Blank Rome LLP > New York, United States > Firm Profile
Blank Rome LLP Offices
1271 Avenue of the Americas
NEW YORK, NY 10020
NEW YORK
United States
Blank Rome LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Industry focus > Insurance: advice to policyholders Tier 1
The team at Blank Rome LLP continues to cover high-profile issues, with particular strengths including insurance coverage for sexual abuse liability and sports insurance coverage. It also plays a key role in the firm‘s interdisciplinary Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Team. Leading the team are Washington DC-based lawyers Jim Murray, described as ‘probably the very best policyholder lawyer in the world when it comes to trying a case to a jury‘ and John Gibbons, whose experience includes representations and warranties and credit risk insurance. Los Angeles-based Linda Kornfeld, who has most recently acted on Covid-19 business interruption claims also leads the practice. Jared Zola in New York provides ‘high quality, prompt legal advice in very complex matters‘ while in Washington DC John Heintz
contributes his considerable experience and Kyle Brinkman as well as Omid Safa are both active young partners. DC-based James Carter was promoted to partner in January 2022, and Seth Lamden joined the Chicago office from Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP in March 2021.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Jared Zola; Kyle Brinkman; Omid Safa ; Mary Craig Calkins ; Natasha Romagnoli; John Heintz; James Carter; Seth Lamden; Helen Michael
Testimonials
‘Jim Murray and Jared Zola have deep connections within the industry.’
‘Since joining Blank Rome and taking over as chair of the insurance recovery group, Jim Murray – truly one of the top three or four policyholder lawyers in the country – has done a remarkable job of recruiting very experienced, accomplished and well-regarded insurance lawyers from other top firms. They work very well together as a group, leveraging that reservoir of experience and smarts. Credit also for bringing together the very top women lawyers in the country in the coverage space. The firm is also an exceptional value – lean staffing, reasonable rates, careful billing.’
‘Jim Murray — one of the real senior statesmen in the practice area, a Rhodes Scholar who lived up to the promise that suggests and probably the very best policyholder lawyer in the world when it comes to trying a case to a jury (a fairly rare occurrence in the insurance coverage area). Linda Kornfeld, Mary Calkins and Helen Michael are also highly experienced and effective coverage lawyers who have seen it all. Jared Zola is outstanding for a young partner in this field.’
‘Very cohesive team that has worked together for years.’
‘Jared Zola and his team have always delivered high quality, prompt legal advice in very complex matters with a great deal of responsiveness to client needs.’
‘Blank Rome provides exceptional legal advice and counsel. Their attorneys and paralegals are sharp and really understand how to deliver for their clients.’
‘Natasha Romagnoli is simply fantastic! She is incredibly smart and sharp, and navigates well when handling complex legal and insurance matters. Hannah Ahn also provides exemplary service.’
Key clients
WSP Global Inc./ The Louis Berger Group
Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority
Humana Inc.
Accor Management US, Inc.
Wawa
Swinerton Builders
Yelp
Taubman Co. LLC and Taubman Realty Group, LLC
Ameren Corporation
Sargent & Lundy, L.L.C.
Work highlights
- Representing an NFL professional football team in insurance coverage litigation against FM Insurance Co., pending in the Eastern District of Philadelphia, helping the team recover their COVID-19 losses stemming from their inability to use their stadium for the 2020 football season.
- Represented the plaintiff class (as co-counsel) in Ignacio Perez v. Indian Harbor Insurance Co.
- Representing a policyholder in proceedings against insurer Illinois National for refusing to fully fund a settlement with plaintiffs who sued Cushman for fraudulent misrepresentation.
