Insurance: Illinois

THE FIRM Clients are quick to praise this established policyholder practice for its efficient and cost-effective approach to a range of insurance coverage disputes. The group recently represented Georgia-Pacific in pursuit of more than $1.5 billion in environmental and asbestos exposure coverage, a dispute involving various national and London-based insurers. The team also has particularly broad expertise in complex construction insurance disputes.

Sources say: "Barnes & Thornburg looks at things based on our interests as a client and gets the best results for us while being sensitive to maintaining costs in the best way."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Coverage litigator Adam Hollander has a broad practice that incorporates business interruption, professional liability and D&O coverage disputes, among others. He acts for clients from a wide range of industrial sectors, and took a lead role in the firm's representation of Georgia-Pacific. 

THE FIRM The state's leading policyholder firms regularly identify this insurer practice as a consistently impressive opponent. The group is able to handle the full range of disputes thanks to its dedication to the insurance and reinsurance industries. Peers particularly note the firm's activity on behalf of excess insurers in coverage claims. As well as environmental and mass tort litigation and professional liability, the firm demonstrates a breadth of expertise and experience in transportation accident and construction defect claims. 

Sources say: "Very capable lawyers with a cost-effective practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Quality lawyer" Robert Bates enjoys an outstanding reputation in both direct and reinsurance disputes. He handles a number of environmental and toxic tort claims on behalf of numerous national and international insurance companies.

Scott Carey has a broad practice covering transportation and professional liability as well as reinsurance and insurance coverage litigation. He handles both domestic and international insurance issues, acting as US claims counsel for Bermuda insurers.

"Honest and knowledgeable litigator" Maria Enriquez earns high praise from peers for her in-court ability. Her insurance and reinsurance practice covers environmental, asbestos, product liability and M&A, as well as other areas. 

Recent partner Daniel Graham deals with IP, unfair business practices and construction defect insurance claims.

THE FIRM This superb reinsurance group remains a favorite among clients thanks to its longstanding experience and knowledge of the most sophisticated industry issues. Dispute resolution is at the center of the team's work, with particular expertise in complex reinsurance arbitrations. Key clients include major insurers such as Liberty Mutual, Hudson and Clearwater, which have all been represented in high-profile and high-value disputes. Clients are impressed by the team's depth, with strong junior litigators behind impressive senior partners.

Sources say: "Very accessible and responsive lawyers who are not afraid to tell you what you may not want to hear." "A nice combination of smart and highly skilled lawyers with good judgment."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Rubin is "universally acknowledged as just outstanding," according to commentators. Clients and peers alike describe him as "a bright and tenacious litigator who has a practical approach to solving contentious problems." He plays a prominent role in a series of complex reinsurance arbitrations.

Peers have nothing but praise for Ira Belcove, who "applies legal skills in a consistently excellent way across the board." Clients are also highly impressed by his direct and dedicated approach to reinsurance arbitration. He recently represented Starwest in reinsurance claims following the liquidation of United Capitol.

Robert Hermes's reinsurance expertise stretches to the bankruptcy and insolvency areas. He is respected in the field as an effective litigator and arbitrator.

Reinsurance litigator Catherine Isely has a broad practice that includes environmental and toxic torts, bad faith and arbitration clauses. She recently acted on behalf of TIG against reinsurance recovery claims.

Julie Rodriguez Aldort climbs the rankings, having earned widespread praise from her market competitors. She handles contentious reinsurance matters as part of a broad complex commercial litigation practice. 

The "very professional and competent" Teresa Snider handles reinsurance disputes as they relate to litigation, arbitration and insolvency. 

THE FIRM Clients are impressed by the strength in depth this established Chicago practice offers as part of a far-reaching national firm. The team is regularly involved in major matters in both coverage disputes and insurance transactional and regulatory work. The litigation arm of the practice deals with bad faith, class action and catastrophe disputes, while on the regulatory side it covers a broad range of matters including – but far from limited to – compliance, insolvency, insurance transactions and risk management.

Sources say: "SNR Denton creates a sense of confidence that, even when some cases get uglier than others, takes away all worry and concern."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients praise Donna Vobornik as "extremely responsive while making sure things get done." She combines her coverage dispute expertise with a broader general litigation practice.

Peers know and respect Robert Johnson for his work in complex litigation, both in insurance coverage issues and on more general matters.

Corinne Carr chairs the risk management department, which forms a key part of the firm's insurance regulatory practice. She represents a series of major insurance and reinsurance companies, and also assists various Fortune 500 companies in a range of insurance issues. 

