Led by ‘fierce and talented’ trial lawyer Lynn Neuner and flexible commercial litigator Jonathan Youngwood, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP counts a large chunk of the largest insurers and reinsurers in the market as clients, who turn to them to handle a range of high-stakes and high-value coverage disputes, bad faith suits, class actions, and more. The team litigates and arbitrates a broad range of substantive issues across the US, UK, and Bermuda, taking on cases connected to some of the country’s key areas of coverage disputes, from PFAS and environmental liabilities, to the opioid crisis, to war risks and sexual abuse. The bench is filled by veteran litigator Bryce Friedman, who has seen the full spectrum of insurance disputes, with particular expertise in fraud and the False Claims Act, Joshua Polster, who is notably adept at navigating actuarial matters that arise during disputes, and new partner Summer Craig, who is trusted by a range of insurers to handle coverage disputes at the trial and appellate levels. All lawyers mentioned are in New York.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Longstanding experience in the industry.’
‘Bryce Friedman is excellent. Very strong industry knowledge. Gives pragmatic advice and has strong instincts on strategy. A great lawyer.’
‘Knowledgeable, personable, approachable, reliable, easy to work with.’
‘Summer Craig and Lynn Neuner are particularly easy and approachable to work with.’
‘I have worked with Lynn Neuner as opposing counsel. She is creative, an incredibly effective advocate, and a true professional.’
‘Lynn was a fierce and talented advocate. Her writing and oral argument skills are exceptional. She is professional and is a lawyer who is creative in finding solutions.’
‘Excellent, responsive, and professional firm. A cut above...’
‘Bryce Friedman is an excellent, polished attorney. He responds quickly and is very easy to consult with. Defence during deposition evidence is excellent. A go-to lawyer for high-value insurance coverage disputes.’
Key clients
- AIG
- AmGUARD Insurance Company
- AXA XL
- Beazley Group
- Berkshire Hathaway insurance subsidiaries including National Indemnity
- Burlington Northern Santa Fe Insurance Company Ltd.
- Chubb
- FM Global
- Lloyd’s of London
- RSA Insurance
Work highlights
- Advising Chubb, AXA XL and Swiss Re in aviation insurance litigation related to airplanes allegedly grounded in Russia.
- Advising various insurers, including Travelers, Berkshire Hathaway and ACE American, in fighting Medicare fraud allegations.
- Advising Travelers in connection with coverage litigation arising from the opioid crisis.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Lynn K. Neuner; Jonathan K. Youngwood
Other key lawyers
Bryce Friedman; Joshua Polster; Summer Craig