Department profile
Blank Rome LLP

Insurance: Policyholder

USA Guide 2026 : District of Columbia


Blank Rome LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Blank Rome LLP

Our 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.

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.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Insurance: Policyholder - District of Columbia

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Blank Rome fields a high-caliber insurance practice advising policyholders on a wide range of coverage issues. The firm has key strengths in environmental, product liability and property damage claims and is frequently involved in disputes involving sensitive underlying litigation such as sexual abuse and sports-related injury. It is also involved in cybersecurity insurance matters and D&O claims linked to the False Claims Act.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Blank Rome served as lead insurance coverage counsel in Fulton Bank’s breach of contract, declaratory relief and bad faith action against Federal Insurance Company, Chubb.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Blank Rome has excellent knowledge of the industry and is creative in thinking about solutions.

    Insurance: Policyholder respondentUSA
  • Blank Rome has depth of experience, breadth of subject matter expertise and intense commitment to deliver a great result for its clients.

    Insurance: Policyholder respondentUSA
  • The group's availability to jump into a project and provide meaningful feedback is exceptional. The attorneys have a unique ability to break down complex terms and convey them in a way that everyone can understand.

    Insurance: Policyholder respondentUSA
  • The Blank Rome team is very adept at navigating the complex road of insurance policies and law and marrying that up with factual analysis.

    Insurance: Policyholder respondentUSA
  • Blank Rome has extensive experience with various major industry players and has a lot of contacts in the insurance industry. The firm’s attorneys are also highly skilled at resolving insurance disputes

    Insurance: Policyholder respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Helen Michael
    Band 1Helen Michael

    Helen Michael

    Helen Michael's broad practice spans issues such as product liability, insurance-related bankruptcy, class actions and mass tort claims. She is a highly respected practitioner in the space.

    • Helen is a brilliant, incredibly strategic attorney.

      Insurance: Policyholder respondentUSA
    • Helen is client-focused and solutions-oriented. She is creative and thinks outside the box about ways she can get to those solutions within the confines of law.

      Insurance: Policyholder respondentUSA
  • Band 1James R Murray
    Band 1James R Murray

    James R Murray

    James Murray possesses significant litigation experience and attracts praise for his adroit handling of sensitive and difficult insurance disputes. He is chair of Blank Rome's insurance recovery practice.

    • Jim is the smartest attorney you will ever meet, with a lifetime of experience to back it up.

      Insurance: Policyholder respondentUSA
    • Jim practices at the very highest level of insurance coverage law. While being a zealous advocate for his policyholder clients, Jim is at the same time also one of the most courteous lawyers I know.

      Insurance: Policyholder respondentUSA
    • Jim is one of the most outstanding people in his field and in the USA.

      Insurance: Policyholder respondentUSA
    • Jim Murray is a bright attorney.

      Insurance: Policyholder respondentUSA
  • Band 2Robert P Jacobs
    Band 2Robert P Jacobs

    Robert P Jacobs

    Robert Jacobs offers experience across an array of coverage issues, including sensitive and complex personal injury claims. He has notable expertise in matters with a London market component.
    • Rob is deeply knowledgeable, extremely strategic, diplomatic and overall easy to work with.

      Insurance: Policyholder respondentUSA
    • Rob has a keen intellect and an ability to analyze difficult insurance issues. He is also an excellent writer and strategist. Clients know he is prepared and dedicated to them.

      Insurance: Policyholder respondentUSA
  • Band 3John Gibbons
    Band 3John Gibbons

    John Gibbons

    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.
    • John is extremely experienced in this area. He's pragmatic and business-minded, which is very helpful in negotiating in a way that reflects our business values and priorities.

      Insurance: Policyholder respondentUSA
  • Band 4Kyle Brinkman
    Band 4Kyle Brinkman

    Kyle Brinkman

    Kyle Brinkman offers a strong practice as an insurance coverage expert, advising policyholders on claims including bodily injury, business interruption and professional liability.

    • Kyle is knowledgeable on policies ranging from routine to highly complex areas.

      Insurance: Policyholder respondentUSA
  • Band 4Omid Safa
    Band 4Omid Safa

    Omid Safa

    Omid Safa has a strong reputation for his expertise in corporate policyholder claims and has particular experience in aviation insurance and product defects.
    • Omid is a talented hard worker.

      Insurance: Policyholder respondentUSA
    • Omid is bright and ambitious.

      Insurance: Policyholder respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Blank Rome LLP (6)

District of Columbia

Members

Provided by Blank Rome LLP

Blank Rome LLP has rankings in the following guides

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