THE FIRM This well-established global firm has developed an impressive insurance presence in Illinois, particularly in the reinsurance, transactional and regulatory areas. The team has recently been busy in the transactional and regulatory space, having represented numerous major reinsurers and private equity funds in insolvency and regulatory compliance issues. While the firm's insurance presence is compact, it continues to expand its footprint.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "very competent and business-oriented" David Mendelsohn is a favorite among clients for transactional work. He is respected as a leading corporate lawyer with experience in a series of high-end insurance deals. 

Stephen Schwab is highly regarded as both "a star reinsurance lawyer" and a strong transactional and regulatory presence. This broad practice makes him a leading player for insurance work across the board, both nationally and internationally. 

THE FIRM Foley & Lardner goes from strength to strength in Chicago following its acquisition of several former Lovells insurance lawyers. Clients are quick to commend the group's dedication and investment in reinsurance arbitration work. The team has recently been particularly active in the life/health and property/casualty reinsurance sectors, as displayed by its representation of ING and Hannover in significant disputes.

Sources say: "The lawyers are smart and diligent. They tend to have a bit more brainpower than other litigation practices – they are not noisy or contentious for the sake of it."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gail Goering takes a lead on the firm's more sophisticated life reinsurance matters. Clients are quick to praise her as "a heavyweight in the reinsurance world," and particularly highlight her pragmatic and diligent approach.

"Very good lawyer" Eric Haab deals with a range of life/health and property/casualty matters, and is another favorite among clients. He is lauded as "calm, knowledgeable and thorough," while remaining an imposing presence in court.

Neal Moglin earns praise from the market as a determined and effective litigator for a range of complex reinsurance disputes. 

THE FIRM Policyholder litigation remains a key part of this firm's strong national reputation, and its standing in Illinois remains healthy thanks to the team's presence in a series of major disputes. The firm's Chicago lawyers have been active all over the country, representing a number of key clients in significant and high-value insurance matters, exemplified by its work for Fiserv Solutions in North Carolina and New York. Clients are particularly impressed with its bench strength and ability to litigate insurance matters at all levels, from senior practitioners to more junior lawyers.

Sources say: "Jenner's expertise is number one in the field of insurance – it just outshines all the others in this area."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Outstanding insurance lawyer" John Mathias heads the firm's insurance counseling and litigation practice. He is widely regarded as one of the foremost insurance practitioners in the market, with deep experience and expertise in all aspects of litigation.

Christopher Dickinson is described by clients as "a wonderful insurance litigator." He has worked alongside Mathias in a series of major insurance disputes. 

THE FIRM Peers regularly identify this firm as a major player in coverage litigation on behalf of policyholders. The team has a broad trial practice with expertise in commercial general liability, product liability, D&O, business interruption and employment practices liability disputes. Recent highlights include representing Union Carbide in the pursuit of more than $200 million in coverage arising from asbestos personal injury liability. Other major clients include Boeing, Dow and Viking Pump, exemplifying the firm's presence across a wide range of industrial sectors. 

Sources say: "A terrific litigation practice with very strong lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients applaud Michael Foradas as "outstanding for his quick grasp of the key issues and his client-friendly manner." His deep coverage litigation expertise is based on his experience in general liability, products, D&O and business interruption litigation.  

Nader Boulos is "very knowledgeable" and has a broad litigation practice incorporating commercial complex disputes. His insurance coverage work takes in major property damage and business interruption, as well as general liability and D&O claims.

THE FIRM This longstanding insurance group has remained an active player across the board in Chicago as part of its widely respected national practice. On the dispute side the team handles a range of complex coverage matters and reinsurance arbitrations, while maintaining an impressive transactional and regulatory offering. Major clients include Brit and Berkshire Hathaway, and the team's presence in the life and health space is exemplified by its representation of Guardian Life.

Sources say: "It has always been an industry leader and is an excellent firm with good people."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick DiGiovanni is credited with ensuring the firm's insurance and reinsurance dispute team continues to practice at the highest level. Sources say "he is very experienced and has seen all the problems that industry has faced. He has tried dozens of case and has the complete skill-set." He plays a key role in the firm's most significant reinsurance arbitrations. 

On the transactional and regulatory side, Jon Biasetti has a specialism in reinsurance M&A. He earns particular praise from peers for his work in the health insurance sector.

Paige Waters recently joined the firm from SNR Denton, and is highly recommended for her work on insurance insolvency matters. She also deals with a range of transactional, regulatory and litigation issues.

Jay Kallas, formerly of Dewey & LeBoeuf, is developing an excellent reputation in the transactional and regulatory space. He has already acted on behalf of a series of major insurance industry clients.

