We have an unprecedented level of understanding of the insurance industry and the law that regulates and governs insurance claims.
This in-depth knowledge allows our attorneys to anticipate problems that others might miss, and to quickly devise practical results-driven settlement, mediation, arbitration and litigation strategies for our clients.
Whether we are retained to resolve an insurance claim or provide advice about proposed insurance policy language, our single Focus permits us to offer what we believe is the most candid and accurate advice available to policyholders today. Our clients appreciate the singular focus of our practice because they know that their interests -- and only their interests – impact the advice we provide.
One of our core practice areas is assisting clients recover under their insurance policies. When engaged, we start by identifying the best approach for recovery. Depending on the situation, we may recommend negotiation, formal ADR proceedings, litigation, or any combination of the above. We have negotiated settlements in complex D&O, general liability, crime, and property insurance disputes without resorting to litigation. If litigation is necessary, we aggressively litigate claims through trial and on appeal.
We have a proven track record of resolving complex and difficult insurance claims, and, depending on client needs, we are comfortable proposing either risk sharing billing arrangements or standard hourly billing.
Clients find our counseling services helpful for the evaluation of insurance products and the negotiation of policy terms. This is particularly important with Director and Officer (D&O) Liability Insurance policies, which vary considerably from form to form and insurance company to insurance company. In the D&O insurance area, we have developed a proprietary "D&O Report Card" which helps clients understand competing insurance products.
We also provide insurance advisory and due diligence services on M&A and municipal and private bond transactions and we assist in the formation of captive insurance companies and other alternative risk transfer vehicles. We are routinely brought into M&A and bond transactions that have significant liability, contractual indemnification, or insurance components, and have drafted proprietary insurance due-diligence check lists to assist in these tasks.
One of the reasons that we can offer this kind of advice is that we exclusively represent policyholders.
The selection of coverage counsel raises different concerns than those raised for other kinds of representations. Nearly every AmLaw 100 law firm either represents insurance companies or sits as panel counsel for insurance companies. When these firms also pursue coverage claims, they must abide by insurance company mandated restrictions.
Unlike the overwhelming majority of law firms offering insurance coverage advice, we are not subject to any of these insurance company restrictions.