Industry focus > Transport: shipping - finance Tier 1
Ship finance is a core part of Blank Rome LLP‘s US maritime practice. Run from the firm’s Washington DC, New York and Houston offices, the team’s broad maritime client base including shipyards, owners, operators, cargo interests, lenders and investors. Notable expertise includes secured ship financing and vessel leasing transactions, with a particular focus on structuring ship finance deals involving foreign investment in Jones Act trade. The practice also houses specialists in ship financings that are registered under the laws of Liberia and the Marshall Islands, and regularly represents debtors and creditors in maritime restructuring and bankruptcy matters. In recent highlights, the team advised Signature Bank on its advance of a $46m loan to New York Cruise Lines. The firm’s lead ship finance partner, Washington DC-based Anthony Salgado, is a widely respected authority on Jones Act citizenship issues and related laws, as well as their impact on ship financings. Also in DC, associate Natalie Radabaugh, whose career includes working with the US Navy, the US Department of Homeland Security and the US Transportation Security Administration, focuses her practice on maritime transactions and ship finance.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
American Shipping Company
Blackstone Group
Dominion Energy
JMB Shipping
JPMorgan Chase
Lindblad Expeditions
Murray Energy
Philly Shipyard
PNC Equipment Finance
Signature Bank
Work highlights
- Advised JMB Shipping on the $115m acquisition of 29 vessels from Bouchard Transportation Co.
- Advised Signature Bank on its advance of a $46m loan to New York Cruise Lines.
- Advised American Shipping Company on a number of bond issues.
Industry focus > Transport: shipping - litigation and regulation Tier 1
A ‘go-to team in the US for shipping‘, Blank Rome LLP handles the full gamut of shipping disputes, while fielding a maritime emergency response team to respond to pollution-related incidents. The firm also enjoys strong relationships with the shipping industry’s regulatory agencies. Co-chairing the ‘impressive‘ national maritime and international trade practice are William Bennett III, whose track record includes significant maritime casualties; Washington DC-based shipping regulatory specialist Jeanne Grasso; and Houston-based maritime litigator Keith Letourneau. Also integral to the practice are Thomas Belknap Jr, who focuses on cargo damage claims, and shipping contract, salvage and charterparty disputes; Houston-based shipping market expert Michael Bell, John Kimball, Richard Singleton II, Philadelphia-based Jeffrey Moller and Douglas Shoemaker in Houston, who are all widely respected litigators. Other regulatory experts to note are Matthew Thomas and Jonathan Waldron in DC. Another highly-rated practitioners include Houston-based Jeremy Herschaft, who is ‘always on top of cases‘, and shipping litigator Lauren Wilgus. Zachary Cain in Houston and Noe Hamra are experienced senior associates, while DC’s Dana Merkel is an experienced associate. All attorneys are based in New York, unless otherwise stated.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Belknap Jr; Michael Bell" data-parent-type="account" data-parent-id="57741" data-disabled-flag="FALSE" data-office-id="53802" data-contact-id="512343">Michael Bell; John Kimball" data-parent-type="account" data-parent-id="53750" data-disabled-flag="FALSE" data-office-id="81809" data-contact-id="512289">John Kimball; Jeffrey Moller; Douglas Shoemaker; Richard Singleton II; Matthew Thomas; Jonathan Waldron; Jeremy Herschaft; Lauren Wilgus; Zachary Cain; Noe Hamra; Dana Merkel; Gregory Linsin
Testimonials
‘Blank Rome has the go-to team in the US for shipping.‘
‘They have critical mass, diversity and they cover every aspect of shipping, from regulatory to claims and litigation (in both wet and dry) – and from different offices they cover the entire country. The setup is simply impressive.‘
‘Blank Rome has a great breadth of offering across many key states in the US, providing shipping, commodities, energy and sanctions expertise, which are of great interest to us and our clients.‘
‘The team comprises great lawyers, such as the legendary John Kimball and recently elected partner Lauren Wilgus – they deliver impressive work.‘
‘William Bennett III and Lauren Wilgus have provided excellent service to our trading clients. They have great procedural and legal expertise, offer incredibly prompt advice, and are extremely pleasant and easy to work with.‘
‘Richard Singleton II is a seasoned litigator, who is always able to cut through to the important parts of a dispute and focus on the important issues.‘
‘Thomas Belknap Jr is a sharp litigator, and will give you an honest answer from the very beginning.‘
‘Jeremy Herschaft works hard and is always on top of cases, providing a standout service for the cases he handles. You feel very safe when he is involved.‘
Key clients
Cargill Ocean Transport
Carnival Corporation
Chevron
COSCO
Dominion Energy
Gulf Stream Marine
Horizon Lines
Preble-Rish
Total
Atlantic Trading & Marketing
Univar
Work highlights
- Representing the Alnic, its owner, and vessel manager Stealth Maritime in a case that arose out of a major 2017 collision between a Navy destroyer (the USS John McCain) and the Alnic.
