Insurance: New York

THE FIRM The majority of attorneys in the firm's policyholder practice operate out of New York. The team's strong commitment to the discipline enables it to handle a wide range of matters, typically working on behalf of clients against major insurance companies. The group has obtained coverage for clients in environmental and toxic tort liability, class actions, product liability and D&O liability cases, as well as in a number of other areas. The team has also acted as court-approved insurance recovery counsel to claimants committees on a number of the largest asbestos bankruptcies in the USA.

Sources say: "Simply the best of their breed - excellent and fearless in achieving results."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Insurance recovery group chair Robert Horkovich is regarded by clients as "one of the finest coverage trial lawyers in the country." He has been involved in the firm's asbestos bankruptcy mandates as well as handling a dispute with 14 insurance companies seeking coverage for homeowners affected by Chinese Drywall. Cochair William Passannante recently represented Taco Bell as it sought coverage for business income losses stemming from an outbreak of E. coli. "He's a terrific policyholder lawyer," say sources. 

THE FIRM This firm maintains a healthy practice representing some of the country's most significant insurance companies in major disputes. Besides having a strong reputation for handling matters involving domestic insurers, the practice is also known for its involvement in the Bermuda market. Key work highlights include the team's representation of AIG and several Chartis subsidiaries in numerous disputes with the former general  managing agent of their automobile insurance business.

Sources say: "A deep bench of very talented people."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Edward Krugman is hailed by commentators as "a brilliant analytical mind and a brilliant writer." He has been heavily involved in the firm's dealings with AIG and Chartis, and also represented Lockheed Martin in the surety aspects of a $300 million claim by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Thorn Rosenthal has handled a series of antitrust class actions involving more than 40 defendants on behalf of XL Capital. He is also at the center of much of the firm's Bermudan activity and is praised as one of the more creative practitioners in his field. 

THE FIRM Despite only entering the market in 2009, this disputes firm is an established name and goes from strength to strength in terms of workload and reputation. It now features a team dedicated to the insurance market, composed of five partners backed by six associates. Major insurers such as CNA, Sun Life and Travelers form part of an impressive client base, and recent work highlights include the representation of Republic Mortgage Insurance in a $100 million coverage dispute. The team also served as defense counsel in a major Madoff-related putative class action, alleging D&O liability for Madoff losses.

Sources say: "A new operation with a very strong crew of people, all very highly-regarded, and the practice is growing."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior partner Peter Chaffetz is experienced in trials and arbitrations. His dispute resolution practice is broad and includes asbestos and environmental claims, insolvency set-offs and surety disputes. "He's an excellent lawyer and litigator, and given his experience and expertise, he provides great business input too," say clients. 

THE FIRM The transactional and regulatory insurance practice at this global firm is a prominent player in the New York market, and peers also admire its national and international footing. Much of the team's recent work has been linked to the recession and has included distressed M&A deals, finance activity and general counsel. The group recently represented several financial institutions as counterparties on credit default swaps insured by Financial Guaranty Insurance Company.

Sources say: "The firm is extremely multi-skilled in terms of producing thorough analytical data, which few firms have the caliber of people to match."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Paul Meyer is rated by sources as an "exceptional lawyer of near-unsurpassed industry knowledge." His broad M&A and securities law practice is combined with a focus on regulated industry transactions. Nicholas Williams concentrates his practice in the property and casualty, and life and health insurance industries. 

THE FIRM This UK-headquartered firm has been making inroads into the New York market thanks to its expertise in insurer-side dispute resolution matters.

Sources say: "The firm has really put itself on the map in New York."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Koepff joined the firm from O'Melveny & Myers in March 2011. He is experienced in reinsurance and insurance disputes and has litigated in state and federal court. He also has a strong appellate and arbitration practice - the latter on a domestic and international level. Michael Knoerzer is held in high regard by peers due to his impressive courtroom demeanor. He principally handles contentious matters in the direct insurance and reinsurance arenas.

