Latham & Watkins drives insurance recoveries through complex disputes, with expertise across commercial and specialty lines, including business interruption, D&O, cyber and data privacy, environmental, professional, and transactional coverages. San Diego-based practice head John Wilson has led landmark insurance victories, including unanimous California Supreme Court decisions, high-profile bad faith litigation, and precedent-setting appellate and trial wins. In Austin, Brook Roberts handles complex insurance coverage and bad faith disputes, having secured billions for policyholders. Also in San Diego, Drew Gardiner advises on D&O coverage for IPOs, de-SPACs, securities litigation, investigations, and restructurings, representing major clients. In Los Angeles, Drew Levin manages transactional insurance policies, including representations and warranties as well as non-US warranties, pursuing claims for policyholder clients. Other key contacts include Steven Lesan in San Diego, and Paul Moura in New York. The team was strengthened by the hire of New York-based Rachel Katz, who joined from Cooley LLP in April 2025. David A. Barrett retired in December 2025. Robert Gilbert departed the team in April 2025, Kirsten Jackson in March 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Masters of the subject matter – strong industry contacts'
‘Rachel Katz understood our insurance needs.'
‘Latham & Watkins boasts a premier team of insurance partners and associates who bring unmatched expertise in coverage and risk management. They understand the complexities of insurance law inside and out, offering strategic, practical advice on everything from policy interpretation to high‑stakes disputes and transactional matters.'
‘Rachel Katz is an attorney focused on insurance coverage and risk transfer. She has a deep command of policy language and market practices, and she advises clients across the full lifecycle of insurance matters – from program design and coverage analysis to claims strategy and negotiations with carriers. Core capabilities.'
- 'Rachel’s work translates complex coverage issues into clear, actionable guidance and practical solutions tailored to each client’s risk profile.’
‘Wide variety of legal expertise, ability to take pro bono work for non-profits.'
Key clients
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Cigna
- Fluor Corporation
- Gopher Resource
- Independent Health Association
- Lawrence General Hospital
- Malibu Boats
- Montrose Chemical Corporation of California
- National Collegiate Athletic Association
- Northland Investment Corporation
- President and Fellows of Harvard College
- OpenDoor Technologies, Inc.
Work highlights
Represents Fluor, a leading US-based multi-national engineering and construction company, in a claim seeking more than US$1 billion of damages against insurance giant Zurich American Insurance Company.
Represented Montrose Chemical Corporation of California (“Montrose”) against one of its insurers, Travelers Indemnity Company (“Travelers”).
Represented Lawrence General Hospital in a lawsuit over its insurer’s refusal to cover losses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The ruling marks a rare win for an insured entity seeking coverage for COVID-19-related losses.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
John Wilson
Other key lawyers
Brook Roberts; Drew Gardiner; Drew Levin; Steven Lesan; Paul Moura; Rachel Katz