- Representing a US government contractor in a breach of fuel supply contract dispute with the Government of Haiti.
- Assisted global cruise ship operator Carnival with navigating immense Covid-19-related regulatory challenges.
Government > Government contracts Tier 2
Blank Rome LLP is well known for its strength in False Claims Act litigation, bid protests, enforcement and compliance matters. Offering clients interdisciplinary solutions, the practice is supported by complementary practices, aiding the team’s strong record in high-profile and high dollar cases. Capable of advising contractors in all industries, the team maintains a focus in the aerospace, maritime, healthcare, IT, and defense sectors. Justin Chiarodo leads the practice and has extensive bid protests experience and is also strong in cost accounting issues and contract disputes. Dominique Casimir is the go-to and a suspension and debarment expert. Also within the team is Scott Arnold, who offers extensive public procurement experience, and trusted counsel for clients. Stephanie Harden and Luke Meier are also recommended. All practitioners mentioned are based in Washington DC.Practice head(s):
Justin Chiarodo
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They have great experience across of variety of business sectors and government agencies. They are proactive, efficient, knowledgeable and very easy to work with. They communicate well and are creative and thoughtful.’
‘Dominique Casimir is the lead partner and she is exceptional. She is both expert and practical. She listens and is an excellent communicator.’
Key clients
Avantus
J.F. Lehman
Amentum
The Louis Berger Group/WSP USA Inc.
Quest Diagnostics
Oshkosh Defense
Darkblade Systems
Rite Aid
Nuclear Waste Partnership
Chronos Solutions LLC
Work highlights
- Represented Oshkosh Defense as intervenor in a Court of Federal Claims bid protest filed by Workhorse Group, Inc., against the U.S. Postal Service award of a $6 billion contract to Oshkosh Defense for the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle fleet.
- Represented Darkblade Systems Corp., in its sale to Intrepid Solutions and Services LLC.
- Represented Avantus, in its acquisition of MissionTech Solutions, LLC.
M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market (sub-$500m) Tier 3
Industry focus > Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 4
Blank Rome LLP is best known for its expertise in regulatory compliance, enforcement defense, energy projects and energy trading matters. The group has extensive experience in obtaining regulatory approvals and performing due diligence in complex transactions, including securing FERC and DOE approvals for LNG terminals and other natural gas infrastructure. It is also well-equipped to handle enforcement matters before the CFTC and FTC. Practice head Mark Haskell maintains a strong reputation in the oil and gas regulatory arena. Brett Snyder, George Billinson and Lamiya Rahman are also recommended. All lawyers are based in Washington DC.Practice head(s):
Mark Haskell
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
BP Energy / BP America
Exelon Corporation & Annova LNG
Sempra Energy
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
Southwest Gas Corporation
SWN Energy Services Company
Chevron USA
ConocoPhillips
Direct Energy
Business Marketing
Shell Energy North America (US)
ExxonMobil Gas & Power Marketing Company
Hess Corporation
Cheniere
Vistra Corporation
New Jersey Natural Gas Company
Work highlights
- Acted as lead coundel to Exelon Corporation and subsidiary Annova LNG before the DOE and FERC with regard to the proposed Annova LNG export terminal.
- Represented Hess Corporation, a producer and shipper of natural gas, in a rate case filed by Alliance Pipeline in May 2020 that sought to increase Hess’s rate by more than 50 percent; the case was settled in July 2021.
- Represented Sabine Pass Liquefaction, one of the largest shippers on the Transco system, in litigation involving Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Company’s historical cash-out imbalance recovery; the amount in controversy was in excess of $60m and a settlement reached in Fall 2021.
Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 4
The nationwide SALT controversy practice at Blank Rome LLP represents represents both high-net-worth individuals and Fortune 50 companies regarding corporate franchise and income tax, personal income tax, and excise tax. Its clients include major players in the automotive, technology, consumer finance, and industrial manufacturing industries. In New York, practice head Craig Fields, Nicole Johnson, and Mitchell Newmark specialize in SALT controversy and litigation before state high courts, administrative tribunals, and appellate courts. Senior counsel Irwin Slomka is also noted for his expertise in New York tax controversy matters.Practice head(s):
Craig Fields
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Blank Rome team is completely invested in their client’s business. They take the time to totally understand your business, which gives them the background to consistently provide the best service possible.’