THE FIRM High-end transactional insurance work is a key component of this firm's caseload. The group focuses on representing the insurance industry in high-value transactions, exemplified by its work as primary counsel to AIG in its worldwide asset disposition program and sale of insurance, asset management and banking businesses. The firm also has a strong presence in dispute resolution and focuses on coverage litigation, life insurance and government investigations work. Much recent work has come in representing prominent insurers such as MetLife, Prudential and Travelers.

Sources say: "Debevoise is greatly suited to covering the complex and extremely intricate nuances of insurance litigation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS It is easy to see why sources describe Wolcott Dunham as "an insurance law guru." He has been handling M&A, demutualizations, and regulatory matters in the insurance and reinsurance sector for over 40 years. These days he is global cochair of the firm’s financial institutions group but he maintains an active practice himself, recently advising Syncora Holdings as it restructured approximately $6 billion of losses and loss reserves. The "very strong and very thoughtful" Nicholas Potter enjoys a formidable reputation in the transactional field. He advises insurers and reinsurers on matters relating to M&A, restructurings and life insurance financings. He took a lead role representing Protective Life in its $628.1 million acquisition of Liberty Life. Thomas Kelly is celebrated for counseling insurance companies on a broad range of capital markets and M&A transactions. On the dispute resolution side, Robert Goodman is held in high regard by clients who value the consistent quality of his service. He is experienced in personal injury and asbestos-related matters. Edwin Schallert is a disputes lawyer who typically represents major life insurance companies in class actions. Ethan James is a recent recruit from Davis Polk. He advises on corporate and transactional matters involving insurers and reinsurers.

Since publication, Wolcott B Dunham Jr has retired from this practice.

THE FIRM The New York branch of this broad national practice has the capability to handle a wide range of insurance litigation disputes. On a national level the team handles coverage disputes relating to major natural and man-made disasters, as well as complex insurance policy matters such as D&O, workers compensation and property and casualty insurance. The group's lawyers regularly represent insurance companies, excess carriers, re-insurers and brokers. The team is also active in the insurance regulatory field, representing financial services clients.

Sources say: "Expertise and battle-tested experience that leads to excellent work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS New York litigation chair Reid Ashinoff focuses on a broad range of disputes, but with a strong emphasis on insurance. He represented AEGON in complex class actions relating to rate increases. Michael Barr's insurance focus is likewise part of a broad commercial litigation practice. He recently served as lead counsel on various high-stakes World Trade Center property coverage litigations. 

THE FIRM Commitment to all aspects of insurance law makes this firm a leader not only in New York but right across the USA. Long known for its strength in the transactional and regulatory arena, operating separate dedicated practices, Dewey & LeBoeuf has cultivated an impressive dispute resolution practice working on behalf of insurers. The disputes team has been tackling high-stakes coverage disputes on behalf of fidelity bond insurers, concerning investor claims arising out of the Madoff Ponzi scheme fiasco. The group is consistently involved in the market's major insurance M&A deals and capital markets transactions and is at the forefront of the ever-changing insurance regulatory landscape, despite the December 2010 retirement of leading practitioner Jane Boisseau.

Sources say: "Dewey & LeBoeuf has an insurance and a regulatory practice which, as an aggregate offering, is quite frankly second to none."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James FitzPatrick is a key contact in New York.

THE FIRM While much has been made by commentators of recent departures - a team of 13 left for Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman in December 2009 - the firm has managed to maintain a healthy presence in the market. A New York team of 15 policyholder lawyers is supported by a national practice running coast to coast. The group has been particularly active in its representation of Arch Chemicals, handling a variety of coverage matters, including environmental and contamination disputes. International matters have also formed a significant part of the New York office's recent caseload and clients include multinationals such as Estée Lauder, GlaxoSmithKline and First National Bank.

Sources say: "The firm is stellar in its development of strategy and coordination of every step of the process."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Dvorkin focuses on complex insurance coverage disputes, working on behalf of policyholders across a number of industrial sectors. His broad litigation practice also involves environmental law and medical malpractice, among other areas. 

THE FIRM A strong focus on transactional and regulatory matters is backed up by a significant presence in resolving insurance disputes at this far-reaching national firm. The group represents global insurance and reinsurance clients in compliance, corporate, transactional and finance issues. It has recently expanded its regulatory presence in New York, which played a key role in the recent representation of QBE Insurance in its $565 million acquisition of NAU Country Insurance.

