Insurance: Texas

THE FIRM Peers regularly single out this established Texas firm as a longstanding leader in insurance litigation on behalf of major insurance companies. The team has been particularly active in coverage litigation arising from major catastrophes, including Hurricane Ike following its impact on Houston. D&O claims involving significant insurers and class action disputes have also formed a prominent part of the firm's practice. Fulbright's national footprint remains impressive, while its London office enables greater reach and bench depth.

Sources say: "There are nothing but good things to say about Fulbright, which maintains prominence in representing high-dollar insureds in insurance matters and remains a leader in insurance defense."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Reagan Brown is "very much an excellent lawyer," according to commentators. He remains heavily involved in complex matters and is held in high regard thanks to his deep experience and expertise. He is afforded particular recognition for his impressive appellate practice.

Stephen Pate handles a range of contentious coverage issues. He has recently been involved in a series of disputes on behalf of major insurers following Hurricane Ike. His practice also covers D&O liability claims. 

Barclay Nicholson is singled out by peers as a genuine rising star in the insurance world, and deals with insurance litigation as part of a broad commercial disputes practice. 

THE FIRM Policyholder clients are unanimous in their praise for this broad practice. The team represents organizations across a wide range of industrial sectors, including real estate, oil and gas, finance and telecommunications, in a series of coverage disputes. It has recently been involved in a number of matters, including D&O liability, property damage, catastrophe and construction coverage claims. The firm is singled out by commentators for its national and international insurance presence, while peers are full of respect for its practitioners. Key clients include Centex and Shell.

Sources say: "The gold standard for representing insureds."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lead partner Ernest Martin is hailed by clients as "a genius for coverage disputes," and regarded by peers as one of the best policyholder lawyers in Texas. His broad insurance litigation practice incorporates areas such as D&O, securities, business interruption and bad faith claims, among others.

"Quality attorney" Werner Powers is regarded by sources as "an excellent lawyer who is very aggressive for his clients, which has to be respected." He deals with coverage disputes as part of a broad complex litigation practice.  

Impressive associate Micah Skidmore is highly respected by his peers. He represents various organizations and their directors and officers. 

THE FIRM This long-established Texas leader in insurance litigation maintains a fine reputation throughout the market. It handles an impressive range of coverage disputes on behalf of insurance companies, including class actions, bad faith cases and professional liability claims. Offices in Dallas, Houston and Austin enable the team to represent complex and sophisticated matters across the state.

Sources say: "The group is just consistently doing top-notch coverage work that will continue for a long time."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Terrific coverage lawyer" Christopher Martin is deeply respected by peers as a leader in the insurance carrier Bar. An experienced trial attorney, he handles a range of insurance coverage and bad faith claims, and acts as a mediator in complex insurance disputes.  

David Disiere dedicates his practice to complex insurance coverage disputes and bad faith litigation on behalf of insurers.

THE FIRM Sources agree that this well-known Texas firm is a leader in representing insurance companies in a range of high-profile coverage disputes. Much of the practice's recent focus has been in catastrophe and weather-related event litigation allied with insurance growth in Texas and on the Gulf Coast. The BP oil spill has also enabled the firm to maintain high levels of activity in catastrophe insurance on behalf of carriers. Thanks to a presence in Dallas, Houston and Austin, the firm continues to be a key player in the Texas insurance market, and is able to deal with regulatory and transactional issues as well as dispute resolution.

Sources say: "Top-notch carrier-side lawyers who fully deserve recognition."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Brian Martin maintains a fine reputation in the field as "an excellent lawyer with a robust book of business representing carriers." He has taken a lead on the team's activity in a range of coverage issues arising from Chinese Drywall matters.

Rodrigo Garcia is also heavily involved in Chinese Drywall work. Peers note him as an impressive and emerging presence in the field, who is coming into the limelight for positive reasons as a strong coverage lawyer.

Coverage litigator Roger Higgins has played a key role in a range of coverage disputes arising from hurricane, flood and storm losses. Commentators identify him as "a very good coverage lawyer who is involved in some big, important matters."

The "very well-respected" Richard Geiger remains an active and experienced part of Thompson Coe's coverage litigation team. 

On the insurance regulatory side, Will Davis is another deeply experienced member of the practice. Interviewees agree that he is "the dean of all regulatory attorneys in Texas," and "has the sort of style any client would be well served and proud of."

Jay Thompson is recognized as a genuine go-to for insurance regulatory work, and enjoys a healthy reputation. He is deeply respected among peers and sources describe him as "very academic and very knowledgeable" in the full range of regulatory issues. 

THE FIRM This firm is known for its presence in coverage matters on behalf of both insurers and policyholders. The team deals with a range of coverage disputes, and also has a dedicated focus on insurance bad faith matters. The practice also has the ability to deal with reinsurance issues and regulatory cases on behalf of insurers.

