Counting only policyholders as clients, the insurance recovery practice at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP has represented a diverse selection of clients in the full spectrum of insurance coverage disputes. Standout matters on the team’s desk this year include representing Hilton Worldwide Holdings in a $1.7bn business interruption claim before the Nevada and Virginia state courts, and assisting CITGO Petroleum Corp after its chartered crude oil tanker was seized by Venezuelan authorities. The group, co-led by Los Angeles-based veteran trial and appellate attorney Robert Wallan, is a notably popular choice for clients in the construction sector, as well as clients in hospitality, banking, pharma, and more, taking on high-stakes, often international matters and building a track record of recovery work in the the growing area of cyber risks. Also co-chairing the operation is Peter Gillon, who splits his time between Miami and Washington DC, and is routinely engaged in D&O, P&C, securities, and other types of coverage disputes. Washington DC-based Mark Plumer is a key contact for policyholders in the sectors of public utilities, oil, and mining, New York-based Joseph Jean is well-versed in litigating business interruption matters, and David Klein has a broad practice in DC that includes marine cargo and aviation coverage. Also in DC, Melissa Lesmes specializes in assisting construction sector clients with a range of policy disputes, as does flexible litigator Eric Gold. Brendan Hogan focuses on cyber losses. Experienced trial lawyer Colin Kemp heads the San Francisco team, and over in Houston, Tamara Bruno handles a plethora of high-stakes coverage disputes. Partner Jeff Kiburtz arrived from Covington & Burling LLP in September of 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We retained the Pillsbury firm because we had previously worked with attorney Jeff Kiburtz on a complicated insurance bad faith case that proceeded to litigation and mediation. While we were primarily looking to continue our relationship with Jeff Kiburtz, working with Pillsbury's entire legal team has been very productive and helpful on related environmental and tax issues. Pillsbury lawyers in all relevant areas were responsive and knowledgeable, and added substantial value to the underlying cases. We are most impressed and pleased by Pillsbury's efforts and representation.’
'Jeff Kiburtz has provided outstanding representation, both in case analysis and presentation to the court and later to a mediator. In both instances, Mr. Kiburtz's analysis and presentation prevailed and put us, as clients, in a better position to achieve a successful outcome. Mr. Kiburtz is extremely knowledgeable about underlying legal principles, meaning that it is not necessary to conduct expensive legal research as new issues arise. He is articulate, responsive to client needs and requirements, effective in his logic and argument, and his billing is very fair.'
‘Pillsbury's policyholder practice is second to none. For truly critical questions, I would never think of going anywhere else.’
‘Jeff Kiburtz is a trusted and valuable partner. He is timely and always provides well-thought out, strategic advice. He is also proactive in issue spotting and tactical in dealing with insurers.’
Key clients
- Lane Construction
- Ascension Health Alliance/Towerbrook Capital Partners
- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
- Vale Canada Limited (Vale)
- American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP)
- AECOM
- Buckeye Power
- CBG Building Company
Work highlights
- Achieved an appellate win in the Nevada Supreme Court on behalf of Hilton Worldwide regarding its COVID-19 business interruption claims, forcing the insurers to conduct discovery in Nevada instead of in Virginia where they had filed a competing action.
- Representing CITGO Petroleum Corporation in a marine cargo insurance case in the Southern District of New York involving losses stemming from the seizure by Venezuela’s Maduro regime of a cargo of crude oil carried on a tanker chartered by CITGO.
- Represented CBG Building Company through trial in connection with an insurer’s wrongful denial of coverage for extensive mold damage in a large apartment complex in Charlotte, NC called Mallard Pointe.
Lawyers
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Peter Gillon; Robert Wallan
Other key lawyers
Joseph Jean; David Klein; Melissa Lesmes; Eric Gold; Brendan Hogan; Colin Kemp; Tamara Bruno; Jeff Kiburtz.