Sources say: "Recognizes the need for a critical mass to cover regulatory work but also knows how best to use that critical mass."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "always impressive" Nick Pearson was part of a substantial Edwards Angell team that represented IA American Life in its all-cash acquisition of American-Amicable Holdings. He has particular experience in the life, property and casualty insurance fields.

THE FIRM This litigation boutique focuses primarily on insurance, reinsurance and securities disputes, but also has the capacity to deal with a broad range of business litigation or arbitration matters. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Grais has a broad practice to back his experience and expertise in insurance and reinsurance disputes. He also advocates on behalf of investors in asset-backed securities and has a focus on the sub-prime loan market. The "talented and terrific" Kathryn Ellsworth focuses on complex commercial insurance and reinsurance disputes, along with franchise, securities and business tort litigation. 

THE FIRM The post-merger transition period resulted in some lawyer departures, but the firm remains a force for insurance dispute resolution. The practice has a strong focus on coverage litigation and has represented many of the country's leading insurance companies, including Chubb, CNA and XL. Product and general liability insurance, D&O and environmental coverage disputes are also key features of this broad practice.

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Hensler is the firm's US practice contact.

THE FIRM Four members of the firm's global insurance recovery team are based in the New York office. The practice represents policyholders in a wide range of coverage disputes. Recent mandates include work for Huntsman in the recovery of $475 million from 20-plus reinsurance companies, relating to claims for property damage and business interruption losses.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The June 2010 lateral hire of Edward Joyce from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe has greatly enhanced the firm's depth and presence in New York. His insurance recovery practice spans the full range of coverage matters and numerous industry sectors. Recent work has included environmental property damage and asbestos claims for Connell, and D&O coverage litigation for Hartz Mountain. He teams up with experienced partner Thomas Sear, considered a "phenomenal trial attorney" by sources. 

THE FIRM Numerous lateral hires, not least 13 lawyers from Dickstein Shapiro in late 2009, have had a significant impact, earning this talented group a move to the top ranking following the unanimous endorsement of clients and peers in the New York policyholder Bar. All manner of insurance recovery issues can be handled by this deep and effective practice, and much of the firm's recent work has been related to coverage lawsuits for product liability, D&O claims and first-party matters. The group acts for corporations of varying size and industry with its client list featuring MBIA, Tyson Foods and Philips.

Sources say: "A really high-quality firm that has built up a tremendous practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "She's extremely bright, insightful and hardworking," say clients of practice head Robin Cohen, "and she always knows how to resolve matters, whether to settle or fight." She has been advising Givaudan Fragrances as it pursues insurance coverage for lawsuits alleging liability for environmental contamination at one of its chemical plants in New Jersey. Cohen was recruited from Dickstein Shapiro while Robert Shulman came from Howrey, adding depth and expertise in environmental, asbestos and other large-scale tort claims. 

The firm recently mourned the passing of the highly regarded Randy Paar.

Since publication, Robert H Shulman has left this practice.

THE FIRM The New York transactional wing of this Chicago firm has been on a lateral recruitment drive in recent years and the insurance department has more than played its part. The transactional and regulatory insurance team has developed into a potent force, advising clients on changes to market legislation, M&A deals and finance. Recent highlights include the representation of Ace in the acquisition of the Hong Kong and South Korea subsidiaries of New York Life Insurance. The insurance group also has a solid dispute resolution division that litigates on behalf of various insurance and reinsurance companies.

Sources say: "Industry experience which means the group understands insurance transactions from a business perspective, making for a proactive, entrepreneurial culture rather than the traditional counsel position of being adversarial and reactive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Alberts joined the firm from Lovells in May 2010, bringing his team with him to significantly bolster the transactional and regulatory practice. His life and non-life insurance caseload includes a focus on the Bermuda market, which has recently included the representation of Tokio Millennium in various transporter transactions. Clifford Schoenberg and Kenneth Pierce arrived a little before Alberts, joining from Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft in January 2009. Pierce is a transactional specialist who clients champion for his great depth of experience: "He's peerless in terms of structuring acumen, given decades of first-hand experience not only as an attorney but also as an investment banker in the insurance industry." On the disputes front, "top-flight lawyer" Schoenberg remains a force: "One of the brightest guys out there." He has extensive experience in insurance litigation and arbitration but is an insurance all-rounder, well-versed in transactional and regulatory matters as well as in issues relating to the rehabilitation and liquidation of insurance companies.

