opioid mass tort claims brought by various entities, both governmental and individual in nature.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Under the direction of Los Angeles-based class actions specialist Deborah Stein and Washington DC-based Geoffrey Sigler, whose practice encompasses healthcare and life and annuities matters, ERISA claims disputes, and more, the insurance team at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is a key resource for major insurers facing various contentious matters. The group taps expertise from other departments within the firm to handle disputes at the convergence of insurance and matters such as insolvency and antitrust, and is also seasoned in navigating disputes stemming from the use of Insurtech. The bench houses Los Angeles-based Heather Richardson, an adept domestic and international arbitrator who has represented insurers before state and federal trial and appellate courts, and decorated litigator Richard Doren, who has a varied caseload that includes bankruptcy proceedings in the insurance industry. Also in LA, Matthew Hoffman litigates complex insurance and reinsurance disputes. Kahn Scolnik is trusted to handle class actions against brought against insurers, an area where Bradley Hamburger is similarly sought-after.

Practice head(s):

Deborah Stein; Geoffrey Sigler


Other key lawyers:

Heather Richardson; Richard Doren; Matthew Hoffman; Kahn Scolnik; Bradley Hamburger


Testimonials

‘Deep industry experience from a business and legal perspective. Exceptional litigation, trial, and appellate skills. This team can do it all. I would entrust them with any of my most significant matters. They also have wonderful client service and are fun to work with. Strongest bench – lawyers at all levels are strong.’

‘Heather Richardson and Geoff Sigler have deep industry experience and are exceptional strategists and strong litigation and trial lawyers.’

Key clients

Truck Insurance Exchange


National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA


AIU Insurance Company


Defendants Farmers Group, Inc.


Truck Underwriters Association


Fire Underwriters Association


State Farm Life Insurance Company


National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA


Granite State Insurance Company


Lexington Insurance Company


AIG Specialty Insurance Company


AIU Insurance Company


The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania


USAA


State Farm Fire and Casualty Company


Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group


John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.)


UnitedHealth Group Incorporated and Affiliated Entities


American International Group, Inc.


Work highlights


Kennedys

With a deep and broad national reach, Kennedy's practice offers the full spectrum of services, and has handled arbitration and litigation stemming from PFAS, the opioid crisis, and many other salient mass tort issues, including representing The RiverStone Group in coverage litigation regarding concussion lawsuits brought by former players against the NFL. Led by Miami-based Eric Hiller, whose reach extends across the US to the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean, the team includes Basking Ridge and New York-based Christopher Carrol, a lawyer sought out for advice on coverage disputes involving environmental liabilities, toxic torts, asbestos, construction, advertising liabilities, employment issues, and more. Also in Basking Ridge is Heather Simpson, who assists insurer clients in coverage disputes connected to lawsuits brought against institutions following alleged injury and sexual abuse. Kristin Gallagher's practice spans mass torts and bad faith litigation, and in Philadelphia, Louis Kozloff is noted for his deep insurance industry experience. NY-based Maurice Pesso takes the lead on financial and professional liability lines, John LaBarbera handles various disputes centered around various insurance products including excess and surplus lines, and Jared Greisman specializes in first-party loss coverage claims arising from catastrophes such as extreme weather events and civil unrest. Down in Fort Lauderdale, Kristen Perkins handles complex disputes concerning an array of coverage lines.

Practice head(s):

Eric Hiller


Other key lawyers:

Christopher Carrol; Heather Simpson; Kristin Gallagher; Louis Kozloff; Maurice Pesso; John LaBarbera; Jared Greisman; Kristen Perkins; Jedidiah Vander Klok; Bevin Carroll;


Key clients

Allied World Assurance Company Inc.


Arch


Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited


AXA XL


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


  • Provided coverage counsel for Allied World on hundreds of first party property claims submitted by wineries and vineyards arising out of the California wildfires that impacted the Sonoma and Napa regions over the past seven years, as well as many other perils.
  • Representing AXA XL companies in a lawsuit involving contested and evolving issues in insurance coverage law regarding the pharmaceutical industry’s liability in opioid cases.
  • Represents The North River Insurance Company and United States Fire Insurance Company with respect to claims for coverage asserted by Vale Canada Limited arising from environmental investigation and remediation costs at 26 sites throughout the world.

O'Melveny

Insurance heavyweights turn to O'Melveny for guidance through some of their most complex legal battles. Led by New York-based Allen Burton, who has lead the charge on a broad array of high-stakes matters, the group takes on  coverage disputes, contested bankruptcies, arbitration proceedings, and more, centering around major liability areas, such as COVID-19 business interruption litigation, class actions, mass torts, product liability, and wide range of commercial insurance lines. The team notably represented Chubb in an aviation-related litigation arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. LA-based Richard Goetz is highly experienced in representing insurers in cases involving environmental liabilities, bankruptcy, asbestos-related injuries, and more, and also takes on reinsurance matters. Trial lawyer Leah Godesky pivots between Century City and New York, and in Los Angeles, Zoheb Noorani‘s experience includes handling coverage actions from pre-litigation to appeal stage, and product liability matters in the pharmaceuticals sector. Veteran litigators Gary Svirsky and Tancred Schiavoni are also key team members.

Practice head(s):

Allen Burton


Other key lawyers:

Richard Goetz; Leah Godesky; Zoheb Noorani; Gary Svirsky; Tancred Schiavoni


Key clients

Vigilant Insurance Co.


Chubb


TIG Insurance Company


Federal Insurance Company


Old Republic Insurance Company


Crum & Forster


North River Insurance Company


Casualty Insurance Company


AIG


Brandywine


Work highlights


  • Secured a win for Vigilant Insurance Co. in a unanimous decision by the California Supreme Court concerning COVID-19 coverage litigation.
  • Representing Chubb in aviation insurance litigation stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
  • Represented ACE Property and Casualty Insurance Company in the Ninth Circuit’s decision affirming a district court ruling, holding that the court correctly applied the foundational principle of California law that liability insurance does not cover claims caused by an insured’s deliberate acts.

Sidley Austin LLP

With particular expertise in life insurance class actions, the team at Sidley Austin LLP works with a range of carrier-side stakeholders to handle class action litigation, regulatory and white-collar investigations, reinsurance disputes, and appellate work. Hailing from the Chicago office, practice co-head Eric Mattson is noted for his defense of life insurance class actions. New York-based Ellen Dunn is a go-to for contentious regulatory matters and insurance insolvency proceedings, routinely representing life insurers before regulatory bodies, and back in Chicago, Thomas Cunningham is a key contact for insurance and reinsurance litigation, arbitration, and regulatory investigations. Based between Chicago and Dallas, Brian Kavanaugh specializes in acting for health insurers, and Chicago-based Christopher Assise’s practice includes reinsurance litigation and class actions against P&C insurers.

Practice head(s):

Ellen Dunn; Eric Mattson


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Cunningham; Brian Kavanaugh; Christopher Assise;


Key clients

American International Group


American Council of Life Insurers


American Family Insurance


American United Life


AmTrust


Aspen Insurance


Athene Holding


Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan


CNA


Globe Life


New York Life


Protective Life


Work highlights


Steptoe LLP

Steptoe LLP offers a team well-equipped to handle highly challenging direct-side and reinsurance matters involving a wide variety of hot insurance topics, particularly prolific defending insurers’ interests during COVID-19-related coverage litigation. The group is a resource for major insurers in high-stakes disputes concerning large-scale environmental damage and liabilities cases, pandemic business interruption claims, insurance-related bankruptcies, Bermuda form arbitrations, life and health insurance coverage disputes, building risk claims, and cyber policies. DC-based practice head Sarah Gordon, whose experience encompasses complex coverage disputes and reinsurance arbitrations, ERISA litigation, and professional malpractice matters, served as national coordinating counsel for Hartford Financial Services Group’s COVID-19 matters. Gordon is supported by a convoy of partners, including DC-based ‘excellent negotiator’ Antonia Ianniello, who has litigated for insurers in courts all across the country, seasoned disputes expert Roger Warin, who has a strong trial and appellate record across a variety of insurance disputes, and NYC-based Michele Jacobson, who guides clients through high-stakes litigation and conduct investigations by regulators and other regulatory and compliance matters. Also in DC is Harry Lee , who focuses on long-tail direct-side disputes, an area where coverage and class action John O’Connor is also active. In New York, Robert Lewin specializes in claims stemming from natural and man-made disasters. New York-based Beth Clark’s practice spans a range of contentious insurance and reinsurance matters, and Johanna Dennehy was recently engaged in COVID-19 business interruption alongside colleagues in Washington DC.

 

Practice head(s):

Sarah Gordon


Other key lawyers:

Antonia Ianniello; Roger Warin; Michele Jacobson; Robert Lewin; Harry Lee; John O’Connor; Beth Clark; Johanna Dennehy


Testimonials

‘The team is highly skilled at dealing with dispute resolution (e.g. reinsurance disputes) and regulatory controversies. Each team member has many years of experience with insurance and reinsurance issues. There are other firms with larger teams, but without the deep experience.’

‘Michele Jacobson is very experienced in insurance and reinsurance disputes and litigation. She is a strong advocate for her client and has the intelligence and know-how to litigate complex cases.’

‘Antonia Ianniello is a phenomenal attorney. In addition to be exceptionally bright, she brings both a legal and business perspective to the table when addressing issues in a broad spectrum of circumstances. She surrounds herself with strong performers and personally makes sure that the work meets her standards before the client sees it. She brings additional resources into a situation where it will benefit the unique circumstances. She is very persuasive and an excellent negotiator as well.’

Key clients

AIG


Hartford Financial Services Group


Enstar


QBE


Travelers


Willis North America, Inc.


WR Berkley and affiliated companies


Zurich Insurance Company


Work highlights


  • Representing First State Insurance Company, Hartford Accident & Indemnity Company and Twin City Fire Insurance Company in coverage litigation pertaining to alleged exposure to aqueous film forming foam (AFFF).
  • Representing Starr Indemnity and Liability Co. in litigation connected to claims which arose from the death of a boy washed out of a water ski boat designed and built by Malibu Boats, LLC, which received a $140 million jury verdict in favor of the boy’s family, after which Malibu sued its primary insurer, Federal Insurance Company as well as Starr, Malibu’s excess insurer, for negligently and/or intentionally failing to settle the case prior to the huge verdict.
  • Prevailed in a full summary judgement for Hartford Fire Insurance Company on fraud-based claims in Delaware Superior Court in a case was brought by 15 traveling theatrical productions that sought coverage for their pandemic-related losses.

Wiley Rein LLP

The insurance team at Washington DC-based Wiley Rein LLP specializes in professional liability insurance, including D&O and E&O, as well as cyber and transactional liability matters, and is routinely instructed by major US insurance carriers to advise on bad faith litigation, appellate matters, policy drafting, and product development advice, as well as coverage disputes and denials following misconduct by policyholders. The team works under a pair of chairs: Kimberly M. Melvin, a professional liability specialist whose expertise includes matters at the intersection of insurance and bankruptcy law, and Benjamin Eggert, who leads on insurance coverage and bad faith litigations and is noted for his knowledge of governmental risk management. Strengthening the bench is D&O-focused Jason P. Cronic, and Gary Seligman, whose broad practice involves representing insurers in a wide variety of disputes before the trial and appellate courts, and advising clients on coverage and underlying exposure issues related to lawyers’ professional liability and tech omissions and errors. Leslie Platt contributes her experience with cyber risks, and Kimberly Cereijo advises an array of insurers on coverage and underlying liability exposure. Mary Borja is a representations and warranties and transactional liability specialist, and Daniel Standish‘s practice is highly varied. Newly-promoted partner Margaret Karchmer acts for domestic and European insurers facing complex claims disputes.

