Department profile

Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer

USA Guide 2026 : New York

Rankings

Ranked Individuals

About

Provided by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Please see: https://www.willkie.com/capabilities/practices/insurance-corporate and https://www.willkie.com/capabilities/practices/litigation/insurance--reinsurance-dispute-resolution-and-counseling

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer - New York

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

The preeminent transactional practice at Willkie Farr & Gallagher specializes in complex M&A on behalf of the world's largest insurers and reinsurers. It also has standout experience in a vast array of regulatory and corporate insurance work and offers a robust disputes practice, primarily focused on broker representation but also including regular work defending insurers. The team is frequently retained on high-value securities offerings, acting for underwriters and issuers.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP represented AIG in coverage disputes arising out of opioid crisis lawsuits.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Willkie is a highly business-savvy organization, and is quite sensitive to business and commercial needs and exigencies. This is one of the things that makes it stand out, and a pleasure to work with.
Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer respondentUSA
Willkie has an experienced and strong team with lots of insight and collaborative effort.
Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer respondentUSA
The team are phenomenal in customer service and knowledge of the insurance space. They were very responsive and service-oriented.
Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Senior Statespeople
Senior Statespeople
Alexander M Dye
Alexander Dye is cochair of the insurance transactional and regulatory practice group. He is widely considered a market leader for corporate and transactional work within the insurance industry and is a top choice for M&A and capital markets transactions.
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Senior Statespeople
Senior Statespeople
Michael Groll
Michael Groll has extensive experience in guiding leading reinsurers and insurers through significant transactions. He frequently assists clients with matters such as corporate ventures and securities offerings.
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Senior Statespeople
Senior Statespeople
Mitchell J Auslander
Mitchell Auslander represents a diverse client roster from all corners of the insurance industry, with particular expertise in advising brokers. He regularly represents clients in significant coverage disputes and other insurance-related litigation.
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Band 1
Band 1
Christopher St. Jeanos
Christopher St. Jeanos is relied upon by global insurance brokers for representation in high-profile disputes. He often works on matters pertaining to alleged asbestos exposure, property loss claims and reinsurance matters.
Chris always has a deep command of the most difficult issues in the industry.
Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer respondentUSA
Chris is top-notch.
Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer respondentUSA
He is a top-tier litigator, very smart and great with clients.
Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer respondentUSA
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Band 1
Band 1
John Schwolsky
John Schwolsky co-chairs the group's insurance transactional and regulatory group and brings a wealth of experience in all forms of transactions, securities and debt matters related to the insurance industry. His expertise covers M&A and demutualization transactions.
John Schwolsky is the consummate lawyer. His level of sophistication, focus on client service and business-savviness are all exemplary.
Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer respondentUSA
John is experienced, practical and commercial.
Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer respondentUSA
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Band 3
Band 3
Allison Tam
Allison Tam frequently advises insurance industry clients on the regulatory aspects of complex and high-value transactions as part of a broader transactional practice. She handles both domestic and international matters.
Allison skillfully balances her expertise and client practicalities. She is not only prompt in responding to requests, but also proactively considers our needs and interests.
Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer respondentUSA
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Band 3
Band 3
David Luce
David Luce is retained by international insurers for strategic transactional and regulatory advice. He advises on matters including insurance-related M&A and securities offerings.
David produces excellent work product.
Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer respondentUSA
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Band 3
Band 3
Elizabeth Bannigan
Elizabeth Bannigan is sought after for her transactional and reinsurance expertise, regularly working with major insurers on multibillion-dollar deals.
Elizabeth demonstrates legal expertise and an understanding of how best to accomplish commercial objectives.
Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer respondentUSA
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Band 3
Band 3
Vladimir Nicenko
Vladimir Nicenko maintains a focus on insurance-related transactions, capital markets and financial products matters. He also has considerable expertise in longevity reinsurance transactions.
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Band 4
Band 4
Benjamin Nixon
Benjamin Nixon cochairs the firm's insurance capital markets group and is well known for his transactional expertise.
Ben is an expert who demonstrates the highest standard of client service and practical, actionable advice.
Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer respondentUSA
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Band 5
Band 5
Prakash Paran
Prakash Paran is highlighted for his proficient handling of transactional matters. His expertise covers M&A and joint venture agreements, among other mandates.
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