THE FIRM This New York firm is dedicated to insurance and reinsurance matters and is well regarded by market commentators for its foothold in the London market. The team's dispute resolution focus involves a broad range of insurance coverage litigation as well as reinsurance mediation and arbitration and direct defense.

Sources say: "Excellent lawyers who deal with claim-handling matters and the London reinsurance market at reasonable rates."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Flannery is the main contact for the firm. He is experienced in dealing with complex coverage disputes.  

THE FIRM This ten-attorney New York practice forms part of a nationwide practice dedicated to representing policyholders in matters of insurance recovery and litigation. Clients praise the team's deep expertise and strategic approach to the most sophisticated of policyholder disputes, be it via mediation, arbitration or litigation.

Sources say: "A very good firm which understands client expectations and goals."

KEY INDIVIDUALS As practice head, David Luttinger naturally takes a lead role on many of the team's most prominent mandates. He recently represented Deutsche Bank in a complex E&O dispute, and can also count Sunoco and ITT as key clients.

THE FIRM Clients see this firm as a go-to option for the more complex insurance disputes. The team has strong expertise in insurance and reinsurance matters due to a longstanding presence in the New York market. Primarily focused on representing the insurance industry, the group also deals with lawsuits involving agents and brokers, administrative agency proceedings and regulatory matters.

Sources say: "Across the board, lawyers who are responsive, technically excellent and reasonable and realistic in their assessments."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stuart Cotton's broad practice incorporates coverage litigation and arbitration relating to property damage, business interruption and reinsurance. "He's a lawyer of great pedigree who never gets flustered," say sources. Lawrence Greengrass handles a variety of liability claims, including environmental, asbestos, bankruptcy, life, accident, health insurance and reinsurance. Peers hail him as "a very reliable figure and extremely knowledgeable of the industry." David Silva has a rather international profile, having served as lead counsel on arbitrations in London and Bermuda. His domestic workload spans dispute resolution in workers' compensation, life, personal accident, medical reinsurance and actuarial cases. Philip Silverberg has "the technical skills and experience to deal with complex matters." Besides insurance and reinsurance dispute work, his practice takes in commercial, tort, corporate and environmental litigation.

THE FIRM This group is acclaimed for its broad policyholder practice and particularly for its representation of major financial institutions. The team's caseload reflects trends in the financial markets with recent mandates relating to the global economic downturn, the Lehman bankruptcy, the Madoff Ponzi scheme and several World Trade Center coverage claims. The team has represented the likes of The Bank of New York Mellon, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo.

Sources say: "The firm has a great depth of experience in virtually every area of commercial insurance coverage and the level of specialized knowledge of the partners and associates is uniformly high."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Seth Schafler is a policyholder insurance all-rounder, adept at the advisory and disputes sides of the practice. "He's not only a sage counsel but a fierce advocate of a company's interests," say clients. John Gross is "a hugely experienced litigator with a great reputation that's thoroughly deserved." He has been heavily involved in the firm's work on World Trade Center matters and represents major banks in complex coverage litigations. 

THE FIRM A team of ten attorneys forms the New York insurance arm of the firm's nationwide practice. The group represents policyholders in a range of matters, including general and product liability, D&O claims and first party property issues. Asbestos claims and Bermuda Forms work also form a prominent part of the caseload.

Sources say: "That rare ability to focus on the critical aspects of complicated issues, giving great advice after having taken into account the needs of the company."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ann Kramer is "an outstanding lawyer with terrific experience in settlements," according to sources. Her practice has lately gravitated towards D&O coverage disputes and complex insurance recovery claims. Paul Evan Breene recently moved to New York from the firm's New Jersey office. He has a reputation for being "a tough negotiator but easy to work with - people respect him and take him seriously."

