Robert Kole > Choate, Hall & Stewart > Boston, United States > Lawyer Profile

Choate, Hall & Stewart
TWO INTERNATIONAL PLACE
BOSTON, MA 02110
MASSACHUSETTS
United States

Position

Rob Kole helps domestic and foreign insurers and reinsurers to achieve successful outcomes in some of the most significant, cutting edge issues affecting them, including opioids, mass shootings, terrorism, asbestos, environmental, food contamination, oil and gas, catastrophic property damage, and catastrophe bonds. Clients value the experience he brings in providing insurance and reinsurance advice, coverage opinions, litigation representation, arbitration guidance, and appellate work.

Rob has argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First, Second, Fifth, Ninth, and Eleventh Circuits as well as the Connecticut Supreme Court and the California Court of Appeals in connection with insurance and reinsurance disputes. He has successfully litigated in the trial court, and affirmed on appeal, two of the earliest opioid coverage decisions in the U.S.: Travelers v. Anda (11th Circuit) and Travelers v. Actavis (California Court of Appeals); successfully litigated an issue of first impression in the Connecticut Supreme Court regarding insurance coverage for crumbling home foundations (Karas v. Liberty Mutual; Vera v. Liberty Mutual); successfully litigated in the trial court, and affirmed on appeal, the first dispute in the U.S. concerning coverage under catastrophe bonds (Mariah Re); and successfully arbitrated dozens of reinsurance disputes on behalf of ceding companies and reinsurers

A number of Rob’s clients cannot be disclosed publicly due to the confidential nature of the proceedings. However, past or current clients in public matters include Liberty Mutual, Travelers, St. Paul, Swiss Re, Hartford, and American Family Insurance.

Rob is a member of Choate’s Executive Committee.

Education

University of Virginia School of Law
JD, 1996
Lafayette College
BA, 1993, cum laude

Lawyer Rankings

United States > Insurance > Advice to insurers

Choate, Hall & Stewart‘s insurance practice demonstrates skill in navigating intricate disputes for prominent reinsurers and insurers, spanning reinsurance arbitrations to coverage litigation and appeals. With a focus on high-profile issues such as COVID-19, sex abuse claims, environmental concerns, terrorism, and opioid challenges, the practice positions itself at the forefront of insurance coverage discourse. Operating globally from its base in Boston, the practice extends its influence across the UK, Western Europe, Australia, Bermuda, and offshore markets. Guided by three co-heads, the team includes seasoned expert David Attisani, leading significant industry claims for clients like Swiss Re, Munich Re, and Liberty Mutual; J.P. Jaillet, who routinely advocates for major insurers, reinsurers, private equity firms, and corporations in complex business and coverage disputes, including reinsurance arbitration; and Robert Kole, bringing a wealth of experience in insurance/reinsurance advice, coverage opinions, litigation representation, arbitration guidance, and appellate work. Simultaneously, Kevin Finnerty, with a proven track record in various state and federal courts and arbitration settings, enhances the practice, demonstrating notable expertise in the financial services and biotech sectors, while Caroline Trusty supports the litigation department, specializing in insurer clients.