
Latham & Watkins LLP has recovered billions of dollars for a variety of policyholders through its broad disputes practice, counselling policyholders across all major commercial lines of insurance. Noted for its success before the appellate courts, the firm’s victory before the California Supreme Court in the Montrose Chemical Corp v. Superior Court case impacted insurers’ ability to deploy pollution exclusions, and practice head John Wilson boasts a particularly strong history of overturning precedents. At the Boston office, Robert Gilbert deals with claims arising from COVID-19, natural disasters, and various complex long-tail matters, and Austin-based Brook Roberts is reputed for his success in bad faith and business interruption litigation. David A. Barrett is based in Washington DC, acting for policyholders fighting claims related to COVID-19 and mass torts, most notably recovering hundreds of millions for Michigan State University in connection with the Larry Nassar scandal. Also on the sizeable team are D&O liability expert Drew Gardiner, San Diego-based Steven Lesan, who counts Fortune 500 companies as clients, and LA-based Kirsten Jackson, whose flexible practice includes various types of professional and commercial liability. Paul Moura advises on risks associated with emerging technologies.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Key clients
- Canadian Solar Inc.
- Cigna
- Emerson Electric Company
- Fluor Corporation
- Gopher Resource
- Harvard University
- Hemisphere Media Group
- Independent Health Association
- Jones Street Investment Partners
- LA Terminals
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.
Kirsten Jackson

Steven Lesan
Practice head
John Wilson
Other key lawyers
Robert Gilbert; Brook Roberts; David Barrett; Drew Gardiner; Steven Lesan; Kirsten Jackson; Paul Moura: