DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Blank Rome LLP

Insurance: Policyholder

5 ranked lawyers

Band 2

District of Columbia

USA 2021 View ranking table

chambers review

department information

Ranked Lawyers

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What the team is known for

Advises policyholders on a wide range of coverage issues, with key strengths in environmental, product liability and property damage claims. Frequently involved in disputes involving sensitive underlying litigation, such as cases of sexual abuse and sports-related injury claims. Increasing involvement in cybersecurity insurance matters and D&O claims, such as those linked to False Claims Act cases.

Strengths

Commentators report: "They have amazing coverage lawyers in DC; they're really active in the area and have a strong bench locally and nationally."

A source says: "They're very solid and impressive. They instilled a level of confidence. A top-notch firm that I would certainly recommend and will seek out for services again."

Another source says: "They're a well-known team, have got a good group, handle interesting cases and some higher-end work. They're experienced overall."

Work highlights

Represented Madelaine Chocolate Novelties in the District Court for the Eastern District of New York regarding property and business interruption losses sustained by the company during Superstorm Sandy.

Notable practitioners

Helen Michael operates a broad coverage practice which spans product liability, insurance-related bankruptcy, class action and mass tort claims.
"She is always formulating the strategy all the way through to success. She simply has a great legal mind."

James Murray possesses significant litigation experience and attracts praise for his adroit handling of sensitive and difficult disputes.
"He's very hard-working, incredibly intelligent, bright and a leader in the field." "He has a brilliant mind and a high level of creativity." "He's very intelligent and smart, skilled not just in litigation but settlements and dealing with clients too."

John Gibbons is highly regarded for his expertise in litigating a wide variety of disputes on behalf of policyholders. His diverse practice includes claims relating to property damage and bankruptcy.
"He's a good lawyer and he's very intelligent." "He's handled some good cases and is a player in the field."

John Heintz possesses significant experience in the representation of policyholders in large-scale recovery actions and complex disputes.
"I think so highly of him; he's an elder statesman of the field who has handled every sort of case you can think of. He's very passionate and loves what he does. He's the grandmaster of this area." "He's extremely experienced and has outstanding expertise in this area."

Robert Jacobs offers experience across an array of coverage issues, including those with a London market component. He also represents clients in sensitive and complex harmful exposure and personal injury claims.
"He's very calm, measured and good under pressure; I like working with him."

Department Information

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Overview

Our 15 lawyers have over 100 years of insurance experience, including substantial trial experience, between us. We work exclusively for policyholders – one of few firms in our market with this focus – and have recovered $7.5 billion+ for clients from insurers and brokers in the last decade.

Our concentrations include bankruptcy Insurance, business conduct liabilities, cybersecurity insurance, directors’ and officers’ insurance, employment insurance, energy Insurance, political risk insurance, business interruption insurance, and sports insurance.

Our clients are frequently defendants, but in pursuing recoveries, our "plaintiff approach" focuses on maximizing benefits and recoveries. While other firms in our area adopt a more defensive/settlement-type approach, we have a trial mindset and are known to fight hard for our clients’ interests.

Regarding insurance coverage for sexual abuse liability, we have recovered $1 billion+ in insurance proceeds in sex abuse cases, have worked on cutting-edge cases, and have secured multi-million recoveries for victims.

Two of our partners (James Murray, Steven Roman) are fellows to the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers.

For decades, we've been on the cutting edge of new insurance developments, have been involved in ground-breaking cases establishing the law for insurance coverage, and continually push into new areas, including product recall, representation & warranties, sports and athletic injury, and credit risk insurance.