THE FIRM Commentators praise this strong corporate firm for its dedication to building a solid insurance practice to work alongside its excellent offering in the financial sector. The team has been involved in a series of high-value matters, including representing Deutsche Bank in Allied World Assurance's $3.2 billion merger with Transatlantic Holdings. It has also acted on behalf of a series of major insurers, including Everest Re, State Farm and Travelers.

Sources say: "A firm committed to building a strong practice nationally and internationally."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Edward Best is recognized as a leading corporate lawyer with a dedicated focus on insurance industry transactions. He is lauded as a "very strong lawyer" in capital markets work on behalf of major insurance companies.

As well as insurance M&A work, Larry Hamilton focuses on regulatory compliance as it relates to the insurance industry, both at home and abroad.

THE FIRM A broad insurance practice characterizes this highly regarded, well-established firm. It has a healthy reputation for general and professional liability, first party property and reinsurance work, and also has strong capability in commercial and personal lines and a range of risk management structures. Clients identify the team's proactive and collaborative approach to their needs as a key strength. The firm is well versed in representing major insurers, including longstanding client Zurich, which it continues to act for in a series of significant coverage disputes.

Sources say: "A firm with strong negotiating skills, strong writing skills, persuasiveness in the courtroom and knowledge of coverage law nationally."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Scott Seaman has a fine reputation among clients and peers alike as "a leading expert in complex insurance coverage issues." He splits his practice between coverage litigation and reinsurance arbitration work, and earns particular praise from clients for his expertise in asbestos and environmental coverage issues. 

Peers praise James Kallianis as someone who "fights hard but conducts himself professionally." He deals with coverage litigation as part of a broad commercial litigation practice.

Experienced coverage litigator Michael Marick has represented major insurers in a series of significant and high-stakes disputes with policyholders. 

THE FIRM Internal growth has enabled this policyholder team to expand its profile and workload on both a local and national level in coverage litigation. The practice has represented a number of major organizations, including Humana and Ameren. It also acted for Chicago Bears in a coverage dispute against major insurers. Clients praise the firm for its ability to get results quickly and efficiently.

Sources say: "From the moment you hire Neal Gerber there is positive movement in the case, which can be attributed to its expertise and knowledge in the field."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jill Berkeley joined the group from the now defunct Howrey firm and maintains her fine reputation in coverage litigation. Clients describe her as "a breath of fresh air in litigation."

The "fantastic" Angela Elbert leads the firm's D&O insurance group and enjoys a strong reputation in professional liability work. She has also been at the forefront of the firm's cutting-edge work in cyber liability. 

THE FIRM Peers regularly identify this policyholder team as a key player in the Chicago market thanks to its high-profile work on behalf of major blue-chip organizations. Proskauer's Illinois insurance group enjoys a similar presence to its colleagues across the country, dealing with the most complex coverage disputes for companies across a series of industrial areas, with clients including Braun and Universal Health Systems.

Sources say: "Proskauer Rose has a client-first mindset and a strong commercial view that leads to well thought-out legal and negotiating strategies."

KEY INDIVIDUALS According to sources, Steven Gilford "is a forthright and sincere communicator who generates a high level of client confidence in addition to being a savvy negotiator." He co-heads the firm's insurance practice, and recently represented Union Carbide in asbestos litigation against various insurers to the value of $2 billion.

Marc Rosenthal "combines an excellent legal mind with a mastery of financial concepts that is invaluable in resolving complex issues." Clients hold him in the highest regard for his effective approach in coverage litigation. 

Paul Langer joins this year's rankings on the back of outstanding market feedback. Peers respect his skill as a negotiator, while clients describe him as "a resourceful and creative coverage lawyer." 

THE FIRM The outstanding reputation that Reed Smith enjoys nationwide in coverage litigation is due in no small part to its largest regional office in Chicago. Acting solely on behalf of policyholders, the team deals with the full range of coverage disputes, including professional liability, environmental and asbestos, property damage, business interruption and workers' compensation issues. Reed Smith regularly handles major coverage matters, such as recently representing Anadarko in disputes arising from the Gulf oil spill, and Bank of America/Countrywide in a dispute against its mortgage insurers.

Sources say: "The strongest insurance firm in Chicago, with the greatest assemblage of overall talent."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Vishneski "has the full range of capabilities," according to sources. "Not only is he knowledgeable and assertive, but he can also compromise." His coverage litigation practice covers the complete range of insurance issues across the country. He led the firm's representation of Bank of America/Countrywide in a dispute worth more than $1 billion.

