Latham & Watkins LLP‘s insurance practice benefits from the firm’s extensive global commercial litigation expertise, offering deep experience in litigation, arbitration, mediation, and negotiation for policyholder clients. Specializing in major commercial insurance lines, especially Directors’ & Officers’ liability, the team has a proven track record of securing substantial insurance proceeds, combined with standout capabilities in insurance transactions. Leading from Washington DC, David A. Barrett specializes in transactional insurance, overseeing placements, renewals, and claims involving billions in losses. In Boston, Robert Gilbert combines litigation expertise with advising policyholders on diverse insurance issues, including program design and bespoke policy drafting, while Austin-based Brook Roberts excels in insurance litigation, securing victories in high-stakes cases across various matters. From Los Angeles, Kirsten Jackson supports the practice, focusing on representing policyholders in insurance recovery matters. Bringing nearly two decades of experience, John Wilson assumes a pivotal role as a lead advocate in high-profile cases; collaborating closely with Drew Gardiner, a specialist in D&O liability, and Steven Lesan, known for successfully recovering millions for Fortune 500 policyholders in intricate cross-border insurance disputes, they collectively amplify the team’s capabilities and expertise from San Diego.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The Latham insurance recovery team, led by David Barrett, is one of the top attorney groups I work with. The depth of insurance law knowledge is unparalleled in my experience.’
‘David Barrett is a fantastic advisor to clients and business partner and extremely responsive.'
'Robert Gilbert is a technical top-level attorney on Massachusetts insurance law who offers exceptional client service.'
'Nathan Sandals is knowledgeable and responsive.’

Key clients

Amphenol Corporation
Caesars Entertainment, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Golden Gaming
Canadian Solar Inc.
Cigna
Endeavor Operating Company
Fluor Corporation
Furnishare
Harvard College
L.A. Terminals, Inc.
Malibu Boats
Michigan State University
Montrose Chemical Corporation of California
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Rockland Funding LLC, dba Westbrook Partners
Sixth Street Partners / FC Barcelona
Tom Brady, Giselle, and Larry David (FTX Insurance Advice)
Vroom

Lawyers

Leading lawyers

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Brook Roberts

Latham & Watkins LLP

Brook Roberts is the former Managing Partner of the firm’s San Diego office. He previously served as a Global Co-Chair of the Insurance Counseling & Recovery Practice. Brook advises clients on complex insurance coverage and bad faith disputes, involving a wide range of environmental, property, casualty, investment, and professional liability matters. Brook has represented a host of Fortune 500 companies in a variety of complex business litigation matters in federal and state courts, and before domestic and international arbitration panels. He has extensive experience securing coverage for policyholders under virtually every type of insurance available, including: Business interruption claims Comprehensive general liability Directors and officers (D&O) liability Errors & omissions coverage Environmental impairment liability Intellectual property and theft Builders risk Property and casualty policies Political risk Prior to joining Latham & Watkins, Brook served as law clerk to Judge Barry G. Silverman of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Partner

Partner

Partner

Next Generation Partners