 

Practice head(s):

Kimberly M. Melvin; Benjamin Eggert


Other key lawyers:

Jason Cronic; Gary Seligman; Leslie Platt; Kimberly Cereijo; Mary Borja; Daniel Standish; Margaret Karchmer


Testimonials

‘Kim Melvin is one of the most knowledgeable D&O coverage attorneys in the business and a pleasure to work with.’

Key clients

AEGIS Insurance Services


AIG


Allied World National Assurance Company


AXA XL


Axis Financial Insurance Solutions


Beazley Group PLC


Berkley Professional Liability


Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company


Chubb Ltd.


CNA Global Specialty Lines


General Reinsurance Corporation


Genesis Insurance/General Star


Hanover Insurance Company


Hartford Financial Products


ICI Mutual Insurance Group


QBE North America


TDC Specialty Underwriters, Inc.


Tokio Marine HCC


The Travelers Companies Inc.


Zurich North America


Work highlights


  • Representing two D&O liability carriers for MSG Networks Inc. in litigation over claims for insurance coverage arising from Madison Square Garden Entertainment’s acquisition of MSGN in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $922 million.
  • Representing AXA XL in connection with Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. seeking D&O and primary MPL policies arising from the August 2023 Lahaina Windstorm and Fires.
  • Representing General Star in JRK Property Holdings, Inc. v. Colony Ins. Co., defending the client against claims for hundreds of millions in economic losses.

Akerman LLP

The practice at Akerman LLP spans a spectrum of salient contentious insurance matters, with the nationwide team handling class actions, coverage disputes, and bad faith suits for a wide range of insurer clients. The team’s first co-head Lawrence Rochefort  is based in West Palm Beach, other co-head Jason Oletsky handles matters from the Fort Lauderdale office, Amy Doehring leads the team from Chicago, and final co-lead Michael Weiss is based in LA. Key Miami-based litigator Gary Guzzi is central to the team, as is Dallas-based Matthew Schroeder, who specializes in high-stakes environmental litigation and compliance issues, including PFAS exposures and COVID-19 coverage disputes. Also in Dallas, Elliot Strader is tapped for personal injury and oil and gas-related insurance disputes. In Atlanta, Anthony Morris acts for global insurers in various litigations, and Robin Johnson is a key contact for bad faith matters. Antonio Morin sits in the Miami office, navigating bad faith, appellate, breach of contract, and declaratory judgment work. Jason Heep focuses on environmental torts.

Practice head(s):

Lawrence Rochefort; Jason Oletsky; Amy Doehring; Michael Weiss


Other key lawyers:

Gary Guzzi; Matthew Schroeder; Elliot Strader; Anthony Morris; Robin Johnson; Antonio Morin; Jason Heep


Testimonials

‘The team has a lot of depth. If we need an expert Akerman always has one.’

 

Key clients

Zurich American Insurance Company


Hallmark Financial Services


AIG Specialty Insurance Company


United Services Automobile Association


Allied World National Assurance Company


Work highlights


  • Representing Zurich American Insurance in COVID-19 coverage claims valued at $854 million before the Philadelphia Superior Court.
  • Representing AIG Specialty Insurance Company in a multimillion-dollar environmental coverage dispute in federal court in California.
  • Prevailed on summary judgment on behalf of the USAA insurance companies in a putative class action brought by serial litigants in the Southern District of Florida.

Cozen O'Connor

With practitioners all across the country, Cozen O'Connor‘s insurer counsel team handle a wide breadth of coverage, bad faith, and other insurance-related disputes, with particular experience in extreme weather events, P&C claims, COVID-19-related matters, sexual abuse claims, class actions, and more. Co-chairs Joseph Ziemianski and Melissa Brill steer the practice from Houston and New York respectively, and Bryan Vezey forms a cornerstone of the Houston office, handling a range of high-stakes litigations alongside Ziemianski. In Dallas, Alicia Curran acts for insurers in a range of coverage disputes, including those stemming from COVID-19, as does Atlanta-based Alycen Moss, who is also experienced in sexual abuse claims-related matters. Key Florida contact John David Dickenson is sought out for property loss coverage litigation among other liability disputes.

Practice head(s):

Joseph A. Ziemianski; Melissa Brill


Other key lawyers:

Bryan Vezey; Alicia Curran; Alycen Moss; John David Dickenson


Testimonials

‘I deal with a diverse group of people at Cozen. They are intelligent and thoughtful people. What really sets them apart is their availability, responsiveness and willingness to help.’

‘My main contact at Cozen O’Connor is Joe Ziemianski. In my opinion he is the best coverage lawyer out there. In addition to his exceptional knowledge, his availability is the best in class.’

‘I have worked with the Cozen firm’s insurance group for more than 20 years. I have worked most closely with Joe Ziemianski, Melissa Brill, Alicia Curran and Alycen Moss. They are all excellent lawyers, responsive and very proactive. Although I work with other firms, they are often my first thought when a coverage lawyer is required since their advice is consistently good and they are so easy to work with.’

