Led by versatile litigator Syed Ahmad, the Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP team exclusively acts for policyholders, trying and appealing coverage disputes across almost all commercial lines of insurance. Noted for their success in COVID-19 business interruption cases, such as those for food and retail giant Bloomin’ Brands, the group has a strong track record recovering vast sums for a varied selection of policyholders in high-stakes disputes with their insurers. On the team are reputed coverage expert Lorelie S. Masters, Michael S. Levine, who leverages a decade of past experience representing carriers to strategize for policyholders, Miami-based Walter J. Andrews, and Lawrence J Bracken, who handles a range of matters, including issues at the convergence of bankruptcy and insurance from the Atlanta office. Andrea DeField is trusted by executives facing cybersecurity crises, natural disasters, and bet-the-company allegations, and Koorosh Talieh‘s varied practice spans D&O, product liability, and an array of first-party property and business interruption disputes. In the Boston outpost, Geoffrey Fehling is highly experienced with D&O and management liability insurance, and in Washington DC, Latosha M. Ellis specializes in cyber and media liabilities, and Jorge R. Aviles counsels corporate and governmental policyholders on issues such as cyber risks. Based in Atlanta, Rachel E. Hudgins is occupied by coverage and bad faith litigation.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The insurance coverage practice at Hunton Andrews Kurth has been invaluable in assisting with negotiation and claim issues related to my cyber, professional liability, general liability, employment practices and D&O policies. My company provides unique professional services which complicates the issuance of suitable policies. Hunton’s insurance team possesses both the breadth and depth of knowledge and experience when it comes to advising on complex insurance issues and consistently provides highly customized solutions that have been invaluable to my organization. They focus on a long-term preventative approach but also spring into action when issues arise that need immediate attention.'
- 'I work primarily with Geoffrey Fehling, a partner in Hunton’s insurance group. He always takes the time to fully understand my unique insurance needs and to tailor a strategy that fits my situation. Geoff patiently explains complex legal and insurance issues in language that I can understand. For larger projects, Geoff manages associates and other staff. I appreciate Geoff’s extensive legal knowledge, his clear and efficient communication, and his extraordinary responsiveness.'
- 'Lorie Masters is a standout attorney with great authority in product liability insurance coverage disputes, including Bermuda form disputes. She is very well known in this space in the legal and insurance industry, and indeed also acts as an arbitrator in such coverage arbitrations. Koorosh Talieh drives the dispute forward with his experience and detailed knowledge of the area of law.'
- 'Hunton is the gold standard.'
Key clients
- AdvanSix, Inc.
- Lionbridge Technologies, LLC
- Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.
- K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc.
- PPL Corporation
- US Sugar Corporation
- Cinemark
Work highlights
- Obtained a multi-million dollar victory for United States Sugar Corporation on a summary judgment for defense expenses incurred in a bet-the-company environmental case regarding USSC’s practice of “cane-burning."
- Secured a settlement for Lionbridge Technologies, LLC, before trial was set to begin against Valley Forge Insurance Company in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
- Assisted Bloomin’ Brands in recovering the company’s COVID-19 business interruption losses from its tower of 15 insurers.
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Practice head
Syed S. Ahmad
Other key lawyers
Lorelie S. Masters, Michael S. Levine; Walter J. Andrews; Lawrence J Bracken; Andrea DeField; Koorosh Talieh; Geoffrey Fehling; Latosha M. Ellis; Jorge R. Aviles; Rachel E. Hudgins