Sources say: "Cooper & Scully does a lot of very interesting work and is very active in novel insurance issues."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Brent Cooper handles insurance disputes as part of a broad commercial litigation practice. He is held in high regard by sources as being "top of the list on the carrier side," and is credited with building an impressive practice at the firm. 

THE FIRM This established firm has a strong reputation across Texas thanks to its insurance presence throughout the state in Houston, Dallas and Austin. The broad nature of the practice enables it to represent policyholders, brokers and agents, as well as insurers and reinsurers. The coverage team has recently been involved in a complex dispute arising from Hurricane Ike losses. The firm also has a dedicated insurance regulatory practice and has acted on behalf of a range of financial entities and reinsurance companies.

Sources say: "An excellent insurance section with real breadth and depth."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients describe James Cooper as "a very sharp insurance lawyer who is not afraid to try a case to verdict." Sources also note that he is "more than just a plain old trial lawyer – he is more comprehensive and more of a technician, with a very meticulous mind." He represents policyholders in high-stakes coverage disputes.

Regulatory specialist Kimberly Yelkin recently represented Zurich North America in insurance regulation matters before the Texas government. According to commentators, "she is very savvy, has a good relationship with the regulators and can be trusted by them to be a straight-shooter." 

Samantha Trahan is singled out by sources as a rising star in policyholder coverage work. She recently represented Aruth Associates in complex coverage litigation arising from the fallout of Hurricane Ike. 

THE FIRM Insurance industry clients are quick to praise this established Texas firm for its high levels of service and its deep expertise in insurance matters, including disputes and regulation issues. The practice recently took on a group of laterals from Beirne Maynard & Parsons, which has added depth to its coverage group and its already imposing regulatory team. Recent highlights include representing a series of title insurers in a complaint made by the Texas Department of Insurance.

Sources say: "Very skilled at drafting and analysis, with the ability to boil complex issues into a concrete and concise picture."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Excellent attorney" Jay Brown recently joined the firm from Beirne Maynard and has enabled Winstead's coverage litigation practice to develop further. Peers view him as a key player in the field following his activity in complex matters on behalf of RSUI Indemnity.

Clients speak highly of Peter Nolan, whom they describe as "a big-picture thinker and a very good litigator who brings a calmness to litigation." He played a key role in the recent Texas Department of Insurance matters.

Mary Keller is involved in regulatory compliance and related litigation. According to clients, "she brings perspective on how regulatory aspects of insurance will affect matters." She recently represented National Association of Insurance Commissioners in a lawsuit brought by a hospital network provider. 

Insurance transactional specialist Alex Gonzales is held in high regard by clients for his expertise and his well-connected practice involving Texas Department of Insurance issues. "He knows the law and is available when you need assistance, as well as being smart and personable," say clients. 

THE FIRM This longstanding Texas firm has been active in a range of excess insurance coverage cases on behalf of such major insurance companies as Chartis and ACE. The practice has also been heavily involved in disputes arising in the energy industry, particularly with regard to product failure and catastrophic injury on Gulf rig sites which bring about high-value excess insurance claims.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Experienced practitioner Jeffrey Parsons is held in high regard by his peers. He has been involved in much of the firm's longstanding representation of Chartis. 

THE FIRM This compact litigation boutique is highly regarded by peers as a positive presence on behalf of insureds. The practice represents businesses and nonprofit organizations in a range of casualty insurance claims across a range of industry sectors, including energy, transportation and aviation.

Sources say: "You can't say enough good things about this firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Outstanding lawyer" David Brown is regarded by commentators as a capable and intelligent coverage practitioner. He is experienced in a broad range of disputes, including first-part policy litigation, environmental losses and D&O liability. 

THE FIRM Outstanding market feedback ensures this firm maintains its healthy reputation for handling a range of insurance disputes on behalf of the industry. The team is well known for its high-value work in the London market, and is also highly regarded domestically for its activity in the energy sector, particularly for its handling of matters arising from hurricane damage to Gulf oil rigs.

Sources say: "Hall Maines is a fabulous firm that can handle any type of litigation and does tremendous work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Commentators identify Clifton Hall as "a tremendous lawyer doing a wonderful job." He is known to be a go-to lawyer for work on behalf of London insurers involved in the energy industry. 

THE FIRM This compact group is known for appellate work as it relates to insurance cases, and also handles a range of coverage litigation matters. The firm has a healthy presence across the state, with offices in Houston, Austin and Beaumont.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "outstanding" Robert Cunningham handles complex insurance and commercial disputes, with experience in litigation, arbitration and mediation.