Peers rate James Davis highly, particularly for the impressive work he has done in major asbestos recovery disputes. He recently represented International Harvester Company in one such lawsuit, valued at over $75 million.

D&O specialist Carolyn Rosenberg earns strong endorsements from commentators. She has in the last year been active on such cutting-edge coverage issues as social media, data privacy and cyber liability. 

Respected practitioner John Shugrue deals with the litigation of sophisticated coverage disputes for major policyholders. He has taken a lead on the firm's representation of Anadarko in the high-value fallout from the Gulf oil spill.

The "bright and articulate" Thomas Marrinson has a broad coverage practice that incorporates environmental issues, professional liability, first-party property and business interruption disputes. 

Stanley Nardoni is frequently praised by peers for his sheer expertise in all aspects of his practice. Respected as a true academic in the field, he is described as "the professor of insurance law." As well as insurance coverage, his practice also takes in commercial litigation. 

Peers note positively the market presence of Paul Walker-Bright, who represents policyholders from a broad range of industry sectors, including public utilities, news media and manufacturing. 

THE FIRM This firm remains a strong presence in reinsurance work, both in Chicago and on a national level. As well as complex reinsurance arbitrations, the team has been involved in a series of significant disputes on behalf of major insurance companies. The health and accident insurance areas have been of particular focus for the practice recently, along with environmental and toxic tort, and workers' compensation issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Commentators view David Spector as "a real leader of reinsurance." He leads the way at the firm in sophisticated insurance and reinsurance disputes, and is respected as a tough and effective litigator.

Antony Burt has developed a general litigation practice alongside his strong reinsurance focus. He has been heavily involved in the firm's health and accident coverage litigation.

Insurance insolvency and regulatory specialist Dennis LaGory is also active in healthcare and ERISA litigation, as well as reinsurance issues. 

THE FIRM This leading firm offers plenty in terms of practice depth, with standout expertise in reinsurance, transactional and regulatory work. It has been particularly active in insurance and reinsurance disputes in the asbestos and financial litigation areas. The reinsurance team recently represented various Safeco companies in general liability disputes. On the transactional and regulatory side, the practice has acted on behalf of a series of major financial institutions, including Aegon, Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley.

Sources say: "Sidley's nerve center is in Chicago and it has a great group of people that work in the insurance finance space." "An outstanding firm with some very good young lawyers and some good older ones too."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "First-rate lawyer" Michael Goldman cochairs the firm's global insurance and financial services group, and dedicates his practice to transactional and regulatory insurance work. He recently represented AIG/Chartis, handling the insurance aspects of its joint venture with Best Buy.

Peers describe Perry Shwachman as "ferociously intelligent." He is a transactional and regulatory specialist, and recently represented Athene Holding in its $628.1 million acquisition of Liberty Life Insurance. 

Michael Pinsel focuses his practice on insurance capital markets and alternative risk matters. He has been particularly involved in a series of catastrophe bond issues on behalf of a series of insurer clients.

Insurance regulatory specialist Kenneth Wylie has in the past year been particularly active on licensing, agency and compliance matters. He is respected in the field as an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner.

Anthony Ribaudo is active in the life insurance space, with a focus on insurance capital markets and alternative risk transfer.

On the dispute side, William Sneed is one of the most highly respected reinsurance litigators in the state. Sources describe him as "an absolute student of the business" and "a truly first-class lawyer."

Susan Stone is similarly praised by market sources, and lauded as "creative, energetic and ambitious." She also dedicates her practice to reinsurance disputes, and has recently been involved in a series of matters on behalf of Safeco companies. 

Younger partner Thomas Cunningham earns positive reviews from interviewees as his profile continues to grow. "A very smart, solid lawyer," he recently represented Transatlantic in its dispute with Allstate, arising from asbestos losses. 

Daniel Neppl has also impressed the market with his prowess in reinsurance disputes, particularly those involving Liberty Mutual. 

THE FIRM Troutman Sanders' 13 lawyers in Illinois form part of one of the country's largest and most broad-based insurance practices. From Chicago, the team deals with a wide variety of complex coverage disputes on behalf of a range of major insurance companies, including representing the CNA companies in asbestos and environmental matters. The firm also has a nationwide dedication to D&O liability work.

Sources say: "The firm's breadth of experience means there is a lawyer for every need we have."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "extremely personable and very tough" Rebecca Ross is respected as a fine negotiator. She handles environmental and asbestos mass torts, and insurance bad faith litigation on a local and national basis.

David Cutter's impressive profile continues to grow. He has recently been involved in a number of asbestos claims, and is respected in the field as an excellent litigator.