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

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

  • 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

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Helen Michael
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Helen Michael
1
Band 1

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.

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.

James R Murray
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James R Murray
1
Band 1

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.

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.

Jim is one of the most outstanding people in his field and in the USA.

Jim Murray is a bright attorney.

Robert P Jacobs
2
Robert P Jacobs
2
Band 2
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.

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.

John Gibbons
3
John Gibbons
3
Band 3
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.

Kyle Brinkman
4
Kyle Brinkman
4
Band 4

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.

Omid Safa
4
Omid Safa
4
Band 4
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.

Omid is bright and ambitious.

Ranked Lawyers at
Blank Rome LLP

Provided by Chambers
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Band

District of Columbia

Insurance: Policyholder

Helen Michael
1
Helen Michael
1
Band 1
James R Murray
1
James R Murray
1
Band 1
Robert P Jacobs
2
Robert P Jacobs
2
Band 2
John Gibbons
3
John Gibbons
3
Band 3
Kyle Brinkman
4
Kyle Brinkman
4
Band 4
Omid Safa
4
Omid Safa
4
Band 4