THE FIRM This global force has 20 lawyers dedicated to transactional insurance work in New York. The team handles the full range of traditional corporate and financing transactions for the insurance industry, including M&A, reinsurance and corporate reorganizations. The group also frequently advises the banks on capital markets offerings from insurers and also has a respected regulatory practice.

Sources say: "Very oriented towards getting transactions done on a timely basis and on fair and appropriate terms."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Jeff Liebmann is considered a "formidable competitor with a tremendous intellect." He takes a lead role on many of the group's most significant matters, including recent representation of the State of New York Insurance Department in analyzing EmblemHealth’s plan to convert from nonprofit to for-profit status. Jonathan Freedman is a transactional specialist who advised the initial purchaser banks on a $1.75 billion surplus notes offering by Northwestern Mutual. Contemporaries laud Michael Madigan as one of the leading cat bond specialists in the market. He represented GC Securities as underwriter for Longpoint Re, an SPV set up to allow Travelers to transfer $500 million of hurricane-related risk to the capital markets. 

THE FIRM Clients and peers herald this firm as a true leader when it comes to insurer-side dispute work, be it on a local or national level. The team represents major insurers, such as Travelers, Chartis and Swiss Re, in the most complex and significant contentious matters relating to liability, property, marine and aviation insurance. Besides a fine disputes reputation, the firm has a strong New York team dedicated to transactional and regulatory work. The group handles a range of mandates including M&A deals, demutualizations and capital markets transactions involving insurance companies.

Sources say: "A pragmatic business approach to working with clients and consistently practical advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees are unanimous in their praise for Barry Ostrager: "Nobody can deny he's at the top of the profession." He is a prime adviser to the firm's most important insurance and reinsurance clients on a national level, as well as on the ground in New York. Mary Kay Vyskocil earns similarly effusive praise, regarded as "a top trial lawyer who really knows the business." Her general commercial litigation practice focuses on insurance and reinsurance coverage litigation and cases involving the financial services industry. She has been a central figure in the firm's representation of Swiss Re in a number of headline coverage disputes. Andrew Amer is another coverage disputes specialist. "He's a formidable opponent who really knows his stuff," say peers. On the transactional side, Gary Horowitz leads the firm's representation of insurance companies in major M&A transactions. A case in point saw him advising the outside directors of AIG on the sale of ALICO to MetLife for approximately $15.5 billion.

THE FIRM This firm has an excellent reputation for its presence in the insurance transactional market, but also has the ability to handle regulatory matters and insurance disputes, making it one of the stronger all-round propositions in New York. On the transactional side, the team represents insurance and reinsurance companies in M&A deals, public and private financings, restructurings and reorganizations and its corporate and coverage litigation practice is also tailored towards the insurance industry.

Sources say: "A fantastic firm that does fantastic M&A work in insurance."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Sullivan is head of the firm's worldwide insurance practice. "He's smart, creative and resourceful," say clients, "and he's been doing this a long time so he knows his stuff and can talk on the same level as a businessman." He has lately been busy advising Liberty Mutual on a $1.4 billion IPO, working in tandem with Susan Sutherland. "She's terrific for insurance industry securities and M&A," say sources. Timothy Reynolds leads the way on dispute resolution matters. His caseload involves insurance coverage for injuries associated with pharmaceutical drugs or asbestos, environmental matters and first-party property work. 

Since publication, Susan J Sutherland has retired from this practice.

THE FIRM The insurance practice group has a total of 30 attorneys split between a litigation and a transactional and regulatory division. Much of the firm's recent work in the disputes arena has involved complex reinsurance arbitrations, while on the transactional side the group has been busy with M&A deals, demutualizations and securities issuance. The team recently represented Crédit Agricole in financing Triple X and Guideline AXXX reserves for Aviva and United of Omaha, two complex transactions totaling $475 million. The client list also includes Goldman Sachs, Liberty Mutual and Chubb.