Robert Roach is regarded by sources as a "great coverage lawyer." An experienced trial attorney, he has handled construction, environmental and employment litigation, as well as insurance disputes. 

THE FIRM This broad-based insurance practice handles coverage issues across a range of areas, including construction, environmental and energy claims. The group has a wide-ranging presence in the state with practitioners based in Fort Worth, Houston, Dallas and Arlington.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "very highly regarded" Michael Huddleston deals with a range of insurance matters, including coverage and bad faith claims across a range of issues, including D&O and reinsurance.

THE FIRM This compact two-attorney Austin boutique is dedicated to insurance coverage work on behalf of corporate policyholders. The firm handles a range of complex insurance recovery disputes and also deals with first and third party claims in state and federal courts.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lee Shidlofsky is known among sources as "the guru of construction coverage." He handles a range of key matters, not only relating to construction defect claims but also to business interruption and professional liability. Peers agree that he is one of the strongest policyholder lawyers at the Texas Bar. 

THE FIRM This Dallas boutique has achieved a solid local reputation for representing insurers despite its relatively short history. Peers are quick to praise the talented team of insurance practitioners who focus on a range of property and liability policies incorporating insurance litigation and civil appeals. The firm also handles commercial litigation matters. 

Sources say: "An excellent firm with knowledgeable and well-respected lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Beth Bradley is regarded as a "top-notch lawyer" by commentators. She deals with a range of insurance coverage disputes and also has a healthy insurance mediation practice.

THE FIRM The Texas offices of this established global firm play a fundamental role in its broad insurance practice. The team represents the insurance industry in complex coverage, class action and securities litigation, along with reinsurance and regulatory matters. The practice is known for representing major international insurers in a range of high-profile and high-value coverage disputes.

KEY INDIVIDUALS San Antonio partner Rick Rosenblum is known for his representation of insurers and reinsurers in a series of high-stakes coverage disputes. 

THE FIRM Clients are impressed with this firm's ability to meet their needs while offering competitive rates. It is able to handle a range of local issues with a presence in San Antonio, El Paso and Dallas, while also spreading its caseload to more regional and national matters. The team has acted on behalf of a series of major insurance companies, including New York Life, One Beacon and Great American.

Sources say: "Cox Smith's lawyers stay on top of the issues and project an effective strategy which gives them a good track record in terms of the legal systems."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Very good insurance coverage litigator" Thomas Alleman deals with a range of complex disputes, including environmental and toxic torts, and coverage in the financial and construction sectors. He is also involved in D&O issues, having recently acted for Charter Bank of Albuquerque on coverage issues under such liability policies. 

THE FIRM This firm has a strong presence across the Gulf South, and also has a healthy reputation for its London market work. The team represents insurance companies in a range of disputes and liability issues across a number of industries. The Houston office continues to develop its insurance practice with internal growth and development of relationships with major insurers such as Munich Re, Aspen and Hiscox. Clients praise the firm for the strength of its lawyers, from junior to senior levels. 

Sources say: "This firm's attorneys are knowledgeable, experienced and committed to excellence in their work ethics and customer service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers and clients alike are effusive in their praise of Claude Stuart. Sources see him as a standout practitioner in the market: "He is extremely diligent and detailed in his work, which makes him a very good choice for complex insurance disputes." He recently represented Ironshore Insurance in litigation worth $150 million arising from Hurricane Ike damage.

THE FIRM This seven-strong policyholder group has a healthy reputation, particularly in construction insurance matters. It also has experience and expertise in coverage and bad faith litigation, general and professional liability claims, and business interruption matters. Porter Hedges recently represented Kellogg Brown & Root in complex coverage litigation against One Beacon Insurance.

Sources say: "Porter Hedges has a very strong construction insurance practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Cynthia Holub specializes in insurance coverage and construction litigation. Sources describe her as a "very well-respected and very, very good lawyer." She has recently been involved in a range of complex disputes on behalf of Continental Carbon.

THE FIRM The BP oil spill has provided this firm with recent landmark work on behalf of Transocean, in major litigation arising from the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. The insurance team has also been active in London market matters on behalf of Lloyd's underwriters. The practice handles a broad range of coverage disputes and insurance class actions along with a focus on reinsurance, securities claims and premium taxation issues, among others.

Sources say: "We don't know what we would have done without Sutherland's logic, knowledge of the law and understanding of the insurance market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Outstanding litigator" Steven Roberts is singled out by clients for his deep understanding of the London market, and for his calm and composed approach to complex disputes. He has taken a lead role for the firm in its representation of Transocean and Lloyd's. 

Daniel Johnson works alongside Roberts in various major disputes and deals with commercial, energy and environmental litigation, as well as insurance coverage.