Key clients

Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange


Allied World National Assurance Company


Chubb


General Security Indemnity Company of Arizona


ACE American Insurance Company


Sompo International


Zurich American Insurance Company


Westchester Surplus Lines Insurance Company


Arch Specialty Insurance Company


Aspen Specialty Insurance Company


AXIS Surplus Insurance Company


Evanston Insurance Company


Maxum Indemnity Company


Work highlights


  • Advising Chubb on underlying class actions, other lawsuits, regulatory actions and civil investigative demands directed to power generators and others as a result of the widespread power outages in Texas during Winter Storm Uri.
  • Advising Arch Insurance Company, the primary commercial general liability insurer for John Moriarty & Associates of Florida, Inc., which was the general contractor involved in the construction of 87 Park, the building next door to the Champlain Towers South condominium, which tragically collapsed on June 23, 2021, causing 98 deaths, loss of 136 homes, and extensive loss of personal property.
  • Representing Limetree Bay Refining, LLC and certain affiliates that are defendants in multiple lawsuits, including class actions, arising out of several early 2021 pollution releases from a refinery in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP‘s group of insurer advocates specializes in securities class actions in the insurance industry primarily in the life and annuities, P&C, financial guaranty, and health insurance matters. In the New York office, practice head Maeve O’Connor is entrusted by a broad base of major US insurers to handle various complex securities disputes, and Susan Reagan Gittes is equipped to advise on regulatory and contentious matters including D&O disputes, securities litigation, and disputes stemming from transactions and M&A within the insurance sector.


Practice head(s):

Maeve O’Connor


Other key lawyers:

Susan Reagan Gittes; Eric Dinallo


Testimonials

Responsive experts with strong industry knowledge. In short, they are a go-to firm with a deep bench.’

‘Eric Dinallo is an industry titan – he knows everyone and can get things done quickly.’

 

Key clients

AIG


AXA


EmblemHealth and subsidiary Group Health Incorporated


Guardian Life Insurance Company


James River Group Holdings


John Hancock


Massachusetts Mutual


MetLife, Inc.


New York Life Insurance Company


Prudential Financial, Inc.


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


TIAA


Work highlights


  • Represented James River in obtaining a Preliminary Injunction in which a court awarded specific performance and required the buyer to close on the acquisition of a James River subsidiary under the terms of the purchase agreement.
  • Represented Prudential and its CEO, CFO and Vice Chair in connection with a securities class action lawsuit and related matters arising from a charge to reserves taken in 2019 following the Company’s annual review of its actuarial assumptions underlying its life insurance reserves.
  • Represented EmblemHealth and its subsidiary Group Health Incorporated in a putative class action lawsuit.

Duane Morris LLP

With a particularly strong presence in California, Duane Morris LLP’s nationwide insurance practice represents direct-side carriers and reinsurers in disputes stemming from environmental liabilities and toxic torts such as asbestos, COVID-19 business interruption, receiverships, and more. New York-based trial lawyer Damon Vocke handles high-exposure matters, San Francisco-based Jessica LaLonde counsels insurers on contentious matters related to an array of insurance lines. Also in San Francisco, experienced litigator Brian Kelly is also well-versed in arbitration and mediation, Max Stern is routinely tapped to handle coverage and bad faith litigation at the trial and appellate level, and veteran insurer advocate Philip Matthews’ experience includes asbestos bankruptcies and high-stakes coverage trials and appeals. Gina Foran’s broad practice includes advice on receivership matters.

 

 

Practice head(s):

Damon Vocke; Jessica E. La Londe


Other key lawyers:

Richard Cohen; Steven Davis; Brian Kelly; Wendy Simkulak; Max Stern; Philip Matthews; Gina Foran


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


  • Representing The Continental Insurance Company in a USDC coverage dispute involving complex coverage issues relating to a 2015 gas well blow out that led to homeowner evacuations and approximately 40,000 plaintiffs claiming injury relating to the release of methane, prevailing on a key burden of proof issue.
  • Representing Great American Insurance Group in coverage litigation in relation to Johnson & Johnson (“J&J”)’s talc bankruptcies.
  • Representing Lloyd’s Underwriters & London Market Insurers in JRK Property Holdings, Inc. v. Colony Insurance Company, California Second Appellate District No. B321806, a case involving a first-party property claim arising out of business losses allegedly caused by the Covid-19 shutdowns that caused losses to JRK’s income from its $6 Billion in apartment and hotel properties.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP

Based primarily in Washington DC, the group at McDermott Will & Emery LLP has experience across a range matters impacting insurers, from coverage litigation to complex underwriting. Margaret Warner co-leads the team, a highly experienced insurance litigator who has handled matters concerning antitrust, class action, mass tort, product liability, reinsurance, and many other types of disputes at trial and appellate level. Other co-chair Ryan Smethurst is a go-to for policy drafting guidance and various contentious insurance matters, from high-profile class actions, tax, ERISA disputes, and insurance litigation arising from large transactions, and is also an experienced advisor of captive insurers. Recent engagements span matters connected to PFAS, asbestos, and several sexual abuse matters, including the representation of Allianz in coverage litigation related to sexual abuse cases brought against the Roman Catholic Bishop of Orange County.

Practice head(s):

Margaret Warner; Ryan Smethurst


Key clients

Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company


Allianz Underwriters Ins. Co.


Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company


Interstate Fire & Casualty Corporation


Jefferson Insurance Company


National Surety Corporation


OKA, The Carbon Insurance Company


Work highlights


  • Representing Allianz and Jefferson in the Boy Scouts of America’s Chapter 11 appeals, involving the largest sexual abuse bankruptcy and insurance cases in U.S. history, including handling appeals on insurance policy assignments and legal compliance under the Bankruptcy Code.
  • Advising Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company  in evaluating and managing litigation over 3M’s nine-figure PFAS property damage and bodily injury claims.
  • Representing Allianz in an insurance coverage litigation related to Daimler Truck North America’s nine-figure asbestos and environmental liabilities.

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

Led by seasoned coverage litigator Kim Marrkand and reps and warranties, life, and P&C specialist Nancy Adams , both based in Boston, the country-wide team at Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. has experience litigating various key coverage issues across state, federal, and bankruptcy courts and is notably active in P&C, reps and warranties, and bad faith disputes, as well as in assisting transactional risk insurers and reinsurance stakeholders. Also on the team is Washington DC-based Deirdre Johnson, whose practice encompasses class actions, securities litigation, and international insurance arbitration, and Ellen Farrell, who focuses on the arena of long-tail claims, sexual abuse and human trafficking matters, and Bermuda Form policies. From the New York office, Marc Abrams advises insurers, reinsurers, and brokers in high-stakes litigation and arbitration, and first-chair litigator Suman Chakraborty acts for insurers and reinsurers in the segments of P&C and life. Strengthening the New York bench further is Mark Haas, a practitioner well-versed in representing insurers in a wide selection of coverage disputes.