‘We work with Nicole Johnson and Craig Fields for state and local tax expertise. Nicole and Craig are superior advocates. They proactively keep us informed of the latest changes in state and local tax and help us conform to the new rules in a tax efficient manner. We know that Nicole and Craig are always looking out for our best interests.’
Key clients
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
H&R Block, Inc.
Caterpillar Incorporated
Work highlights
- Represented R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in proceedings that reversed the Virginia Department of Taxation’s denial of refund claims.
- Represented H&R Block in the Mississippi Department of Revenue’s Complaint in the Chancery Court to attempt to enforce its administrative subpoena seeking large volumes of confidential documents that contained business and trade secrets and filing methodologies the company used for its tax returns in states other than Mississippi.
- Successfully represented Solar Turbines Inc in refund claims in Louisiana.
Blank Rome LLP > Firm Profile
Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 14 offices and more than 600 attorneys and principals who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries, and are recognized for their commitment to pro bono work in their communities. Since our inception in 1946, Blank Rome’s culture has been dedicated to providing top-level service to all of our clients, and has been rooted in the strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, please visit blankrome.com.
Main areas of practice
Consumer finance: The practice’s business, regulatory and litigation lawyers have experience in regulatory compliance, financial services, commercial litigation, bankruptcy, white-collar criminal defense and government investigations.
Corporate, M&A and securities: The practice represents clients in capital-raising, M&A and corporate transactions including fund formation and management, debt and equity financings, securities offerings, federal/state regulatory compliance, joint ventures and corporate governance strategies.
Cybersecurity and data privacy: The team assists clients in regulatory compliance, preparing for and responding to cyberattacks, audits and meeting data security requirements of business partners.
Energy, environment and mass Torts: The practice offers regulatory, transactional, litigation, real estate, leasing, project finance, federal and state taxation and government/Federal Energy Regulatory Commission relations, intellectual property and strategic public policy services, to clients in businesses including: manufacturing, real estate, commercial development, public and private finance and investment, healthcare, transportation and municipal and county governments and redevelopment authorities. The practice also defends companies and individuals against product liability and mass tort suits, including toxic tort and environmental disputes, aviation disasters, and alleged defects in equipment and vehicles.
Equipment leasing: The practice structures, negotiates and documents complex financing transactions, and represents captive and independent leasing companies, funding sources and the debt and equity sides of leveraged-lease transactions.
Finance, restructuring and bankruptcy: The group represents creditors and debtors in bankruptcy, reorganization and workout matters, including litigation, credit and business transactions and high-profile insolvency cases. The practice also represents senior and subordinate lenders, including mezzanine and second lien lenders, combining commercial finance and lending experience with knowledge of tax, real estate and securities law.
Government contracts: The practice represents contractors in federal, state, and local government contract matters, including bid protests, claims, dispute resolution, audits and investigations, False Claims Act cases, mandatory disclosure issues, suspension and debarment, small business programs, and compliance matters.
Insurance recovery: For policyholders, the firm handles policy audits; risk assessments; disputes; and reimbursements, settlements, or judgments relating to D&O claims; and helps insureds resolve disputes under errors and omissions policies. Its deep-bench trial abilities and novel settlement strategies have led to landmark rulings, new coverage types and industry advances.
Intellectual property and technology: The group covers all aspects of patent, trademark and copyright law. Attorneys have experience in asset management; investigating, procuring, enforcing and maximizing the value of intellectual property rights, including in litigation; licensing; and patent and trademark procurement, licensing, and counseling.
Labor and employment: The group provides advice, counseling, litigation representation and training on matters confronting in-house counsel and management, such as whistleblower claims, trade secrets, wage and hour issues, internal investigations, management training, union relations, and immigration.
Litigation: The practice is experienced in handling civil, criminal and administrative trial and appellate matters in state and federal courts, spanning a range of issues, including class action defense and transactional disputes.