Sources say: "A broad-based practice with a strong reputation thanks to some good regulatory and M&A people there."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michele Jacobson deals with direct insurance and reinsurance matters, handling a wide range of coverage disputes. She recently counseled Security First Insurance in regards to an arbitration alleging wrongful termination of agency agreements. Robert Lewin has a broad dispute resolution practice that involves D&O, E&O and workers compensation matters. He has worked on behalf of Arrowood Indemnity in seeking clarification of a prior award, the case now heading for the court of appeal. "I'm always happy to see him on the other side of the table," say transactional and regulatory side peers of William Latza, "because he's a respected figure, knowledgeable and reasonable." He is experienced in handling corporate and reinsurance transactions, and insurance-related acquisitions and financings. He recently worked alongside Bernhardt Nadell in advising FGIC on regulatory and restructuring issues connected to its surplus restoration plan. Nadell is regarded by clients as "one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in the country on XXX transactions." Senior practitioner Donald Gabay is deeply respected in the field and he continues to represent major property, casualty, life and health insurers and reinsurers. 

THE FIRM A strong transactional and regulatory practice is backed by an accomplished dispute resolution desk at this well established New York firm. In the transactional arena, the firm represents life, property, casualty, health and managed care insurers, as well as brokers and reinsurance intermediaries. The litigation department primarily handles insurance and reinsurance coverage claims. Key clients include AIG, Prudential and ING.

Sources say: "Wonderful to work with across the board."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Rowen is viewed as a "very strong lawyer in corporate finance and in insurance." He recently represented IPC Holdings in regards to its $1.7 billion amalgamation with Validus Holdings. Mark Rosenberg is particularly active in the field of claims litigation, dealing with D&O and environmental matters for a number of major corporations. Stephen Kotran has earned a strong reputation in the insurance M&A arena. 

THE FIRM This firm has a broad insurance practice and wins acclaim in the transactional, regulatory and dispute resolution arenas. While its work in the former typically involves advising insurers and reinsurers, its disputes practice is tailored towards representing policyholders and insurance brokers.

Sources say: "Consistently high-quality service and outstanding work product."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Mitchell Auslander is an insurance law all-rounder best recognized for his work on behalf of insurance brokers such as Marsh & McLennan Companies. "He has a tremendous work ethic and is an outstanding adviser on a wide array of issues," say sources. Leah Campbell is the group's most celebrated regulatory expert, held in high regard by the market. 

Willkie recently absorbed a sizeable group of lawyers from Dewey & LeBoeuf. On the transactional side, peers respect Alexander Dye as a "formidable opponent." John Schwolsky is praised by clients as a "very accomplished lawyer with a good sense of the rhythm of a deal and what's important for the client." Vladimir Nicenko typically works closely with Schwolsky. "He's highly professional, exceedingly knowledgeable and very creative," say clients. Michael Groll is hailed by clients as "an outstanding lawyer who knows the insurance industry as well as anyone." Regulatory matters are also handled by Donald Henderson, whose broad experience of insurance industry issues makes him a valuable asset to the team.

THE FIRM This group focuses on representing insurers in insurance coverage and bad faith matters, including commercial general liability, professional liability, D&O and life insurance. The team has experience in litigating insurance disputes in federal and state courts across the country.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Wilson is the firm's main contact for insurance coverage matters. 

THE FIRM Litigation is a cornerstone of this New York firm's practice and the insurance and reinsurance disputes division is a key component of the litigation department. The team is active on an international as well as a local level, having represented UK reinsurers in defense of a series of complex reinsurance arbitrations involving large asbestos claims by a major US insurer. Domestically, the firm has represented prominent insurance companies such as AIG and Hanover.

Sources say: "Lawyers who treat attorney-client relations as a long-term relationship rather than a one-time deal."

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Maher has a broad general commercial litigation practice but dedicates the majority of his time to insurance and reinsurance dispute resolution. "He's smart, creative, visionary and always well-prepared," say clients. Full-time insurance litigator Marc Abrams is rated by clients as a "highly effective communicator and negotiator." 

Since publication, Marc Abrams has joined Nelson Levine de Luca & Horst, LLC