 

 

Practice head(s):

Kim Marrkand; Nancy Adams


Other key lawyers:

Deirdre Johnson; Ellen Farrell; Marc Abrams; Suman Chakraborty; Mark Haas; Grady Campion; Caroline Dias


Key clients

Liberty Mutual Group


Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company


Resolute Management, Inc.


American Economy Insurance Company


American Fire and Casualty Company


American States Insurance Company


The Ohio Casualty Insurance Company


Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company


Liberty Mutual Group


Nationwide (PM3)


Zurich


Work highlights


  • Representing Liberty Mutual to respond to the ALI’s effort to remake the existing law of liability insurance.
  • Represented Resolute Management, Inc. in a claim by a judgment debtor seeking to invoke New York’s direct-action statute and pursue insurance proceeds.
  • Representing National Indemnity Company in a breach of contract and bad faith claim in the Northern District of California brought by Bahnson Inc.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

New York-based team at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is known for its work on high-profile disputes, class actions, and qui tam lawsuits, often involving multiple jurisdictions. The team is led by a trio of litigators; Michael Carlinsky, whose practice incorporates complex international insurance litigation and South American matters; Corey Worcester, who concentrates on high-stakes litigation concerning coverage, insurers’ practices, and regulatory matters; and Maaren Shah, who specializes in assisting insurer clients in disputes in the art, fashion, design, entertainment, and finance sectors. Another key name is  Renita Sharma, who acts for a variety of insurer clients in court and in regulatory investigations.

Practice head(s):

Michael Carlinsky; Corey Worcester; Maaren Shah


Other key lawyers:

Renita Sharma


Key clients

Aon plc and White Rock Insurance (SAC) Ltd


ACP Re, Ltd.


ACP Re Holdings


AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.


Technology Insurance Company, Inc.


George Karfunkel


Leah Karfunkel


Estate of Michael Karfunkel


Michael Karfunkel Family 2005 Trust


Michael Karfunkel 2005 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust


Barry Zyskind


Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, LLC


Counsel for Plaintiff Classes


Conduent v. AIG


Waterdrop Inc., Cogency Global Inc.


AIG


James River Group Holdings, Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Secured a 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.
  • Defending AIG and National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh against a putative class action brought on behalf of purchasers of travel insurance whose trips were cancelled prior to departure.
  • Secured a 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.

Rivkin Radler

Based in Uniondale, New York with a growing caseload in Florida, Rivkin Radler’s team is regularly trusted by a variety of major US insurers to handle high-exposure disputes such those connected to the opioid crisis, sexual abuse and the Child Victims Act, asbestos, construction defects, environmental liabilities, and many more. Practice head Alan Rutkin contributes several decades of experience handling a true assortment of insurance coverage disputes, and also on the team is seasoned insurance specialist William Savino, who litigates coverage disputes and class actions. Another key team member is Michael Kotula, who acts for insurance in a diverse array of high-exposure claims, from opioids and asbestos to sexual abuse and product liability, and professional liability specialist David Wilck comes highly recommended for matters including malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and conspiracy. Greg Mann is involved in the team’s extensive environmental claims practice.

Practice head(s):

Alan Rutkin


Other key lawyers:

William Savino; Michael Kotula; David Wilck; Greg Mann; Robert Maloney


Testimonials

‘They really know what they are doing. They are a firm I often look to in the jurisdiction as they effectively and reasonably litigate cases.’

‘They are responsive, proactive, and know professional liability very well. Dave Wilck is my main contact and he does a great job litigating professional liability claims.’

Key clients

Geico


State Farm


Allianz


Fireman’s Fund


Liberty Mutual


Seneca Insurance


Argo Insurance


Nationwide Insurance


Cincinnati Insurance Company


Chicago Insurance Company


Colony Insurance Company


Interstate Indemnity Company


Work highlights


  • Represented Allianz in a coverage dispute for CVS’s claims related to opioid crisis.
  • Represented Allianz in 1,000 Child Victims Act claims against Rockefeller University.
  • Represented Fireman’s Fund in a coverage action alleging that poultry waste contaminated the Illinois River Watershed.

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP

Active in both the direct-side and reinsurance spaces, the Troutman Pepper Locke LLP insurance team is well-versed in handling bad faith suits and insurance coverage disputes related to COVID-19, opioids, lead paint, asbestos, sports injuries, environmental contamination, and more. In the Washington DC office, seasoned coverage litigator and practice lead Richard Pratt is notably experienced in mass torts and insurance concussion law. Working alongside Pratt in DC is Bill O’Neill, whose broad practice tends towards reinsurance arbitrations concerning various lines of insurance such as P&C and life, and Charles Blair, who takes on mass torts, multi-site environmental matters, general liability, and extra-contractual exposures. In California, Kevin Kieffer acts for insurers in coverage litigation including professional liability, D&O policies, general liability, and EPL, and Terrence McInnis handles disputes across all commercial lines of insurance, including environmental liability. Richmond-based Charles Jones litigates a range of professional and general liability disputes, and in DC, Leslie Davis’ experience encompasses mediation, arbitration, and litigation on behalf of insurers and reinsurers. Associate Daniel Cohen concentrates on emerging risk areas such as cyber liability.