Maritime and international trade: As the largest US maritime practice, the firm provides clients worldwide with response capabilities and experience in regulatory and legislative issues; litigation; arbitration; defense of administrative, civil and criminal enforcement actions; commercial/ transactional matters, including vessel and corporate finance and structuring strategic alliances; and all casualty matters, including collisions, allisions and pollution response.
Matrimonial and family law: The group counsels individuals and couples in legal aspects of marriage, from planning and negotiating pre- and post-nuptial agreements, separation agreements, mediation, divorce and custody arrangements.
Real estate: The group’s deep bench strength can handle all aspects of real estate law, providing practical advice, analyzing risks and developing innovative strategies informed by the team’s broad base of transactional experience.
Tax, benefits and private clients: The practice, combining governmental, financial and legal experience, handles planning for sophisticated transactions and other matters with local, state, federal, and foreign tax implications, and represents clients in all aspects of estate and business planning, estate and trust administration and estate and tax litigation.
White-collar defense and investigations: The group assists companies and individuals facing criminal and regulatory investigations, congressional inquiries, whistleblower accusations, or self-discovered misconduct. It helps clients defend against allegations, while mitigating damage to individual or corporate reputations.
The firm also has industry teams providing targeted representation to clients in various industries.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business restructuring and bankruptcy | Kevin Baum | ||
| Business restructuring and bankruptcy | Grant Buerstetta | ||
| Consumer finance | Wayne Streibich | ||
| Corporate, M&A and securities | Peter Schnur | ||
| Corporate, M&A and securities | Louis M Rappaport | ||
| Energy, environment and mass torts | Deborah Greenspan | ||
| Energy, environment and mass torts | Kevin J Bruno | ||
| Financial services | Lawrence F Flick II | ||
| Government contracts | Justin A. Chiarodo | ||
| Government contracts | David M Nadler | ||
| Insurance recovery | James R Murray | ||
| Intellectual property and technology | Dipu A Doshi | ||
| Intellectual property and technology | David Perry | ||
| Intellectual property and technology | Lisa Casey Spaniel | ||
| Intellectual property and technology | Russell Wong | ||
| Labor and employment | Jason E. Reisman | ||
| Labor and employment | Brooke T Iley | ||
| Litigation department | Daniel Rhynhart | ||
| Litigation department | Greg Bordo | ||
| Maritime | William R. Bennett III | ||
| Maritime | Jeanne Grasso | ||
| Maritime | Keith Letourneau | ||
| Matrimonial and family | Brett Ward | ||
| Matrimonial and family | Kristina Royce | ||
| Private client and tax | Craig Fields | ||
| Private client and tax | Lawrence S Chane | ||
| Private client and tax | Cory G Jacobs | ||
| Real estate | Pelayo Coll | ||
| Real estate | Samantha Wallack | ||
| White-collar defense and investigations | Gregory F. Linsin | ||
| White-collar defense and investigations | Jerry D. Bernstein | ||
| Business department | Gary Goldenberg | ||
| Business department | Joseph Gulant | ||
| Commercial litigation | Jason Snyderman | ||
| Commercial litigation | Jayme Butcher | ||
| Corporate litigation | Jon Loeb | ||
| Corporate litigation | Deborah Skakel | ||
| General litigation | Leigh Ann Buziak | ||
| Corporate litigation | Alan Freeman | ||
| Corporate litigation | Michael Iannucci | ||
| Corporate litigation | Anthony Mingione |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Ms Lisa Campisi | Lisa M. Campisi has more than 20 years of experience in the… | View Profile |
 | Mr John Kimball | John Kimball concentrates his practice in the areas of admiralty and maritime law… | View Profile |
 | Ms Natasha Romagnoli | Partner | View Profile |
 | Mr Malcolm Ross | Malcolm Ross focuses his practice primarily on the representation of U.S. and… | View Profile |
 | Mr Brad Shiffman | Brad Shiffman is an accomplished attorney who concentrates his practice in the… | View Profile |
 | Ms Lauren B Wilgus | Partner. Maritime; Maritime – Litigation; International Litigation, Defense, and Arbitration; Coronavirus (“COVID-19”)… | View Profile |
 | Mr Jared Zola | Jared Zola is a partner in Blank Rome’s policyholder-only Insurance Recovery practice,… | View Profile |