Practice head(s):

Richard Pratt


Other key lawyers:

Bill O’Neill; Charles Blair; Kevin Kieffer; Terrence McInnis; Charles Jones; Leslie Davis; Daniel Cohen


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


Work highlights


  • Representing London-based insurers in an insurance coverage claim by Ports America Chesapeake related to the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, analyzing coverage, and preparing for potential subrogation actions in Maryland federal court.
  • Defeated a $49 million insurance bad faith lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court before trial via dispositive motion.
  • Represented Indian Harbor Insurance Company against, Westrock CP, LLC, which attempted to recover $40 million in environmental coverage.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Christopher St. Jeanos serves as practice head at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, leading a team that has litigated an array of coverage disputes and insurance-related bankruptcy matters for major insurers such as AIG. St. Jeanos is joined in the New York office by seasoned litigator and mediator Mitchell Auslander , who plays a notable role in the group’s opioid-related work, and James Fitzmaurice , a key name in public nuisance matters. The team is supported from Washington DC by agile coverage litigator Elizabeth Bower and P&C specialist Joseph Davis, and in San Francisco, Laura Leigh Geist‘s practice incorporates the defense of Insurtech companies facing claims related to policy pricing, Cost of Insurance, consumer fraud, and more.

Practice head(s):

Christopher St. Jeanos


Other key lawyers:

Mitchell Auslander; James Fitzmaurice; Elizabeth Bower; Joseph Davis; Laura Geist


Testimonials

‘WFG has a very deep insurance bench. They know their stuff and are very practical in their advice. They are a pleasure to work with.’

‘I value their deep knowledge, experience and practical approach.’

Key clients

AIG


National Union


AIU


AISLIC


First American Title Insurance Company


Marsh USA, Inc.


AON


Lexington Insurance Company


Landmark Insurance Company


Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania


Leading provider of commercial property-casualty insurance solutions and services in the U.S. and Canada


Lockton


Work highlights


  • Secured a victory for National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., from a unanimous panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in a lawsuit seeking $500,000,000 of insurance.
  • Secured a major victory in the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court for AIG insurers National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa. and American Home Assurance Company in a climate change lawsuit-related coverage dispute
  • Represented AIG in coverage litigation for “ghost gun” lawsuits.

Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP

Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP’s nationwide team is regularly tapped by a broad base of insurer clients for advice on a range of high-exposure matters, and has notable experience in D&O and E&O coverage disputes and litigation arising from transactional and contractual issues. LA-based James Stankowski’s focus is on cyber and media issues, class actions, and guiding clients through Department of Insurance investigations, and in Chicago, Michael Duffy navigates coverage, extra-contractual liability, bad faith, and reinsurance matters. Dallas-based Price Collins covers broad variety of coverage disputes, and in the New York office, Jonathan Meer advises primary and excess insurers in the US, London, China, Japan, and Bermuda on various exposures, including D&O, E&O, cyber and other liabilities. New Jersey-based coverage litigator Thomas Quinn handles professional liability cases, and, based nearby in New York, Richard Boone handles coverage disputes across the country.

 

Practice head(s):

James Stankowski; Michael Duffy; Price Collins; Jonathan Meer; Thomas Quinn


Other key lawyers:

Richard Boone; David Simantob


Testimonials

‘The Wilson Elser team is well spread across the whole of the US and so is well placed to provide advice no matter the jurisdiction. In the instances I have utilized the Wilson Elser team, they have been available immediately and able to provide advice on a very short deadline. The teams billings are reasonable and clear. Service is friendly and the team is open to feedback.’

‘Jonathan Meer has an excellent knowledge of the cyber space, and is excellent when providing advice on complex cyber coverage issues

‘Wilson Elser has a very strong insurance coverage practice group. David Simantob and Mike Duffy are knowledgeable, responsive, and strategic thinkers. Both are great partners on complex and high-exposure matters.’

Key clients

Accredited Surety & Casualty Company


Chubb Korea


Chubb Insurance Australia Ltd.


Landmark American Insurance Company


The Hartford


Marine Insurance Company


Golden Bear Insurance Company


NEXT Insurance


Amerisure Insurance


AmGUARD Insurance (Berkshire Hathaway)


XL Catlin


Liberty Mutual Insurance


Ryan Specialty Claims


Canopius Insurance


Nationwide Insurance


Travelers Insurance


Maximum Independent Brokerage


Underwriters at Lloyds


Beazley


Navigators


Broadspire


Maxum Indemnity Company


Scottsdale/Nationwide


Safety National


Zurich


Coverys U.S.


CFC Underwriting Ltd.


AIG


Beazley


Brit Insurance


Nationwide


Fortegra Insurance


Berkshire Hathway/ AmGuard


Quadscore Insurance Services


NCMIC


CNA


Quincy Mutual Insurance


Carbon Underwriting Ltd.


TMK/Riverstone


LIO Insurance


Berkshire Hathaway


Travelers


W.R. Berkley Corporation


USAA


American Mercury Lloyds Insurance Company


Hiscox USA


Philadelphia Insurance


Arch


IAT


Seneca


Allied World


RSUI


Clear Blue Insurance Company


Zurich


Tesla Insurance Services


Great American


Hartford/ Navigators


Liberty Mutual


Applied Underwriters


Aspen Specialty


Lloyds Underwriters


Work highlights


  • Representing a group of excess D&O insurers in a coverage dispute involving a private equity firm’s expenses related to two cross-border transactions: a sale of a Brazilian supermarket chain, where the buyer claimed misrepresentation, and a failed Mexican stock purchase agreement following an adverse court ruling.
  • Represented Navigators Insurance Co. in a coverage dispute over a D&O policy involving direct and derivative claims among shareholders of a private manufacturing firm.
  • Representing insurers facing claims from a New Jersey pharmaceutical company seeking coverage for hundreds of lawsuits linked to opioid-related bodily injuries and deaths.

Arnold & Porter

Principally based in Washington DC, Arnold & Porter‘s practice reaches across insurance and reinsurance, housing a team of litigators who are well-versed in a broad array of disputes, including complex D&O policy litigation, professional liability, mass torts, bankruptcies, and more. Based in DC is co-head Scott Schreiber , a seasoned litigator who has seen notable success before the Delaware Supreme Court in D&O-related coverage disputes, and Arthur Luk, who represents insurers in coverage disputes in state and federal courts at the trial and appellate levels, and is experienced in dealing with government agency investigations. William Perdue takes on complex coverage matters at trial and appeal, and in Denver, Reeves Anderson is particularly adept in cross-border disputes.

Practice head(s):

Scott Schreiber; Arthur Luk; William Perdue


Other key lawyers:

Reeves Anderson


Key clients

National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa.


AIG Claims


Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania


North American Specialty Insurance Company


Lexington Insurance Company


Illinois National Insurance Company


UK P&I Club


Work highlights


  • Represented AIG affiliate National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa, in coverage litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against a government contractor concerning a D&O liability policy.
  • Secured a victory in the Delaware Supreme Court on behalf of National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., reversing a $118.5 million judgment against National Union and several other insurers.
  • Acted on behalf of the Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, persuading the Oregon Court of Appeals to reverse an $18 million judgment, and then the Oregon Supreme Court to deny review in an insurance contribution dispute under the Oregon Environmental Cleanup Assistance Act.

Husch Blackwell LLP

Husch Blackwell LLP houses a team of insurance litigators well-versed in coverage disputes involving the full spectrum of insurance lines, from P&C and auto to D&O and fiduciary, and are experienced in handling class actions, receiverships, declaratory judgment actions, disputes with state and federal regulators, malpractice claims, and more. In Kansas City, practice co-chair Kirsten Byrd serves as the team’s key contact for insurance receiverships, and Milwaukee-based co-chair Jason Fathallah’s recent engagements include COVID-19 business interruption litigation. Also in Milwaukee is third co-lead Dieter Juedes, whose practice focuses on defending insurers in high-exposure disputes, and bad faith claims. In the St. Louis office, the fourth and final co-leader David Sobelman litigates prolifically in courts across the country and has developed experience in commercial fraud coverage claims, contractual disputes, toxic torts, ERISA claims, and professional liability matters, among others. In Denver, Ashley DeVerna advises insurers in life and health disputes and those stemming from cyber and environmental liabilities.

Practice head(s):

Kirsten Byrd; Jason Fathallah; Dieter Juedes; David Sobelman


Other key lawyers:

Ashley DeVerna; Josh Pedelty


Key clients

Globe Life And Accident Insurance Co.


Sompo International


QBE Insurance Group


West Bend Mutual Insurance Company


Badger Mutual Insurance Company


Starr Indemnity and Liability Company


iA Financial Group


Work highlights


Mayer Brown

The cross-disciplinary team at Mayer Brown is particularly well-versed in class action defense, notably handling putative class actions stemming from COVID-19 coverage claims. Clients are served by a professionally diverse team, including LA-based co-head Bronwyn Pollock , who acts for insurers and reinsurers in policyholder actions, and other co-heads David Alberts and Stephen Rooney , who are basaed in the New York office. Also in New York is Joseph De Simone , who is best known for litigating securities class actions and is a key point of contact for multinational insurers. In Los Angeles, Mitchell Hendy litigates a variety of coverage and class actions involving multiple jurisdictions, and Douglas Smith handles trial and appellate work including putative class actions connected to COVID-19 loss claims. Houston-based Robert Harrell is well-versed in D&O coverage disputes.

 

Practice head(s):

Bronwyn Pollock; David Alberts; Stephen Rooney


Other key lawyers:

Joseph De Simone; Mitchell Hendy; Douglas Smith; Robert Harrell


Testimonials

‘Very reactive and solution-oriented.’

‘They have the capacity to listen and adapt to the client’s constraints and needs. Great advice, realistic and efficient. A lot of clarity and pedagogy when addressing non-lawyer interlocutors. Solution-oriented.’

‘The insurance practice is incredibly strong, and working with this team has been an immensely rewarding experience. One of the key aspects that sets this group apart is its deep expertise and comprehensive understanding of the insurance industry, from regulatory compliance to innovative product development. The team’s ability to anticipate client needs and provide tailored, actionable solutions is unmatched, making them a trusted partner for both established and emerging insurance companies.’

‘Great interdisciplinary team with excellent commercially-minded practitioners.’

‘Mayer Brown has a proven track record with a demonstrated commitment to delivering timely, on-point, commercially workable results for clients. It has an extensive history in the insurance and reinsurance industry.’

‘When selecting a law firm, the ability to communicate very complex legal/commercial concepts to non-native English speakers is extremely important in our company’s decision-making process. The Mayer Brown team has demonstrated time and time again that in addition to being experts in the insurance field, they are also very approachable and always willing to take the time to explain things simply until they are clearly understood by all. This is critical in a consensus-based organization.’

‘David Alberts is able to leverage his years of experience to lead his team: he knows when to intervene personally and when to allow more junior partners to manage the deal process. This results in a very cohesive and collaborative team that can deliver results with confidence.’

Key clients

First American Title Insurance Company


Chubb Ltd.


AXA


Beazley


QBE


The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.


Generali U.S. Branch


Blue Cross/Blue Shield


Work highlights


Norton Rose Fulbright

Closely integrated with the firm’s transactional and regulatory insurance practice, the team at Norton Rose Fulbright is based across several key US jurisdictions and is adept at handling a range of high-stakes coverage disputes, securities litigations, Bermuda Form arbitrations, and other insurance-related actions. Trusted by a wide array of insurers and reinsurers, the group is jointly led by San Antonio-based Neel Lane , a seasoned litigator of class actions, coverage disputes, and reinsurance arbitrations, and New York-based Mina Matin , who specializes in Bermuda Form, leveraging her admission as a barrister and solicitor in England and Wales, Bermuda, New York and California. Houston-based Jeannie Nguyen acts for carriers in various coverage disputes concerning breach of contract, bad faith, and requests for declaratory relief, and Manuel Mungia is an experienced litigator.

 


Practice head(s):

Neel Lane; Mina Matin


Other key lawyers:

Jeannie Nguyen; Manuel Mungia


Key clients

Chubb National Insurance Company


Tokio Marine HCC


AIG


Beazley


Great American


Zurich Insurance Group


Excess and Treaty Management Corp.


Clearwater Insurance Company


Reinsurance Company


Houston Casualty Company


Endurance American Insurance Company


Westchester Fire Insurance Company


Starr Insurance Holdings, Inc.


Wawanesa Insurance


EyeMed Vision Care, LLC


Acrisure


Ambac Financial Group


QBE Insurance


Aflac


Berkshire Hathaway


Altamont Capital Partners


AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.


Swiss Re


Reinsurance Group of America


RiverStone Resources, LLC


Xceedance International Limited


Quility Holding, LLC


Augment Risk Services


Fleming Reinsurance Ltd.


Embark General Insurance Agency


Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company


Shelter Mutual Insurance Company


Buckle Holdings


Lumbermen’s Underwriting Alliance in Receivership


MutualAid eXchange in Receivership


CFM Insurance


Commissioner Mike Causey as Receiver for the Global Bankers Insurers


Prosperity Life Group


Wellfit Plans LLC


Aria Care Management, LLC


Belong Health, Inc.


Partner Re


777 Partners


Hadron Holdings LP


Marquette Indemnity & Life Insurance Company


Bancorp Services LLC


Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance Company


James River Group Holdings, Ltd.


PCF Insurance Services of the West, LLC


Health Holdings of America LLC (Blue Water Benefits)


Mylo, LLC


Counterpart, Inc.


MedPro Group, Inc.


TrueClaim Corp.


Traders Insurance Company


Indigo Technologies Operations LLC


National States Insurance Company


Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company


Willis Administrative Services Corporation


AUB Group Limited


Sentry Insurance Company


LifeVest Insurance Services LLC


Allsup, LLC


Cameron Mutual Insurance Company


Wellfleet Insurance Company


Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company


Howden Broking Group Limited


Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.


RiverStone International Insurance Company


Elan Reinsurance Services


Fielmann USA


Branch Insurance


TruHearing


Waypoint Mutual Insurance Company


Work highlights


Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

Deeply involved in Californian insurance matters, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP specializes in class action and bad faith defense, and is also well-versed in handling coverage disputes across numerous lines of insurance, from personal liability, E&O and D&O, to toxic torts, life, and auto insurance litigation. The works under the stewardship of Orange County-based property and casualty expert Jeffrey Crowe , San Diego-based insurance trial lawyer Peter Klee , and Theona Zhordania, who maintains a diverse practice from the Los Angeles office. Other integral group members include San Diego-based John Edson and Charles Danaher , who both focus on bad faith and unfair competition litigation, with Edson also engaging in fraud and bankruptcy matters. In Orange County, Marc Feldman assists carriers in disputes stemming from first and third-party claims, bad faith, class actions, and claims under California’s Business and Professions Code.

Practice head(s):

Jeffrey Crowe; Peter Klee; Theona Zhordania


Other key lawyers:

John Edson; Charles Danaher; Marc Feldman


Testimonials

‘Outstanding work quality, exceptional briefs, and oral advocacy. They are excellent at issue-spotting and applying the relevant, often dispositive, case law.’

‘I turn to Sheppard Mullin’s insurance practice group to handle the company’s high-stakes matters. Klee and his team are top-notch and well-recognized in the industry for their expertise, credibility, integrity, and gravitas.’

‘Klee and his team have the expertise, experience, and practical know-how to handle the toughest legal matters. They are efficient and practical.’

Key clients

Continental Casualty Company


Wawanesa General Insurance Company


Infinity Insurance Company


Kemper Insurance Company


Kaiser Foundation Health Plan


Liberty Mutual


Residential Mutual Insurance Company


Ohio Casualty Insurance Company


Work highlights


  • Obtained summary judgment in favor of Continental Casualty Co. in a bad faith lawsuit filed in the Arizona federal district court.
  • Obtained the dismissal of a class action alleging that Wawanesa failed to pay for diminution of value damages to the plaintiffs’ automobiles.
  • Acted as lead trial counsel for Infinity in a coverage case regarding California’s Motor Carrier of Property Permit Act.

Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP

Based mainly between the firm’s Chicago and Kansas City offices, Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP ‘s insurer-side team is co-led by four seasoned insurance specialists, including three in Missouri: first-chair trial lawyer Rob Adams, Doug Beck, general liability and appellate-focused Sarah Lynn Baltzell, and two in Chicago: environmental liability specialist Matthew Sitzer and versatile litigator David Schoenfeld. The group is routinely engaged by major carriers to navigate coverage issues related to toxic torts, fiduciary liability, fraud, advertising injury, personal injury, and more, and garnered significant experience handling COVID-19 business interruption cases and various other high-exposure matters. Another key area of work is bad faith disputes and extra-contractual litigation, an area where Beck specializes, and Chicago-based Matthew Wolfe‘s practice encompasses coverage disputes sparked by data, IP, and privacy matters, mass torts, construction defects, and product liabilities. In Kansas City, W. Clark Richardson acts for clients in a wide array of coverage and bad faith actions, and Taylor Markway is adept in state and federal appeals.

Practice head(s):

Rob Adams; Doug Beck; Sarah Baltzell; Matthew Sitzer; David Schoenfeld


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Wolfe; W. Clark Richardson; Taylor Markway; Riley Mendoza; Lynn Murray


Testimonials

‘David Schoenfeld is a very bright, savvy insurance litigator who is not only good at analysis and seeking practical solutions, but is also a very skilled and effective litigator in the courtroom.’

Work highlights